Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade has rejected Bill O’Reilly’s claim that CBS spin-off Boston Blue is a “woke version” of the original series. Wade said he supports the programme, praising Donnie Wahlberg’s return as Danny Reagan and arguing that television productions create work for actors and crew.

Wade said Blue Bloods sought to avoid a political agenda despite being perceived as right-leaning because of its Irish Catholic police-family setting. He said the original’s approach was to present opposing sides of issues without preaching to viewers; Boston Blue premiered last October, was renewed early for a second season in December, and returns on 9 October.