In a surprising turn of events, Donnie Wahlberg, known for his role in the popular police procedural series Blue Bloods, is stepping into the realm of true crime television with his new show, Very Scary People. The series is set to premiere its latest season on Sunday, December 15, at 9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery (ID).

Wahlberg, who has captivated audiences for fourteen seasons as NYPD detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods, expressed his initial disbelief at hosting a true crime program. “I love watching true crime. I never thought I would actually make true crime television. If somebody said ‘Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids On the Block is going to host the true crime show,’ it’d probably be a little bit of a head scratcher,” he remarked.

This new season promises to delve into some of the most chilling criminal cases in America. Viewers can expect episodes that explore a range of heinous crimes, including the story of a serial killer who operated under the guise of an FBI informant, a notorious drug kingpin who wreaked havoc in New York City, and the disturbing transformation of a promising boxing star into a killer.

Wahlberg’s transition to true crime can be traced back to his extensive experience on Blue Bloods. The actor stated, “If you think of Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Danny Reagan, is going to host a true crime show that makes a little bit more sense. I think if there wasn’t a Danny Reagan, there wouldn’t be a ‘Very Scary People.’” He likened his hosting role to that of Danny Reagan, suggesting that his character could easily serve as the show’s producer.

His time on Blue Bloods has not only shaped his understanding of police procedures but also heightened his fascination with criminal psychology. Wahlberg noted, “I think all of the time on ‘Blue Bloods’ really helped prepare me to make the show and probably heightened my interest in solving crimes and trying to understand what makes people who do such horrible things tick.” This insight into the criminal mind will be a focal point of Very Scary People, as the show aims to provide a deeper understanding of the motivations behind these crimes.

One of the significant shifts in this season will be the show’s approach to storytelling. Wahlberg emphasized the importance of giving a voice to those affected by crime, stating, “We made a conscious choice not to glorify the killers. Not that we were ever doing that, but I think we wanted to get more of an input, a more point of view of people who’ve been impacted or survived some of these very scary situations.” This commitment to highlighting survivor stories reflects a growing trend in true crime media, focusing on the human impact of crime rather than sensationalizing the perpetrators.

The upcoming season of Very Scary People is set to captivate audiences with its gripping narratives and a fresh perspective on true crime. As Wahlberg transitions from his long-running role on Blue Bloods to hosting a show that explores the darker sides of humanity, fans are eager to see how his experiences as an actor will inform his new role. With a blend of personal insight and professional expertise, Wahlberg is poised to take viewers on a compelling journey through some of America’s most chilling criminal cases.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this unique blend of entertainment and education, promising to shed light on the complexities of crime and its aftermath. Wahlberg’s passion for the subject matter is evident, and with his background in portraying law enforcement, he is sure to bring a unique and informed perspective to the series.