Sonequa Martin-Green, known for her roles in Star Trek: Discovery and The Walking Dead, is set to headline CBS’s new crime drama Boston Blue, a spin-off of the long-running series Blue Bloods, as reported on May 08, 2025. Martin-Green will portray Detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter in a respected law enforcement family, and team up with Detective Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg. The casting was announced by Wahlberg and Martin-Green during CBS’s 2025-2026 season press briefing in Los Angeles.
Expressing her excitement, Martin-Green said, “We love the Reagans. We have all loved the Reagans for so long. And I feel that we’ll love the Peters too. I’m super excited for this partnership, and to be back in a CBS family—it means a lot, and I’m grateful for it. I think we’re going to have a good time.” Wahlberg, who also serves as executive producer of Boston Blue, emphasized that Martin-Green was not just a top pick—but the only choice: “One thing about Blue Bloods and how beloved it was is because there are so many law enforcement families in this country… Danny’s story will continue the Reagan family. But we’re also going to get to discover a new family and carry on the tradition of telling their stories.”
Boston Blue was officially greenlit in February 2024, shortly after Blue Bloods was cancelled following a successful 14-season run. The new series promises to blend familiar Reagan family threads with a fresh perspective from the Peters family. Sonequa Martin-Green’s recent credits include roles in:
- Star Trek: Discovery (Michael Burnham, Paramount+)
- The Walking Dead (Sasha Williams)
- The Good Wife (CBS)
- Once Upon a Time (ABC)
- New Girl (Fox)
- My Dead Friend Zoe (film)
According to reports, Boston Blue will air on Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET, taking the time slot previously held by Blue Bloods. Filming is set to begin this summer, with CBS expected to announce the official title and release date of Boston Blue in the coming months.
Wahlberg noted the significance of the new partnership, stating that Martin-Green was “not the first choice — the only choice” for the role of Detective Peters. He elaborated, “One thing about Blue Bloods and how beloved it was is because there are so many law enforcement families in this country. There’s not just the Reagans. They’re in every state, every city, every town, everywhere, and there are other families around that have stories to tell too. Danny’s story will continue the Reagan family. You can’t have Danny without Reagans—there’ll be connective tissue. But we’re also going to get to discover a new family and carry on the tradition of telling their stories.”
Martin-Green’s enthusiasm for the new role is palpable. “I’m gonna have to get a really good Boston accent, just so I can throw it out at times,” she said, sharing a light-hearted moment with Wahlberg during the press event. The actress is keen to honor the legacy of Blue Bloods while also bringing her unique flair to the character of Lena Peters.
The transition from Blue Bloods to Boston Blue is not just a change of scenery; it’s an evolution of storytelling. Wahlberg assured fans that they will see familiar elements from the original series while also exploring new narratives. “No Blue Bloods fans will be disappointed,” he affirmed. “We are really working on this universe in a way that I think the Blue Bloods viewers are going to be very happy.”
As the new series prepares to debut, the excitement among fans is palpable. The original Blue Bloods series was one of CBS’s most-watched dramas, and many cast members expressed their desire to continue the story. Tom Selleck, who played Frank Reagan, the New York Police Department Police Commissioner, mentioned, “I can’t figure out why they didn’t start streaming it, do 10 episodes a year. But I’m not the boss. Everybody wanted to come back.”
With a fresh cast and a new city, Boston Blue aims to capture the essence of family, duty, and the complexities of law enforcement. As Martin-Green steps into her role, she is not only joining a beloved franchise but also contributing to a narrative that resonates with many viewers.
The casting of Martin-Green marks a significant moment in the evolution of the Blue Bloods franchise. Fans of the original series are eager to see how the new dynamics play out, especially with the introduction of the Peters family. Wahlberg’s character will navigate his new role in Boston while maintaining ties to the Reagan legacy, promising a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
As the anticipation builds for the premiere of Boston Blue, CBS is poised to deliver a compelling continuation of the Blue Bloods saga. With its focus on family values and law enforcement stories, the new series is set to resonate with audiences old and new.
In the coming months, as production ramps up, fans can expect more details about the series, including its official title and premiere date. For now, the excitement surrounding Sonequa Martin-Green’s casting and the continuation of the Blue Bloods universe is at an all-time high.
