CBS Celebrates Donnie Wahlberg’s Hometown Return Ahead of 'Boston Blue' Premiere [Exclusive]

Boston is rolling out the Red Sox blue carpet for one of its own ahead of the premiere of Boston Blue, as CBS has launched a full-scale hometown celebration for Donnie Wahlberg, who reprises his role as Danny Reagan in the highly anticipated Blue Bloods spinoff. Way to make a guy feel welcome home, huh? The new series, which finds Danny trading the NYPD for the Boston Police Department, debuts Friday, October 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The network’s “Welcome to Boston” campaign is blurring the lines between fiction and reality, spotlighting Wahlberg’s roots while giving the city itself a starring role in the proceedings, and everybody wants to get involved. Local favorites including JetBlue, View Boston, Wahlburgers, Omni Parker House, Sam Adams, Boston Duck Boats, and viral sensations the Boston Deli Boys have all partnered with CBS to mark the occasion. And we're hungry reading that list. Walhberg is pretty impressed by it, too.

“The support that Boston has shown me, and the team of Boston Blue, has been overwhelming. I’m honored and humbled by the love of my hometown, and CBS’ extensive curated campaign for my new show.”

Mike Benson, President and CMO at CBS, added: “Boston’s pride and personality are on full display with so many beloved local brands and destinations partnering with CBS to celebrate the launch of Boston Blue. We love Donnie’s passion for his hometown and for this show — and we hope the campaign inspires Boston-area viewers to welcome Boston Blue to their Friday nights.”

Highlights of the campaign include:

• View Boston: Fans can stop by the Prudential Center’s observation deck to visit Donnie’s favorite Boston spots and enjoy the official cocktail of the show, the “Boston Blue-Berry.” On premiere night, the Prudential Tower will shine blue in honor of the Boston Police Foundation.
• JetBlue: Select flights now feature a curated collection of Blue Bloods episodes and a special Wahlberg greeting. Later this year, JetBlue will become the first U.S. airline to debut Boston Blue episodes in-flight.
• Omni Parker House: The historic hotel is offering a limited-edition Boston Blue Boston Cream Pie, a twist on the city’s iconic dessert.
• Duck Boats: Tourists can catch a Boston Blue-themed Duck Boat as part of special tours that tie into the show.
• Boston Deli Boys: The viral comedy duo is giving Wahlberg a welcome only they can... it needs to be seen to be believed.
• Wahlburgers & Sam Adams: Both brands will host fan events and specials to toast the premiere.

Who Else Appears in 'Boston Blue'?

Boston Blue co-stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Detective Lena Silver alongside Gloria Reuben, Maggie Lawson, Marcus Scribner, Ernie Hudson, and Mika Amonsen. The Silver family, central to the series, introduces a new law enforcement dynasty to the Blue Bloods universe while Danny Reagan adjusts to his new city — and reconnects with his younger son.

Boston Blue debuts Friday, October 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

• Donnie Wahlberg Danny Reagan

• Sonequa Martin-Green Det. Lena Silver

• Maggie Lawson Supt. Sarah Silver