From Firehouse 51 to Boston’s finest — Monica Raymund is taking command behind the camera again.

The Chicago Fire alum, best known for her breakout role as paramedic-turned-firefighter Gabriela Dawson, is stepping into the director’s chair for an upcoming episode of CBS’s Boston Blue, the Blue Bloods franchise’s first official spinoff.

CBS has confirmed that Raymund has directed episode 7 of the freshman season, scheduled to air Friday, December 5 at 10/9c. The episode promises some compelling developments for fans of the new series, including a mysterious “role reversal” between key characters Danny and Lena, a personal crossroads for Sarah, political tension for Mae, and a “routine” case that becomes anything but for Sean and Jonah.

While this marks Raymund’s directorial debut within the Blue Bloods universe, she’s hardly new to life behind the camera. Since leaving Chicago Fire, Raymund has cultivated a quietly powerful second act as a television director, stacking up credits across some of the most acclaimed drama franchises on TV.

Her directing resume includes FBI, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and even Showtime’s Dexter revival (Dexter: New Blood and the prequel Dexter: Original Sins). With such an impressive lineup, it’s no surprise CBS tapped her for their high-stakes new procedural.

A Quiet Break from One Chicago

Interestingly, Raymund has never directed an episode of Chicago Fire or any of its sister series—a departure from a growing trend among One Chicago alumni. Fellow Chicago PD veteran Jesse Lee Soffer recently returned to direct an episode of PD’s 13th season, following in the footsteps of other stars like LaRoyce Hawkins and Jason Beghe who’ve dabbled in directing.

Raymund’s clean break from Chicago Fire appears intentional. After exiting as a series regular at the end of Season 6, she made two guest appearances—one in Season 7 and another in Season 8—but has since remained absent from the franchise. While fans continue to hold out hope for Dawson’s return, Raymund has focused on growing her creative voice behind the scenes.

Boston Blue Gathers Steam

Raymund joins Boston Blue just as the show is beginning to find its rhythm. Set in the same universe as Blue Bloods, the series follows a new generation of law enforcement grappling with 21st-century challenges. It retains the core DNA of its predecessor—family loyalty, police legacy, and ethical dilemmas—but with a younger, edgier tone.

Her episode, poised to be a major character piece, could be one of the most pivotal yet. Given her experience directing complex ensemble dramas, Raymund’s touch could elevate the storytelling and bring a nuanced emotional lens to the procedural action.

For fans of Chicago Fire and Blue Bloods alike, this crossover moment—though behind the scenes—is a welcome blend of two fan-favorite worlds. Whether or not Dawson ever reappears in Chicago, Monica Raymund is clearly blazing a new path—this time, from the director’s chair.

Tune in to CBS on Friday, December 5, at 10/9c to watch Raymund’s episode of Boston Blue.