Wahlberg Fought for Boston Filming, CBS Said No

Donnie Wahlberg, a Boston native and star of the "Boston Blue" spinoff, actively campaigned for the series to be filmed exclusively in his hometown. He was reportedly willing to sacrifice part of his salary to achieve this goal. However, CBS ultimately rejected the proposal, primarily due to the prohibitive costs and logistical complications associated with filming in Boston.

While the show does feature some scenes shot in Boston, including at iconic locations like Fenway Park, the bulk of "Boston Blue" is produced in Toronto. This decision, though disappointing for Wahlberg, is understandable given the financial and practical hurdles. The actor acknowledged that filming in Boston could be distracting, with fans frequently seeking photos, and also joked about his large extended family visiting.

Despite the compromise, "Boston Blue" has secured a renewal for its second season. The production will continue to split its time between Toronto and Boston, balancing Wahlberg's desire to film in his home city with the network's financial and operational considerations. Fans can catch new episodes of Season 1 on CBS and Paramount+.