Donnie Wahlberg Reveals Blue Bloods Was Costly Prior to Salary Reduction
Donnie Wahlberg opened up about the high costs of producing Blue Bloods and how it ultimately led to the cast agreeing to a pay cut before the show’s cancellation.
“Before our final season of Blue Bloods, they approached us with a choice: take a 25 percent pay cut or the show wouldn’t continue. Some actors refused, while others accepted,” Wahlberg, 56, shared in the Tuesday, April 21 episode of “The George Janko Show” podcast.
The actor, who portrayed Danny Reagan, made an effort to negotiate. “I suggested we consider a 15 percent pay cut in exchange for four additional seasons,” he recounted. “Since they indicated this was the final year, I felt we could keep it going. I’d prefer to have 75 percent of something rather than nothing.”
Ultimately, Blue Bloods ended after a 14-season run on CBS.
“I foolishly believed that by accepting the pay cut — and this is where others were correct — we could continue. But the costs have escalated dramatically, and the industry has evolved,” Wahlberg clarified. “Networks used to produce 10 to 20 TV pilots in a season. … Now, there’s no pilot season; everything has changed.”
The series gained a loyal following upon its debut on CBS in 2010. Viewers were reluctant to bid farewell to New York Police Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) and his children: Danny (Wahlberg), Erin (Bridget Moynahan), and Jamie (Will Estes).
Nevertheless, CBS had other plans despite the cast and producers’ agreement to accept a 25 percent pay cut amidst speculation about the show’s future. Following the series finale of Blue Bloods in December 2024, Wahlberg landed a spinoff titled CBS’ Boston Blue.
“I can honestly say that no one was more disappointed than I was. No one cried more than I did. Nobody’s heart was heavier than mine,” Wahlberg told Us Weekly in February. “I fought diligently to keep Blue Bloods alive. I did everything within my power.”
He reminisced about the emotional process of parting with Blue Bloods before moving forward.
“I had to go through saying goodbye to our crew and cast and accepting that Blue Bloods was now behind me,” he continued. “Letting go of Danny Reagan and Blue Bloods was essential. So, when this opportunity arose, I had to carefully consider my decision.”
He concluded: “The decision became easier as I collaborated on the pilot script with the Brandons [creators Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier]. I found ways to keep it authentic to Danny, making it believable that he would venture to Boston, while ensuring he truly felt out of place.”
Boston Blue airs on CBS Fridays at 10 p.m. ET. New episodes are available for streaming the following day on Paramount+.
