Donnie Wahlberg Had to Settle a Debate About the Pronunciation of This Landmark on “Boston Blue” Set (Exclusive)

**Donnie Wahlberg Ensures Authenticity in ‘Boston Blue’ Season Two**

As ‘Boston Blue’ gears up for its second season, Donnie Wahlberg is firmly committed to delivering an authentic representation of his beloved hometown. The actor, who also serves as the show’s executive producer, emphasises the importance of accuracy when it comes to portraying Boston’s landscapes and culture, particularly as it relates to the character he plays, Detective Danny Reagan.

In a recent interview, Wahlberg shared insights with PEOPLE about the lengths he goes to ensure the show reflects the true essence of Boston. He recalled a moment during filming where a crucial detail about the Boston Common—often likened to Central Park—was up for discussion. “We had a scene where we talk about the Boston Common and Sonequa Martin-Green’s line was, ‘We’ve got to go to the Common. We’ll get some of that coffee you like over there.’ I quickly interjected, correcting her that it is actually ‘the Commons’ with an ‘S’,” he shared.

Wahlberg’s commitment to correctness is mirrored by his co-star, Sonequa Martin-Green, who plays Detective Lena Silver. Her dedication to portraying the city accurately led them to conduct a mini-investigation. “She wanted to get it right, so I started calling my nephew and a few other Bostonians to verify,” Wahlberg explained. The feedback he received illustrated the nuanced differences in local vernacular. He noted, “If you say ‘Boston’, it’s ‘Boston Common’. If you say, ‘The Common’, then it’s ‘The Commons’.”

This small yet significant detail highlights the challenges that come with representing a city as rich in history and culture as Boston. Wahlberg discovered that the confusion surrounding the park’s name is not unique to them. “A post on social media had a split vote between the two terms, showing just how much debate there is among locals,” he remarked.

Throughout the production, Wahlberg maintains an ongoing dialogue with the cast about Boston’s cultural specifics. He stated that his fellow actors are equally passionate about honouring the city and are responsive to any adjustments he suggests. “They want to honour Boston as much as they can,” he noted, and they actively engage with his contributions to make the depiction feel genuine.

‘Boston Blue’ returned for its second season on October 9, continuing to follow the dynamics between Danny Reagan and Lena Silver. While much of the show is filmed in Toronto, Wahlberg expressed delight at filming in Boston itself. “It’s wonderful when we get to shoot scenes in the city. The cast can experience Boston up close, and they fall in love with it every time we visit. It boosts their sense of pride in representing the city through their characters,” he said.

Despite his role as a New Yorker in the long-running series ‘Blue Bloods’, Wahlberg integrates Bostonian lingo whenever he can. He reminisced about how he collaborated with basketball star Jaylen Brown, who guest-starred in a previous season. “It was fun. I’m not a Bostonian on the show, so I wasn’t in a position to be his friend in the storyline. Instead, I played an object of his scorn, which added a humorous twist to our interactions,” he explained.

As ‘Boston Blue’ continues to develop, the commitment to authenticity remains a central theme for Wahlberg and his team. The show airs new episodes every Friday at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+, allowing both fans and newcomers to delve into its narratives and the Boston backdrop that inspires them. Each episode seeks not just to entertain but to capture the spirit of a city that Wahlberg holds dear, solidifying the importance of a genuine connection to place in storytelling.