How Donnie Wahlberg’s Real-Life Bond With His Sons Shaped His BOSTON BLUE Role

Published: December 29, 2025

By Mallory Mattingly

One of the biggest factors in Donnie Wahlberg’s BLUE BLOODS to BOSTON BLUE evolution is the bond he shared with his sons.

“So many people say, ‘Well, Danny would never leave New York. It’s not believable, and his son wouldn’t want him in Boston.’ I have a 24-year-old son and I can’t tell you how many times he’s asked me in the last year to move back to California to be close to him,” Wahlberg told PEOPLE.

Wahlberg has two adult sons, Xavier and Elijah, as well as a stepson, Evan.

“It’s the most wonderful feeling in my personal life, and I’m watching it play out in my TV life,” the actor said. “Every time there’s a doubt that this guy would stay in town, I just think of my son’s text and I say, ‘Oh, you think a son wouldn’t want to be close to his Dad?’ There’s no more reason for Danny to leave New York than for his son.”

Wahlberg admitted the only thing that would bring him back to California would be his kids.

“Probably the only thing that could ever get me back to California is my two sons. And if they keep asking, Jenny and I are going start going on realtor.com and figuring things out,” he quipped.

In BOSTON BLUE, Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) “takes a job with the Boston PD and is paired with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), part of a law enforcement family comprised of District Attorney Mae Silver (Gloria Reuben), Police Superintendent Sarah Silver (Maggie Lawson), rookie cop Jonah Silver (Marcus Scribner) and Rev. Edwin Peters (Ernie Hudson). Reagan hopes to reconnect with his son, Sean (Mika Amonsen), in Boston,” a synopsis of the series reads.

“I love the relationship I have with my sons, and I do like having fun and bringing a little of that with me to my TV relationship,” he told PEOPLE. “I think Danny parents a lot different than me, though. He’s a lot tougher than I am. I’m definitely bringing some of the softer side to Danny, which is a more of a reflection of my parenting.”

BOSTON BLUE was officially renewed for second season at the beginning of December.

“It’s official: the dream team is here to stay! BOSTON BLUE is returning for season 2,” the BOSTON BLUE Instagram page announced.

“Let’s go! 💚💙,” Wahlberg commented on the post.