When a long-running television drama ends, audiences often struggle to accept major changes to familiar characters and settings. That tension is on full display with the police procedural universe built around Detective Danny Reagan, as viewers react to a fresh series that uproots the veteran cop from the New York streets he patrolled for more than a decade and drops him into a new city with a very different emotional focus. The creative decision has sparked debate about plausibility, loyalty, and the way legacy characters evolve when a franchise continues in a new form.

In recent months, the new show following the next chapter of Danny’s career has ignited intense discussion among fans online, particularly over whether it is believable that the character would leave his longtime jurisdiction. At the center of that conversation is Donnie Wahlberg himself, who has stepped in to respond directly to criticism and explain why the move makes sense not only for the story but also in light of his own life experience as a father. His comments, shared in interviews and social media exchanges, have reframed how many viewers see the transition.

Beyond the narrative choice to relocate the character, the production has also drawn attention for its filming locations, early renewal, and the emotional themes it chooses to highlight. Together, these elements offer a revealing case study in how modern television franchises attempt to stay fresh without alienating their established audience. Wahlberg’s defense of the series seeks to bridge that gap, urging long-time viewers to look past geography and focus on the personal stakes driving the story forward.

From New York legacy to a new chapter

The original police drama that introduced Danny Reagan ran for 14 seasons, making it one of broadcast television’s most durable crime procedurals of the last decade. Centered on a multi-generational law enforcement family in New York City, the series blended weekly cases with recurring themes of duty, morality, faith, and family dinners that became a signature ritual. Over the years, Danny emerged as a fan favorite: a relentless detective with an impulsive streak and a deep sense of responsibility to his family and badge.

The announcement that the flagship series would conclude in 2024 caught many viewers off guard, in part because it remained a solid ratings performer and a familiar presence in network lineups. Almost as surprising was the revelation that a follow-up project was already in the works, not as a simple continuation, but as a show with a new title, a new setting, and a narrower focus on one branch of the extended family. For loyal viewers, that raised immediate questions about whether continuing with only one core character could preserve the spirit of the original.

Spinoffs are hardly new in television, but this particular transition is notable because it shifts the emphasis from a multi-character ensemble rooted in New York to a story that revolves around one detective and his relationship with his son in another city. The move marks a clear departure from the family-table dynamic that defined the earlier series, which is part of why some fans have struggled to accept such a radical change. For Wahlberg, however, that shift is precisely what makes the new project compelling: it allows the character to grow beyond familiar patterns and grapple with different emotional challenges.

The new series and its family-centered premise

The successor show follows Danny as he accepts a position with the Boston Police Department, leaving behind his long-held role in New York to work alongside his son, Sean, who has joined the force as a rookie officer. Rather than simply repeating the original structure in a new location, the series foregrounds the complexities of a father-son relationship unfolding inside a high-pressure workplace. Storylines are built around not only solving cases but also negotiating boundaries, respect, and the tension between parental instinct and professional hierarchy.

According to reporting on the series, the move is motivated by Danny’s desire to repair and deepen his connection with Sean, who wanted to forge his own path in a different city. By choosing to follow his son rather than insist that the younger Reagan return to New York, the character is framed as a parent willing to upend his own routines to meet his child where he is, both geographically and emotionally. The show thus positions the relocation as an act of humility and love, not just a career choice.

Network scheduling decisions further underscore the company’s confidence in the concept. The new series premiered in fall 2025 on CBS and is set to continue into the 2026 television season, with the network granting an early renewal for a second season. That vote of support indicates that, despite pockets of online skepticism, the franchise remains commercially valuable and capable of drawing a large enough audience to justify continued investment in a reimagined format.

Why some fans find the relocation “not believable”

The sharpest pushback from viewers has centered on whether Danny would realistically leave New York, especially after spending years firmly rooted there in both his professional and personal life. For many fans, the city felt like another character in the story, shaping the tone of the original show with its distinctive neighborhoods, history, and cultural mix. Uprooting the character from that environment has therefore been criticized as undermining the authenticity that long-time watchers associate with his identity.

In online forums and social media threads, some fans have argued that the detective’s deep commitment to his job and extended family would make such a move unlikely. Skeptics point to his earlier portrayals as a man bound to New York’s streets, its precincts, and the family dinner table. They also question whether his son would genuinely want his father working alongside him, suggesting that a young officer might prefer to carve out his own space away from a famous and strong-willed parent.

Another layer of criticism has come from those who feel the spinoff concept is driven by commercial considerations more than organic character development. For this segment of the audience, the relocation reads less as a natural evolution and more as a calculated attempt to extend a lucrative brand, raising doubts about plausibility. These concerns have fueled the perception among some viewers that the show’s central premise stretches believability beyond what they are willing to accept, even in a fictional procedural.

Donnie Wahlberg’s defense: A story rooted in real fatherhood

Wahlberg has responded directly to questions about plausibility, pushing back on the notion that Danny’s move is out of character. In comments shared in interviews, he explained that he hears people say the character would never leave New York or that a son in his twenties would not want his father nearby. He has called that perspective incomplete, offering his own experience as evidence that young adults often value parental presence more than outsiders might assume.

Speaking about his 24-year-old son, Wahlberg has noted that his child actually wants him home more than many fans might expect, emphasizing that the bond between them remains strong even as his son builds an independent life. That personal reality, he argued, makes the premise of a father relocating to be closer to a grown child not only plausible but deeply resonant. By foregrounding his own role as a parent, he bridges the gap between fiction and real life, suggesting that the show’s core relationship is grounded in emotional truth.

Wahlberg has also described how his evolving relationship with his sons helped shape his portrayal of Danny in the new series. He has spoken about bringing a slightly softer, more emotionally open dimension to the character, reflecting the changes he has experienced off-screen. That approach allows the series to explore themes of vulnerability, generational shifts, and reconciliation, rather than simply repeating the more hard-edged version of Danny that audiences knew from earlier seasons.

How personal experience informs performance

In interviews, Wahlberg has said that he loves the relationship he has with his sons and enjoys bringing elements of that dynamic to his on-screen interactions. By drawing on their real conversations, conflicts, and moments of connection, he aims to create a father-son partnership that feels lived-in rather than purely scripted. This method helps give weight to the idea that Danny would recalibrate his career in order to be an active presence in his child’s life.

He has explained that playing a character in a new city gave him the opportunity to “do it in a different way,” suggesting that he initially hesitated about continuing the role but became convinced when he saw how the new premise allowed for growth. The spinoff thus becomes not just a continuation of a familiar figure but a chance to show how the detective ages, learns, and adjusts his priorities. As Wahlberg tells it, that evolution is closely tied to his own reflections about what kind of father he wants to be.

These comments counter the idea that the relocation is merely cosmetic. For Wahlberg, the new setting is less about geography and more about context: it underscores that Danny has entered a chapter in which personal relationships carry at least as much weight as professional ambition. This framing helps explain why he is so vocal in defending the decision, urging fans to judge the series on the depth of its emotional storytelling rather than its departure from past routines.

Production choices and the Boston-versus-Toronto debate

The show’s production has also become a flashpoint for fan discussions, particularly over its use of Toronto as a stand-in for Boston in certain scenes. When footage surfaced online showing Wahlberg and co-star Mika Amonsen filming at locations in the Canadian city, some viewers expressed frustration that the series was not being shot entirely in the real Massachusetts capital. Critics argued that the authenticity of the setting was compromised, with one commenter publicly calling for the show to “bring the show to Boston where it belongs.”

This reaction taps into long-running debates about location shooting in television, where tax incentives, logistical concerns, and existing studio infrastructure often drive decisions about where a series is filmed. Many productions set in major American cities rely on Canadian or alternate U.S. locations that can pass—at least on camera—for the urban landscapes they represent. For viewers invested in civic identity or local representation, however, these substitutions can feel like a slight, especially when a show prominently features the city’s name in its branding.

Wahlberg has remained largely positive in public about the production, focusing on his appreciation for the cast and crew and their work in creating a convincing on-screen world. Reports on the series highlight the strong chemistry among ensemble members and emphasize that the team is striving to capture the spirit of Boston even when filming elsewhere. Those details suggest that the creators are aware of the scrutiny and are attempting to balance practical constraints with audience expectations of realism.

Early renewal and fan response to the new direction

Despite pockets of backlash, the network’s decision to renew the show for a second season indicates that many viewers are embracing the new direction. Coverage of the renewal notes that the series is “going strong” on the 2025 schedule and has secured its place on the 2026 slate, a sign that ratings and engagement have met internal benchmarks. Cast members, including Wahlberg, have publicly celebrated the news, posting messages about their excitement to return for more stories and family-centered moments in the new setting.

Reactions across fan communities are mixed but evolving. Some long-time followers of the original franchise say they initially resisted the idea of a relocated Danny but have come to appreciate the show’s focus on intergenerational dynamics and emotional growth. Others continue to prefer the broader family ensemble and New York backdrop, feeling that the spinoff lacks the multi-character tapestry that made the earlier series distinctive. That divide reflects a broader challenge for any continuation that narrows its scope while relying on a familiar name.

Industry observers point out that the renewal also serves a strategic purpose for the network, preserving a valuable brand at a time when recognizable franchises are a hedge against the volatility of changing viewing habits. By building on years of character development, the spinoff can appeal to both legacy fans and new viewers who may discover the universe through the newer show. Wahlberg’s active engagement with audience concerns, meanwhile, functions as an informal outreach effort, signaling that the creative team is listening even when it cannot satisfy every preference.

What makes the character’s move narratively plausible

From a storytelling perspective, a major relocation can be a risky but rewarding choice. In this case, the narrative justification hinges on prioritizing family over familiarity: a seasoned detective steps away from a long-established professional comfort zone to repair and reinforce the bond with his son. Within the logic of character arcs, such a decision aligns with the evolution of someone who has already proved himself in his career and now feels compelled to invest more deeply in personal relationships, especially after years of loss and trauma portrayed in earlier seasons.

Wahlberg’s explanation that his own son wants him “home more than you’d think” underscores the notion that young adults do not always seek distance from parents, particularly during transitional life phases. Simplistic assumptions that a grown child must want independence at all costs can overlook the reality that many families maintain close ties even as their members pursue separate paths. Translating that nuance into a procedural drama allows for case-of-the-week structure while threading through a longer emotional arc about reconnection and mutual respect.

Furthermore, the idea of a law enforcement officer transferring to a different city to be closer to family is not unprecedented in real life. Officers often move departments due to personal circumstances, including family needs, cost of living, or a desire for a different pace of work. By framing Danny’s transfer as rooted primarily in fatherhood rather than ambition, the series leans into a plausible motivation that resonates with common experiences, even if the transition feels abrupt to viewers accustomed to a heavily New York-centric identity.

Key elements that support believability

Emotional motivation: The central reason for the move is rooted in repairing a father-son relationship, a powerful and relatable driver that often outweighs career stability in real life. The show repeatedly emphasizes that emotional stakes, inviting viewers to view the relocation through a personal lens rather than purely a professional one.
Character growth over time: After 14 seasons of development, Danny is no longer the same detective he was at the beginning of the franchise. Showing him shift priorities in middle age reflects a natural progression, portraying a man who has matured through loss, experience, and reflection.
Real-world parallels: Wahlberg’s own experience as a father who maintains a strong bond with his adult sons reinforces the plausibility of a parent choosing proximity over tradition. His public comments lend credibility to the story’s emotional foundation.
Professional flexibility: Transferring between police departments, while complex, is not inherently unrealistic. For a fictional detective with a long record of service, the notion of being hired by another department is well within the bounds of dramatic plausibility.
Fresh narrative opportunities: Relocating the character creates new story possibilities, from unfamiliar streets and colleagues to different community dynamics. While this is a creative choice, it also mirrors how real people seek new environments when they need a change or a reset.
Franchise continuity: By preserving core elements—such as Danny’s sense of justice and his devotion to family—while changing the backdrop, the series maintains continuity even as it experiments with tone and focus. This balance can help audiences gradually accept the move as part of a larger, ongoing story.
Audience engagement: The fact that fans are debating the move at all indicates that they remain invested in the character. That engagement, even in the form of criticism, suggests the premise has struck a chord rather than fading quietly into indifference.

How the spinoff fits into broader TV trends

The new series arrives in an era when television is increasingly reliant on established brands to anchor schedules and streaming libraries. Spinoffs, revivals, and legacy sequels—from crime dramas to science-fiction franchises—have become a key strategy for networks attempting to retain audiences who are fragmented across platforms. In that context, continuing Danny’s story in a new environment is consistent with industry patterns, where familiar characters are repositioned to explore fresh themes without starting entirely from scratch.

What distinguishes this particular project is its emphasis on emotional continuity rather than simply replicating procedural formulas. Instead of building an ensemble that mimics the original family configuration, the spinoff narrows its focus to intergenerational partnership, mentorship, and the challenges of working side by side with a relative in a hazardous profession. This creative choice aligns with broader trends toward character-driven storytelling, where serialized emotional arcs exist alongside episodic case narratives.

Still, the series must navigate the delicate balance between honoring the tone and values of its predecessor and staking out its own identity. Too much similarity risks redundancy; too much departure risks alienating long-time fans. Wahlberg’s public engagement—defending the move while highlighting the emotional through-lines—functions as part of that balancing act, signaling continuity even as the show steps into visually and structurally different territory.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Danny Reagan’s relocation is believable reveals how deeply audiences can invest in the internal logic of long-running television worlds. For some viewers, the detective’s connection to New York City and his extended family feels so integral that any major change appears to break character. For others, the move to a new city—and a new series—represents an opportunity to see a familiar figure grow, particularly in his role as a father determined to stay close to his son.

Donnie Wahlberg’s own perspective has become central to this conversation. By pointing to his real-life bond with his sons and explaining how that relationship informs his performance, he offers a personal argument for the story’s plausibility. Coupled with the network’s confidence, expressed through an early renewal, his defense suggests that the creative team sees the new show not as a departure from the franchise’s core values but as a re-centering of them around family, sacrifice, and loyalty.

Ultimately, whether viewers accept the premise may depend on how much weight they place on geography versus emotional authenticity. If the new stories can consistently deliver compelling cases alongside credible, nuanced exploration of fatherhood and legacy, the relocation is likely to feel less like a rupture and more like a natural evolution. For now, the ongoing conversation—between fans, creators, and Wahlberg himself—shows that the character still matters to a large audience, and that investment is the most important ingredient for any franchise hoping to thrive in its next chapter.