Donnie Wahlberg Calls Emotional Blue Bloods Reunion With Will Estes “Healing”

Donnie Wahlberg says reuniting with Will Estes on the Boston Blue set was a meaningful experience, with the two actors returning to the roles of Danny and Jamie Reagan. The upcoming episode marks their first on-screen appearance together since the original Blue Bloods ended in 2024. CBS announced that Estes will reprise Jamie Reagan in an episode titled “Blood Diamonds,” scheduled to air November 6. According to the episode’s official description, Jamie’s trip to Boston takes an unexpected turn when he and Danny become involved in a diamond heist connected to a violent family feud. The brothers will also have to face tensions from their past. Wahlberg told TVLine that reconnecting with Estes was wonderful and described the experience as “healing.” He said the actors brought the characters’ shared history to the screen while also drawing on their own off-screen history. Wahlberg added that seeing former Blue Bloods cast members join the spin-off creates something special for both the cast and crew. He also said Boston Blue has established itself as its own show and does not need validation from its predecessor. Still, he acknowledged that the return of familiar characters means a great deal to the people making the series and to viewers who have followed the Reagan family. Showrunner Brandon Sonnier said Jamie will be embracing a new professional role as well as fatherhood. The spin-off has revealed that Jamie and his wife, Eddie, played by Vanessa Ray, have welcomed a son. Other Blue Bloods characters have also appeared or are expected to return, including Erin Reagan, Henry Reagan and Maria Baez. For Wahlberg, the reunion with Estes offers a chance to bring the brothers’ relationship back to the screen while giving the new series another link to its past.