Donnie Wahlberg Reveals What He Took From the Blue Bloods Set After Filming the Final Season….

For over a decade, Blue Bloods has been a staple of CBS’s primetime lineup, captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling, heartfelt family dynamics, and strong performances. After 14 seasons and 293 episodes, the series is coming to an end with its finale set to air on December 13, 2024. Donnie Wahlberg, who played the dedicated and fiery Detective Danny Reagan, recently opened up about the bittersweet experience of wrapping up the show. Among the topics he discussed was what he chose to take as mementos from the set that had been his second home for so many years.

A Farewell to Detective Danny Reagan

For Wahlberg, who brought life to Danny Reagan’s relentless pursuit of justice and deep love for his family, the end of Blue Bloods marked the conclusion of an era. Over the years, the show has become synonymous with the Reagan family’s weekly Sunday dinners, their debates over the challenges of law enforcement, and their unwavering commitment to each other. As Wahlberg reflected on his journey, he felt it was important to preserve a piece of that legacy not only for himself but for the fans who supported the show.

In a recent interview with People, Wahlberg revealed that he took two key items from the set after filming wrapped: his character’s costumes and the iconic Reagan family dining table and chairs. These items hold a deep personal and symbolic significance for the actor, as they represent the heart and soul of the series.

The Mannequins of Danny Reagan

“I took my two Danny Reagan costumes — my blue suit and my dress blues,” Wahlberg shared. These costumes, which became a hallmark of Danny’s character, have been immortalized in a unique way. Wahlberg put them on mannequins and placed them in one of his family-owned Wahlburgers restaurants.

The decision to display the costumes in a Wahlburgers location reflects Wahlberg’s connection to his roots and his desire to share a piece of the show’s history with his fans. Wahlburgers, the restaurant chain co-owned by Donnie and his brothers Mark and Paul, has always been a reflection of the family values that align with the themes of Blue Bloods. The mannequins are a nod to the dedicated viewers who have followed the Reagan family’s journey for over a decade.

The Iconic Reagan Family Table

However, it wasn’t just Danny Reagan’s costumes that Wahlberg brought home. He also managed to acquire one of the most recognizable and meaningful props from the show: the Reagan family dining table and chairs.

“I really had no intention of taking anything from the set until I learned that that table and chairs was just sitting in a warehouse somewhere,” Wahlberg admitted. For fans of Blue Bloods, the dining table represents far more than just a piece of furniture. It served as the centerpiece of the show’s signature Sunday dinner scenes, where the Reagan family would gather to share a meal, debate ethical dilemmas, and reinforce their bond as a family.

The dining table has been a silent witness to some of the series’ most powerful and emotional moments, making it a fitting symbol of the show’s legacy. Recognizing its importance, Wahlberg made plans to ensure the table would continue to bring people together, even after the cameras stopped rolling.

Sharing the Legacy with Fans

Wahlberg plans to rotate the table and chairs among various Wahlburgers locations, starting with the restaurant in St. Charles, Illinois, where he resides with his wife, actress and TV personality Jenny McCarthy. “I’ll set it up where fans can sit at the table and take pictures,” Wahlberg explained.

By making the table accessible to fans, Wahlberg is creating a unique opportunity for viewers to connect with the show in a tangible way. The Reagan family dinners were a cornerstone of Blue Bloods, and allowing fans to sit at the iconic table offers them a chance to feel like part of the Reagan family, if only for a moment.

A Charitable Endeavor

Wahlberg’s plans for the dining table don’t stop at fan interactions. He also intends to raffle it off for charity, with the proceeds going to the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA) Widows and Children’s Fund. The fund supports the families of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty—a cause that aligns perfectly with the values championed by Blue Bloods.

“I thought it would be great to give back to those who serve, just like the Reagan family did,” Wahlberg said. This decision underscores his commitment to honoring the show’s legacy and the real-life heroes it sought to represent.

The Emotional Farewell

As Blue Bloods prepares to air its series finale, fans are bracing for an emotional goodbye. The final episode, titled “End of Tour,” will bring the Reagan family’s story to a close while celebrating the themes of loyalty, integrity, and love that have defined the show. Wahlberg, who has been a constant presence since the series premiered in 2010, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful project.

“It’s been a blessing to play Danny Reagan and to be part of a show that resonated with so many people,” Wahlberg said. “The fans are the reason we made it to 14 seasons, and I wanted to give back to them in a way that honors what Blue Bloods stands for.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Though Blue Bloods is ending, its impact will be felt for years to come. The Reagan family’s commitment to justice, their unwavering faith, and their love for one another have left an indelible mark on television and in the hearts of viewers.

Donnie Wahlberg’s decision to preserve and share pieces of the show’s history ensures that the spirit of Blue Bloods will live on. Whether it’s through the mannequins in Wahlburgers, the iconic dining table, or the charitable contributions made in the show’s name, Wahlberg is ensuring that the legacy of the Reagan family continues to inspire and unite people.

As fans prepare to say goodbye to Blue Bloods, they can take comfort in knowing that the show’s values and memories will endure, thanks in no small part to Donnie Wahlberg’s thoughtful and heartfelt efforts.