Donnie Wahlberg Says High Costs and Crowds Keep Boston Blue Filming Mostly in Toronto

Donnie Wahlberg says his new TV show Boston Blue isn’t filmed mostly in Boston because it’s too expensive and too difficult to manage.

Speaking on Andy Cohen Live on April 23, Wahlberg said he even offered to give up half of his salary to film the show in his hometown. But CBS turned him down. According to him, the network said that even if the entire cast gave up their pay, filming in Boston still wouldn’t be possible due to high costs.

As a result, most of the show is filmed in Toronto, Canada, although some scenes are shot in Boston.

Wahlberg explained that money isn’t the only issue. He said filming in Boston can be chaotic because fans often gather around. Tour boats passing by sometimes point him out during filming, which interrupts scenes. He joked that he often has to stop working to greet people, including friends and family who show up.

The actor, who played Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods for 14 years, returns to the same role in Boston Blue. In the new series, his character moves to the Boston Police Department to be closer to his son.

The show also stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Maggie Lawson, and Ernie Hudson. Boston Blue first aired on CBS in October and has already been renewed for a second season.