‘Blue Bloods’ Showrunner Refuses to Condemn ‘Boston Blue’ After Bill O’Reilly Calls It a ‘Woke’ Replacement

Kevin Wade, the showrunner for "Blue Bloods," did not condemn the spinoff series "Boston Blue" when confronted by Bill O'Reilly over its perceived "woke" nature. Wade, who led the CBS procedural from 2011 to 2024, served as the show's top executive until its cancellation in 2023. Following the cancellation, "Boston Blue" debuted in 2025, featuring a more diverse cast than the original series.

During a recent interview, O'Reilly questioned Wade, suggesting that CBS canceled the original series to produce a "woke" replacement. Wade responded by revealing that he had only watched the pilot and a few other episodes of "Boston Blue," stating that he does not follow much network television. Despite his limited exposure, Wade praised the spinoff for providing employment opportunities for actors and crew members.

Wade acknowledged that "Blue Bloods" was perceived as a right-leaning show, as it revolved around a family of white Roman Catholic Brooklyn cops. Law enforcement professionals generally lean right politically. However, Wade emphasized that the show did not have a political agenda and that they tried to present perspectives from both sides when covering political topics.

According to Wade, the show's success stemmed from its ability to avoid preaching and telling viewers how to think or which side was right. The showrunner believes that "Boston Blue" is providing jobs for many people and supports its continued production. "Boston Blue" returned for its second season on CBS in October 2025.