“Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg Share Insights on Creating Authentic Reagan Family Dinner Scenes in ‘Blue Bloods'”
As “Blue Bloods” approaches its final 14th season, Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg are reflecting on what made the show’s iconic Sunday dinners resonate with viewers and solidify the cast’s bond. The family dinners, a hallmark of the series, have provided a weekly opportunity for characters to connect amidst the dangers of their jobs.
In an exclusive story for Emmy Magazine’s June issue, excerpted by PEOPLE, Selleck and Wahlberg discuss how these scenes became a signature part of the show. Wahlberg, who plays Danny Reagan, shared how crucial it was to fully embrace his character from the very first dinner scene. “At the first dinner scene, I had to be fully committed to this character and his perspective,” Wahlberg explained. “And to do that with Tom Selleck, an icon, at the head of the table was a challenge.”
Wahlberg revealed that the writers originally envisioned Danny as more passive during family arguments. “The writers wrote it so that Danny ‘says his piece and leaves it alone,'” he said. “But that wasn’t how I saw the character. I needed to commit fully to make those moments impactful from the start, knowing they’d set the tone for the entire series.”
Selleck, at 79, also noted that performing these dinner scenes involves more than just dialogue. “Dinner scenes are challenging because it’s not just about what you’re saying or even eating. It’s about the subtext,” he said. “The audience is aware of what each character is dealing with, so the unspoken elements become crucial.”
The actors acknowledged that while their Sunday dinners have become a well-oiled machine, it took time for the cast to evolve from a “really good cohesive cast who respected each other” into a true “family.” Wahlberg described the genuine affection and gratitude that permeates these scenes. “There’s a real appreciation when we gather for these dinners,” he said. “If anyone’s struggling, by the end of the scene, we all recognize how fortunate we are.”
He continued, “The Reagans are grateful to be together each Sunday and to have made it through another week of danger. For us, having that weekly check-in is a tremendous blessing and a reminder of our own good fortune as actors. I believe it’s a key reason we’ve lasted 14 seasons.”
Wahlberg concluded, “To have that kind of connection and reflection in real life is something special. It’s been a significant part of our success and longevity on the show.”
