User reviews

Boston Blue keeps the soul of Blue Bloods alive while carving its own identity. Donnie Wahlberg's Danny Reagan brings his trademark grit and conscience to a new city and a new partner, Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green). Their chemistry feels real-sparring over justice, mercy, and what faith looks like in a divided world. The Silver family becomes a Boston echo of the Reagans' dinner table, blending Catholic, Jewish, and Baptist voices into one moral chorus. Faith isn't window dressing here-it shapes choices, guides forgiveness, and grounds the show's heart. Familiar themes of truth, family, and redemption return, now with deeper color and conviction.

Same grace, new prayers-Boston Blue earns its place beside the original.

The show will never be like the Blue Bloods. I did not expect it to be . It's good to see Danny , Erin and the characters . I know his new partner from Star Trek: Discovery and her mom from ER and other shows . I'll give it time . The family dynamic is good. I like the African American mom had married a Jewish guy and they celebrate the Sabbath . Going to the cool church to see the Grandfather do his sermon .

Sonequa Martin-Green.

Dear gawd no. Not "Michael Burnham" from Star Trek Discovery with her hamfisted, single delivery method of "I'm right, and I cry 50% of the lines".

If the director will actually *direct* her and tell her how to deliver well and correctly for this character it might have a chance. But if she is just going to be her, with the same delivery as she did on Discovery I may not make it through the first season.

To be frank, spin-offs can differ significantly; some achieve success while an equal number end up being disappointments. Blue Bloods remains one of my all-time favorite procedural dramas, and I have a strong feeling that Boston Blue, inspired by this episode, will likely stay true to its roots while also carving out its own unique identity and fresh perspective, making it quite impactful.

Initially, I was quite pleased with the opening sequence, which was followed by a clever introduction to Danny's new partner, Lena Silver, while Baez is presumably viewed as his soulmate as well!

The entire investigation appeared to be decent for a beginning, and of course, this is merely the first episode, so a proper and accurate assessment cannot be made until a few more episodes are released, which will be available in the upcoming Fridays.

I am also curious about how this partnership will develop, while the family dynamic seems to be tightly knit, reminiscent of the Reagans, of course.

It's wonderful to see his sister, Erin, again, in this pilot, as she is always a joy, and predictably, she will most likely be casted in future episodes. I hope that originality and genuine passion will drive this series to be or have been the spark. This is especially important to honor its predecessor, Blue Bloods.

Overall, not bad at all, but clearly, I am eager to see the show hit the ground running after this! More is to come!

What to say about this show, I wanted to like it... then I made the mistake of watching it and it is bad. The writing is substandard, like what you might expect from a low ranked network rather than CBS in a show that is the heir apparent to Blue Bloods. Then there is the acting, or more to the point, the lack thereof. A part of the problem is they cast a few actors who can't actually act, then saddled it all with a script that is shoddy and what you might expect in a high school drama club.

Moreover, there are issues like the pace at which Danny Reagan decides to "sing the praises" of people he really hasn't worked with more than about 10 minutes. Overall, too much of it seems forced and that which does not seem forced seems to be an open effort to copy Blue Bloods scene for scene as best it can... all while trying too hard to strike some blow for diversity. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with the concept, it is just that the concept should appear more organic and this does not, it seems more like that is the story rather than just a part of the character development.

So far, I am extremely disappointed in the show and think it needs to be totally revamped because as it stands it is not something I can get behind... it is more or less just treading water.

I really enjoyed the first episode! It's a solid start to the new Blue Bloods spinoff and a great way to get to know the new characters and their stories. I can't wait to next Friday to see where the story goes next - I love a good crime show. And I'm especially looking forward to seeing more of Sean Reagan!

As a fan of the highly popular "Blue Bloods "I never understood why CBS chose to cancel a show still in its prime. It was a great show with an interesting concept focused on family values and professional loyalty. I had my suspicion the cancellation was due to the show not fitting into CBS's political agenda but didn't wanna believe it. I just streamed the first episode of "Boston Blue" going in with an open mind and here are my takeaways.

The Good: Senequa Green brings a fresh energy as the female lead alongside Donny Wahlberg, the only actor to make the cut from the original BB cast. The pair has great onscreen synergy as does the talented supporting cast. The setting in Boston is beautiful. Since the pilot episode was more about setting up the characters and drawing parallels to the fan fave "Blue Bloods", there was minimal focus on the crime of the week and therefore I can't fairly judge on how interesting the crime procedural aspect of the show will be.

The Bad: I find it unfortunate they felt the need to recast one of the main characters from "Blue Bloods" who also happens to be the pivot point to "Boston Blue". Fans watched this character grow up for 14 years and it feels like a slap in the face to the actor who portrayed him for the life of the series.

The racial undertones start early with the announcement the Boston PD will be suspending use of a face recognition software that appears to be biased toward AA, coincidently developed by an AA who turns out to be a suspect of the crime of the week. Then we have main character Lena making references that she's held to a higher standard because of skin color. There's a hint of sexism with a male detective/colleague. Then there's the new blended family at the heart of the series checking all the boxes that "Blue Bloods" obviously did not.

"The Ugly" While a wonderful actress, Gloria Rueben is no Tom Selleck.

The "Boston Blue" parallels to the Regans in "Blue Bloods" with their unique professional dynamic and family dinners seems like a stale attempt to endear fans of the original instead of relying on the talent of the cast to carry the new show.

As another reviewer noted this would have made for a nice crossover to "Blue Bloods" but not a replacement. It's sad CBS doesn't recognize there is room for both shows. I used to stream "Blue Bloods" the Sunday after it aired but won't be rushing to watch "Boston Blue". However I will pay attention to other reviews and maybe stream the episodes at a later date.

Finally, it's interesting they're making Wahlberg's character's move to Boston temporary. I guess that means if "Boston Blue" doesn't make the cut they still have an option to try a different spinoff route for the beloved original.

First episode was well written acted and directed.

Thank you for welcoming us back into the Reagan family dynamics and introducing us to the Boston family dynamics.

First episode introduced us to what may be a Danny Reagan twin with some familiar grit n guts. I found character development, although it is early on with only one episode, to be so very reminiscent of the established Reagan family. And don't miss the first few minutes for a real AHA moment.

I for one, hated to see BB come to a conclusion, alas all good things have a season that inevitably wanes.

I have high hopes for future episodes of Boston Blue and developing characters aligned with the awesome Reagan family tradition. Am calling this Blue n Boston Bloods 2.0.

First things first, no police department is going to allow a detective to work a case involving a family member ESPECIALLY a detective from another state.

Secondly is this a cop show or a relationship show with people who just happened to be cops?

That woman detective he is working with is trying way too hard and it's not happening, it's forced.

But like I said it's episode 1 so hopefully adjustments will be made.

I've read the negative reviews and of course folks are entitled to their own opinion. I'm a retired Deputy Chief of Police and of course I feel every police show with maybe the exception of Barney Miller is completely unrealistic! But I don't watch TV and Movies to be educated or enlightened as to the real world! I watch solely to escape the real world and be entertained. I was absolutely entertained from the first moments of this show! I just plain like the actors and the characters they play. Is it ridiculous? Of course it is! Of course police officers can't just go from one jurisdiction to another and carry a gun and make arrests. But people can't fly or turn invisible either! I like what I like and I loved this premiere!!!

I deeply appreciate the care, respect and concious reimagining that was put into this episode. It didnt feel overthought or overdone. I felt trust in knowing the unfolding, introducing, remembering and informing of the story, characters and I felt it was an deep sincere evolution of blue bloods. I felt included in the consideration and creation as an audience member in a climate where alot of shows are not. Thank you kindly.

Boston Blue hooks you right from the start - fast-paced in both action and words, with sharp writing that keeps the tension alive even in quieter moments. What really stands out is the dynamic within the Silver family: Detective Lena Silver, her half-sister Superintendent Sarah Silver, their mother District Attorney Mae Silver, and her half-brother rookie Jonah Silver. Watching four family members navigate justice from such different positions gives the show real depth and complexity.

Another refreshing touch is how Boston Blue handles faith. The Silvers are Jewish, yet they listen to their grandfather, Reverend Edwin Peters, preach at one of Boston's oldest Black churches - a service also attended by NYPD Detective Danny Reagan, a Catholic. The show treats these interwoven beliefs with honesty and warmth, offering a rare portrayal of faith that feels lived-in and ecumenical rather than preachy.

I'm already looking forward to the next episodes - and to finally watching Blue Bloods, where Danny Reagan's story began.

Boston Blue Pilot The debut of Boston Blue is a clumsy misfire, largely due to the distractingly poor acting from Danny's new Boston partner.

An Acting Nightmare The actress playing Danny's new partner is the episode's main liability. Her attempt at a gritty, street-smart Bostonian is forced and unnatural, characterized by inconsistent accents and a mistaken belief that yelling and grimacing equal genuine intensity. Every line felt like a clumsy read from a cue card, completely killing the chemistry with the lead character. This is not a compelling foil; it's a performance that actively makes the scenes unwatchable.

Predictable Plot Beyond the acting catastrophe, the plot itself offers nothing new, hitting every predictable police procedural cliché: the standard murder, the obligatory rule-breaking argument, and a rushed solution.

In short, the Boston Blue pilot sinks under the weight of its shockingly amateurish co-star. If the series is to survive, a massive recast is desperately needed.

I don't do many reviews, but had to for Boston Blue.

I'm a big Blue Bloods fan! When I found out that there was going to be a spin off, I was so excited! I was counting down the days!

It did not disappoint! I LOVE this show!

Fantastic start! Cast is amazing and the character dynamics are great!

Donnie looks great, and I hope that Marisa joins the cast permanently!

Looking forward to seeing more, next week!

Want to like this show as a huge fan of Blue Bloods. Trying too hard to be culturally diverse. The age of the girl whose lucky guess that Springsteen is also known as "the Boss" would be more like 65-70, not 40, as Marcus commented, LOL; why not same actor who portrayed Sean in Blue Bloods?; loved seeing favorites Baez and Erin; skip the future family dinner scenes-Regan table inimitable.

Donnie sold out to CBS. He's Executive Producer. Bad acting and story line. Can't compare to Blue Bloods. What was the real reason the new head of CBS canceled Blue Bloods? The show is filmed in Toronto and they are trying to hard to be the new Reagans. The dinner scene was off and a bad rip off of Tom Selleck at the head of the table.

One gets the impression the people behind Boston Blue have a plan, half plan (?), to try and franchise Blue Bloods across other cities, ala NCIS, starting in Boston.

As Max Smart, Agent 86 might say "Missed it by that much" ........ actually they missed it by quite a lot.

The whole thing smacks of some sort of forced, amateur hour with most of the cast, Wahlberg included, playing caricatures of Blue Blood characters.

Loved Blue Bloods but life is too short and full of far better shows to waste any more time on this poor imitation of Blue Bloods.

Story line was okay. Cast selection was confusing.

They jammed them into one episode instead of introducing them as they became involved in subsequent story lines/episodes. Almost like they were trying to satisfy a point.

NYPD Blue had a solid core of cast members and introduced support staff as necessary.

I was excited about this new show. I was counting down to the first show...that being said....man it stunk! The plot was stupid. Replacing his chubby son with a studly dude was weird. Danny has always been my favorite character but it seems like Donny forgot how to play his character. Seemed stiff....boring. Everyone loved the family dinners ,why try to recreate them with this group? Also seeing Danny laid up with his old partner was weird...the finale ended with them going for coffee. How much time has passed? Time to blossom a relationship and send his son to fat camp and a plastic surgeon. Danny is looking a bit old for the chase too. His new hair piece is distracting as well. I will keep watching maybe it will get better.....maybe not. Watched 2nd episode. God lord it was stupid! Danny decides he's gonna just start working in Boston. Really? In no universe is it possible. Also they had to work in the whole pronoun thing in there with the "they" comment. Saw episode 3.....turned it off after 20 minutes!

Wait.

Why did they decide to take only one major character from a tightly-connected family show and have him jump ship?

That's not the Blue Bloods' core branding.

I mean, I followed the exposition. And I can sort of understand the youngest generation of Reagans spreading its wings away from home...BUT DANNY?

(Also, how did they decide to pull a solo Mark Wahlberg for the full lead while not giving widely announced and substantial guest arcs for all of the og actors? You know, announce the extended family would be regularly and equally featured? Entice and soothe fans with comfortable familiarity?)

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Second, WHY did they recast a second lesser Reagan role? Did they assume fans wouldn't notice? (What bts drama lurked here that the actors will be too polite to reveal?)

The confusion has me fully out of the story at hand, which is kind of a shame.

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It's not that I disliked the Silvers. If they'd had a second hour after Blue Bloods and put down some fandom roots, I could see a parallel legacy. BB fans love a good dynasty. It might have clicked.

This sudden change, however, feels like a bait and switch.

Why not just have the "hook" be Sean and bank on the new characters? Oh, that's right--because there was no transition from what fans loved.

The comparison is a disadvantage here, even if it makes marketing seem easier.

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Totally unfair to the people on this project, but my mind is calling this "Temu Blue"

Dinner was sad. Dialogue choppy.

Not a great first impression and with several other options, that's all this BB is getting unless I hear fabulous things and need to circle back next year.

I tried... I really did, but as soon as I saw that Sonequa Martin-Green had a lead role, I knew it was going to be ruined. I was right. She is an over-actor who brings bad acting and far too much drama to every role, and I can't understand why she keeps getting work.

Fake, forced, wildly dramatic everything. I just can't watch her on screen anymore. At this point, if she is in it, I am not watching it. Blue Bloods made me give this a chance, but that didn't last long. It's sad, too... I was hoping for better.