Behind-the-Scenes: Donnie Wahlberg & Blue Bloods Cast Share Rare Set Photos

After NYPD Blue went off the air, I was looking for a well-crafted drama with characters I really cared about—until I stumbled upon Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck alongside Donnie (Donnie Wahlberg), Bridget (Bridget Moynahan), and Will (Will Estes).

Over the summer, I spent time interviewing the cast (Did you guys read what happened when I met Tom Selleck?), and thanks to that, I managed to get the ball rolling on a set visit and lunch with Donnie Wahlberg in NYC (more on that coming later!).

I had a blast getting to know the guys and gals on the show and asking some super serious questions (you know, like which co-star they'd call if they were stranded on the side of the road at 3 a.m.). There's no better time to fill you in on our conversation--and special behind-the-scenes pics--since Blue Bloods returns for its third season TONIGHT on CBS at 10/9c.

First, check out these behind-the-scenes pics from the set in Brooklyn!

Here's the front door to the Reagan house! The actual exterior of the house shown on TV is located in Bay Ridge, NY.

DONNIE WAHLBERG

Glamour: The intensity and dynamic you bring to every scene as Detective Danny Reagan is incredible. How are you managing to balance everything in your life when taking on such a demanding role?

Donnie Wahlberg: I don't know. I think every now and again, every actor thinks they can play any role, and the smart actors are honest enough to know that they can't. My entire body of work as an actor has prepared me for this role, and this is one of those times where everything was aligned perfectly and I was the right guy in the right place with the right resume with the right experience and the right passion for this gig. It may seem hard, and it may look hard, and I'm sure there are times when I've done 18-hour days in cold New York City where I'm like, Damn, this is hard,' but in all sincerity, it's really easy. And I don't mean that to make light of it, I just really think that this role was meant to be mine.

Glamour: The little boys that play your sons on the show (real life brothers Andrew and Tony Terraciano) are so cute and fine young actors. Do they get what a big deal it is to work opposite you, Tom, and Bridget?

Donnie: In some ways, they are really like the kids of the show. Tom is like their grandpa. He sort of makes jokes with them at the dinner table, but he doesn't have to take them home at the end of the day! [laughs] For me, they come rushing in when I come in the door, and I'm sort of like their surrogate dad. They hang out with my real son all the time. They adore each other. It's just really nice. The family dynamic on screen and off is really special. For Bridget and I, for example, we don't fight as much as we do on screen. [laughs] We are really, really close.

Glamour: So that brings me to my next question. If you were stranded on the side of the road at 3 a.m., which co-star would you call to come pick you up?

Donnie: I could call any of them and know they would come and get me, but I'd call Bridget because she'd come get me looking all glamorous! [laughs] Tom Selleck would come and get me on a horse! And I don' want to ride home on a horse!

BRIDGET MOYNAHAN

Glamour: OK, I'm going to ask you the same question I just asked Donnie. Who would you call at 3 a.m. if you were stranded on the side of the road?

Bridget Moynahan: I would call Donnie because I know he's up at three, and no matter where he is, he would find a way to help me. He's sweet.

Glamour: He said you as well! He also wants to see what you look like at that hour because we can't imagine you're anything other than a bombshell. [laughs]

Bridget: Oh my gosh! [laughs] The fact is, at 3 a.m. it's pretty dark, and I always look better in the dark.

Glamour: So what would you like to see happen in season three? Would you like for Erin to get a love interest, or have the producers show more of her cases?

Bridget: In season three, I would really like if the audience that we have come back for a season four.

WILL ESTES

Glamour: Alright, Will, it's your turn to answer the big 3 a.m. question. Which co-star would you call to pick you up if you were stranded on the side of the road?

Will Estes: Tom! He can do anything, look at him! He's the commissioner! Because he would just call someone else since he has a lot of people on speed dial.

Check out the video below of Will answering whether or not Jamie Reagan will get a love interest this season!

TOM SELLECK

Glamour: OK, Tom, I've been asking this of all your co-stars, so which one would you call to pick you up if you were stranded on the side of the road at 3 a.m.?

Tom Selleck: Will! He's a solid man! And he's reliable!

(For more of what we talked about during out interview, click here).

Check out some more pics! And how cute is Sami Gayle? She (as Nicky Reagan-Boyle) celebrates her Sweet 16 in a future episode! Based on the pic below, THIS we can't wait to see!

Here's Will Estes and Len Cariou (Henry Reagan) at Nicky's Sweet 16.

Love this pic of Jennifer Esposito (Jackie Curatola) and Donnie Wahlberg cracking up!

Oh, and as for that set visit and lunch with Donnie Wahlberg? It happened, and you won't believe the Oprah moment that came with it! We'll have that story (with video) coming soon! Let's just say, this is one piece you won't want to miss!

Don't forget, Blue Bloods returns tonight at 10/9c on CBS. I know Lauren and I will be watching!

__Tell us: What character do you like best on Blue Bloods, and what do you want to see happen in season three? __

Source Glamour