‘Blue Bloods’ Showrunner Defends ‘Boston Blue’ Against ‘Woke’ Label

‘Blue Bloods’ showrunner Kevin Wade has publicly defended the upcoming CBS spin-off, tentatively titled ‘Boston Blue,’ against criticism from commentator Bill O’Reilly. O’Reilly had characterized the new series as a “woke version” of the original, a label Wade firmly rejected in a recent conversation. Wade expressed his support for the direction of the spin-off, stating, “I root for it.”

‘Boston Blue’ is set to follow a new generation of the Reagan family in Boston, shifting the geographical focus from New York City where the original ‘Blue Bloods’ was set. The original series, which concluded its 14-season run on CBS in December 2024, centered on the fictional Reagan family, a family of New York City police officers. The show explored themes of law enforcement, family, and public service, often delving into moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters. The decision to create a spin-off indicated CBS’s continued interest in the franchise and its established audience.

Kevin Wade, a veteran television writer and producer, has been the showrunner for ‘Blue Bloods’ since its inception in 2010. His involvement in the spin-off suggests a continuity of creative vision, albeit with a new setting and potentially new thematic explorations. The term “woke” has become a highly politicized descriptor, often used to criticize content perceived as overly progressive or socially conscious. O’Reilly, a conservative political commentator and former host of Fox News’s ‘The O’Reilly Factor,’ has frequently employed this term in his critiques of media and entertainment.

Wade’s rebuttal suggests that the creative team behind ‘Boston Blue’ does not see the show as aligning with the criticisms implied by O’Reilly’s label. Instead, he indicated a positive outlook and belief in the project’s merit. The specific details of how ‘Boston Blue’ will differ from or build upon the original ‘Blue Bloods’ remain largely under wraps, but the showrunner’s comments indicate a confidence in its narrative and thematic direction, irrespective of external political characterizations. The success of the original series, which consistently garnered significant viewership for CBS, provides a strong foundation for the spin-off, though its reception will ultimately depend on its own narrative quality and ability to connect with audiences.