The bustling streets flaunt Duck Boats, historical monuments exude an ancient charm, and everyone is sporting Boston Red Sox jerseys. However, is the “Blue Bloods” spin-off, “Boston Blue,” genuinely being filmed in its namesake Massachusetts city? It appears the production team has opted for a blend of New England’s allure mixed with Canada’s cost-effectiveness: although some outdoor bits are indeed captured in Boston, the bulk of the series is shot on a soundstage in Toronto, Canada. This approach is a strategic decision to ensure the show’s financial sustainability.

Viewers will still enjoy a generous splash of local atmosphere in this fledgling police narrative — the series has caught scenes at iconic Boston venues such as Fenway Park, Granary Burying Ground, and assorted locations across Downtown Boston. Nonetheless, admirers of Donnie Wahlberg, who portrays Danny Reagan, have lamented the decision, pointing out that Boston is an excellent filming site and should be more extensively utilized. Wahlberg, however, hasn’t shied away from clarifying CBS’s rationale for dividing the filming between the two nations.

In a call to “Billy and Lisa in the Morning,” Donnie Wahlberg shed light on the network’s decision to partially anchor “Boston Blue” in New England while assuring fans of the show’s commitment to Boston’s spirit. “I think we’ll be filming in Boston a lot,” he assured, explaining that the choice to shoot in Toronto wasn’t personally his, emphasizing his love for his hometown. But why not relocate the entire production to Massachusetts?

“The industry has taken a huge hit from COVID and the strike,” Wahlberg said. “For instance, CBS used to produce around 20 shows annually. Now they’re down to two new shows this year — and I’m in one of them. Financially, it’s very tough for the industry, so I’m very grateful to be working on a show.” He noted he advocated extensively to have the series shot entirely in one location. “When I initially received the offer, I insisted, ‘We have to go to Boston.’ They responded, ‘It’s too costly,'” he disclosed. Despite his efforts, it seems Danny Reagan will need to juggle both locales for the foreseeable future.