Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Donnie Wahlberg's Betrayal and Reconciliation: Selleck Set for Blue Bloods Return?

Tom Selleck, who played fictional NYPD commissioner Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods (pictured), had made no secret over his disappointment with the series being axed by CBS

BLUE BLOODS SAGA: WAS DONNIE WAHLBERG'S SPIN-OFF BETRAYAL A MISTAKE OR A MASTERSTROKE?

In a shocking turn of events, the blue bloods of New York City's finest are about to reunite on the small screen. After being blindsided by CBS's decision to cancel beloved cop drama Blue Bloods, Donnie Wahlberg is bringing back the family - but this time with a new name and a fresh face.

THE SPIN-OFF SAGA

After rumored bad blood with Donnie Wahlberg (left), who played eldest Reagan son Danny, insiders have confirmed the actor, 55, has invited Selleck (right), 80, to star on his spin-off, Boston Blue

Wahlberg, who played detective Danny Reagan for 14 seasons, was at the forefront of the spin-off project, Boston Blue. Insiders claim that he approached his former co-star, Tom Selleck (who played Frank Reagan), about reprising his iconic role as the commissioner. But it seems like a done deal - or is it?

BAD BLOOD? THINK AGAIN

Contrary to reports that Selleck was "livid" and considering taking CBS to court over ageism, sources close to the actor reveal that he's actually being wooed back to the show. Wahlberg, 55, has been in talks with Selleck, 80, about returning to his role as Frank Reagan, but nothing is set in stone - yet.

'Donnie recently approached him about starring which is something he would like to do,' a source told the Daily Mail. 'But there aren’t any immediate plans for Tom to appear.' Pictured: Tom Selleck in Blue Bloods

"It's not a case of bad blood," our insider spills. "Donnie and Tom are talking, and Tom has even been invited to reprise his role." But what's the holdup? Apparently, it's all about scheduling and budget concerns. CBS may not be able to accommodate original cast members on a regular basis.

FANS DEMAND SLECK'S RETURN

Facebook groups dedicated to Blue Bloods are still buzzing with excitement, begging Tom Selleck to join Boston Blue, which premieres October 17. And it seems like their voices have been heard - at least partially. Insiders confirm that plans are in motion to get Selleck on board.

Wahlberg (left) will take the lead in Boston Blue, with his Blue Bloods co-star Bridget Moynahan (right), who played his sister, Erin, confirmed to appear in the October premier

"Tom would be welcomed back with open arms," our source reveals. "Donnie has told him he wants him to return, and Tom is considering it." The odds of Selleck reprising his role are high, but nothing's been finalized - yet.

WAHLBERG'S BIG PLAN

Wahlberg is taking center stage in Boston Blue as a new character, this time with the Boston PD. He'll be joined by detective Lena Silver (played by Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. But what about the rest of the Reagan clan?

Pictured: the Regan family. From left to right: Jamie (Will Estes), Henry (Len Cariou), Frank (Selleck), Erin (Bridget Moynahan) and Danny (Wahlberg)

FANS WONDER: WILL THE REST OF THE REAGAN FAMILY RETURN?

In recent interviews, Wahlberg has been coy about the fate of his on-screen family members, including Will Estes (Jamie Reagan) and Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan). But it seems like we'll get a glimpse of them soon.

Will Estes's character, Jamie, is expected to make an appearance in Boston Blue, while Moynahan has already been confirmed for a "special guest spot" in the debut episode. As for Marisa Ramirez (Detective Maria Baez), Wahlberg has hinted at a possible return - but only time will tell.

Wahlberg (pictured above in Blue Bloods) has been relentlessly teasing the fate of the rest of his crime-fighting clan, hinting that Will Hochman and Marisa Ramirez could return

A REUNION TO REMEMBER?

When CBS announced the cancellation of Blue Bloods, fans were devastated. But it seems like their love for the show was not in vain. The series finale drew 6.68 million live+same-day viewers, a season-high for the cop family drama.

As one fan put it, "I'm going to miss those Sunday dinners." Wahlberg's response? A winking emoji and a cryptic message: "Tune in."

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BUDGET?

Insiders claim that CBS was worried about the cost of keeping original cast members on board. With Selleck reportedly earning $200,000 per episode (and Wahlberg's pay increasing from $60,000 to $150,000), it's no wonder the network was hesitant.

But Wahlberg is determined to make Boston Blue a success - without breaking the bank. He wants to give the new series room to breathe and establish itself before bringing back familiar faces.

"It's not just about Donnie Wahlberg; it's about the entire family," our insider says. "They're all talking, and everyone has been invited back because Donnie would love that to happen."

So will we see Tom Selleck reprising his role as Frank Reagan in Boston Blue? The answer is a tantalizing maybe - for now.