Imagine juggling a blockbuster TV series, a chart-topping band, family life, and now a brand-new spinoff—all while grinning through the chaos like it's just another day. Donnie Wahlberg, the ultimate multitasker, is doing just that, and it's a story that might just inspire you to rethink your own busy schedule.
Picture this: Donnie Wahlberg, the guy from New Kids on the Block who's also a beloved actor and producer, is perched high above Toronto's skyline on a sunny day. He's buzzing with excitement about the upcoming premiere of Boston Blue, the spin-off from the hit show Blue Bloods, and gearing up for NKOTB's return to their Las Vegas residency. Instead of kicking back with some "bed rot" as his wife, Jenny McCarthy, might suggest, Wahlberg is seizing a rare downtime to chat with The Hollywood Reporter. It's classic Donnie—always on the move, like a human whirlwind who can't sit still.
And this is the part most people miss: Wahlberg's reputation as the "can't stop, won't stop" king isn't just hype. He zips through life sending "twugs" (those quick virtual hugs) at lightning speed, smashing Guinness World Records with selfie marathons, and lighting up like a kid when talking about catching his drummer son Elijah's performance in Toronto. All the while, he's effortlessly balancing TV gigs, music tours, his marriage, family, and even hospitality businesses. It's impressive, but it comes with a cost.
"I figured I had this multitasking thing down pat," Wahlberg, now 56, confesses with a chuckle. "But this year? It's been way tougher than anything I faced during my 15 years on Blue Bloods while juggling NKOTB duties." Back then, he could breeze onto the set, nail his scenes, and dive into band stuff right from his dressing room. Now, with Boston Blue added to the mix, his "hat collection" has exploded—he's stretching those metaphorical hats thinner than ever!
Take one hectic day as an example: A 6 a.m. costume fitting for Boston Blue, followed by a 10 a.m. wardrobe session for NKOTB, a noon show rehearsal, and another run-through at 4 p.m. In between, he'd review actor auditions and tweak scripts. "I haven't had a chance to catch my breath," he admits. It's a relatable glimpse into the high-stakes world of Hollywood, where even superstars feel the grind.
But here's where it gets controversial: Wahlberg is absolutely thrilled to revive the Blue Bloods universe after CBS unexpectedly canceled the original series. With its heartwarming family bonds, nail-biting police stories, and a cast that felt like extended family, the show became a Friday night staple and one of TV's most-viewed dramas over 14 seasons. While the plots centered on the Reagan family's crime-fighting exploits, it was those iconic Sunday dinners that truly defined the series—and that's where Wahlberg made his debut in 2010.
"That first day was crucial," he recalls, "because we had to nail our characters and take bold risks in this fresh setup." Playing a rebellious, opinionated detective like Danny Reagan meant sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Tom Selleck, and Wahlberg dove in headfirst, unafraid of rocking the boat.
Jumping into projects full force has been Wahlberg's motto since NKOTB disbanded in 1994. He transitioned into acting with films like The Sixth Sense and shows like Boomtown. Then came the band's 2008 reunion, right as Blue Bloods opportunity knocked. With over two decades of acting under his belt, Wahlberg credits the reunion for prepping him to portray Danny Reagan so convincingly.
"Touring and performing night after night since 2008 built that discipline—showing up ready, staying present, connecting with fans," he explains. "At concerts, with meet-and-greets and all that energy, you don't dwell on 'what ifs.' I'd never leave the bus replaying a performance, thinking, 'I could've hit that note better.'"
To help beginners understand, think of it like training for a marathon: The band's reunion was Wahlberg's boot camp, teaching him to live in the moment, which carried over to his long-term role on Blue Bloods. "That experience molded me into Danny Reagan for the long haul," he says. "I stopped taking the work home or second-guessing myself. It was real growth—I used to obsess over every detail."
When Blue Bloods got the ax, Wahlberg was in denial. Even 15 months after wrapping, he's still processing it. For weeks, he held out hope other networks would swoop in, and NKOTB fans launched a petition that gathered over 30,000 signatures to save the show.
What most people don't know is that Wahlberg secretly campaigned to keep it alive. Months post-finale, he presented CBS with a detailed pitch to revive the series.
"We were barely into the intro, and they said, 'It's not happening, but we've got another idea,'" he shares. "I tried pushing for Blue Bloods, but they shut it down. I could've rattled off more reasons to keep going, but let's face it—no one else called. Not NBC, ABC, or any streamers like Netflix or Disney+. We'd already sacrificed a lot to keep it on air, and I would've done more because I adored the show. But the industry took hits from COVID losses, strikes, and high production costs. Economics play a huge role. Still, CBS offered a way to continue the Blue Bloods world, so if I wanted it alive, I had to embrace this new chapter."
His wife Jenny encouraged him to go for it. Boston Blue follows Danny Reagan relocating to Boston to check on his son Sean (now played by Mika Amonsen, after Andrew Terraciano's stint), eventually joining the Boston PD and teaming up with detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), who's from a storied law enforcement lineage.
"Skeptics say, 'Why would Danny move to Boston? It doesn't make sense,'" Wahlberg counters. "But as a dad, it's totally believable once you learn the reason. The real question becomes, 'What would keep him there?' And that's where Sonequa's character shines."
Their Zoom intro was instant magic. "I've never gotten to play someone so steady, self-assured, and even joyful," Martin-Green tells THR. She also highlights the show's broader diversity—something Blue Bloods faced criticism for lacking, despite its wide fanbase.
Wahlberg notes the irony: "I encountered fans from every background. The Reagans resonated with people, even if they weren't Irish Catholic or from Brooklyn. Big families, law enforcement roots—it crossed lines. Now, we're sharing another family's tale."
For Martin-Green, who broke barriers as the first Black female captain and lead on Star Trek: Discovery, representation matters deeply. "We didn't smack you over the head with diversity on Star Trek—it was just there, showing people at their best," she says. "Same with Boston Blue. It's not just seeing yourself on screen; it's seeing a stellar, uplifting version that makes a real difference."
Boston Blue echoes Blue Bloods favorites: those family dinners, sibling squabbles, and wisdom from patriarch Reverend Peters (Ernie Hudson). Plus, it lets Wahlberg tap into his Boston roots—NKOTB started there, and he still cheers for the Patriots and visits his family's Wahlburgers chain. His local fame even influenced filming the show in Toronto instead of Boston.
"Shooting in Boston was a blast, but tough—I was snapping 10,000 selfies daily, dodging duck boats like a tourist attraction," he laughs. "It helped the cast bond with the city and my ties, but nine months straight? Not feasible. Toronto made more sense."
The premiere, set for 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, will reveal which Blue Bloods alums join Danny first. Wahlberg's pumped that Bridget Moynahan, his on-screen sister Erin, directed an episode.
"I think I've got the storyline figured out, then she adds layers I never considered," he enthuses. "She's meticulous, blending actor insights with ensemble experience from Blue Bloods to deepen every character."
Even before Boston Blue airs, Wahlberg's mind is racing with more spinoff possibilities. "What's next for Erin? Or Janko? We're addressing some in this show, but the universe could expand far beyond Boston."
Meanwhile, NKOTB fans dream big, seeing Blue Bloods' end as a green light for global tours. But Wahlberg assures, "We're focused on our Vegas residency now, with all the flying, driving, thrusting, and dancing at Dolby Live. The hunger for world tours is real, and post-Vegas, that could be next. Boston Blue won't derail that."
Producing and starring in Boston Blue feels liberating for Wahlberg, who once wondered if he'd find purpose after NKOTB's split. "It's like being on a speeding train that suddenly stops—if you're unprepared, it's jarring," he told Huffington Post in 2013. "People pigeonhole you, and escaping that label is hard."
So, what's it like to surpass the "boy band guy" image and succeed as an actor, director, and producer? He pauses thoughtfully. "If I let myself soak it in? It's mind-blowing. We often chase validation from others, but really, we're proving it to ourselves. After NKOTB's peak, my drive was to show I'm more than 'that band member'—like proving I could produce hits, since folks dismissed the group."
"I did it," he continues. "I produced my brother Mark's record, and when Jimmy Iovine called saying 'Good Vibrations' topped the charts, I didn't feel vindicated. I just thought, 'You pulled it off. I believed in you.' It was odd—motivated to disprove others, but I was really affirming myself."
Now, the pinnacle of his career? "It's not about achieving dreams or settling scores," he says. "I genuinely love what I do and how I do it. I can still pop into the supermarket." (Though in Boston, that's trickier. "Spot on. But I grab photos with fans, then dash for my kids' Halloween monster cereals.")
And if Jenny insists on that break? He'll enjoy it with some well-deserved bed rot.
What do you think—should old shows like Blue Bloods always get spin-offs, or is it time to let them rest? Do you agree Wahlberg's NKOTB experience was key to his acting success, or is there something else at play? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate!
