Amazon Prime Video has ordered a “Bosch” spinoff about the LAPD’s cold case division and Det. Renée Ballard.
The 10-episode series was first reported as being in the works at Amazon MGM Studios in February. Like “Bosch,” the series will be based on the work of author Michael Connelly.
Per the official description, the currently untitled series “follows Detective Renée Ballard, who is tasked with running the LAPD’s new cold case division—a poorly funded, all-volunteer unit with the largest case load in the city. Ballard approaches these frozen-in-time cases with empathy and determination. When she uncovers a larger conspiracy during her investigations, she’ll lean on the assistance of her retired ally, Harry Bosch, to navigate the dangers that threaten both her unit and her life.”
“It is so exciting to bring Renée Ballard to the screen and to do it with Prime Video, my streaming partners for going on 10 years,” Connelly said. “This show will have the same authenticity and propulsive momentum of ‘Bosch: Legacy.’ Fans of the books will love it.”
At the time the Ballard series was reported to be in the works, it was also reported that a spinoff focused on the “Bosch” character Jerry Edgar was also in development with Jamie Hector set to reprise the role According to an individual with knowledge of the project, it remains in development.
The Ballard series is executive produced by Connelly, Michael Alaimo, and Kendall Sherwood. Alaimo and Sherwood will also serve as showrunners. Henrik Bastin and Melissa Aouate will executive produce for Fabel Entertainment with Jasmine Russ as co-executive producer. Jamie Boscardin Martin and Trey Batchelor will also serve as co-executive producers. Theresa Snider will co-executive produce for Hieronymus Pictures.
“Alaimo and Sherwood have done an incredible job bringing Renée to life, and creating a show that feels contemporary and fresh while honoring the Michael Connelly Universe. As the producers of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, we are sure fans will love this new installment in the franchise,” said Bastin, CEO of Fabel Entertainment.
“Bosch” has proven to be the iron horse of Amazon’s streaming ambitions. The original series ran for seven seasons on Prime Video until 2021, making it the longest-running Amazon scripted series to date. The spinoff series “Bosch: Legacy,” which saw Titus Welliver return as Harry Bosch, debuted on Amazon Freevee in 2022. The second season premiered on Oct. 20.
“From books to screen, Michael Connelly creates authentic and suspenseful stories, led by distinctive characters who make audiences care and connect,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD originals, unscripted, and targeted programming at Amazon MGM Studios. “Renée Ballard is one of those characters. She instantly captivated readers with hints of a troubled past and a protective layer of idiosyncrasies she developed to survive. We look forward to expanding the Bosch universe with Michael and introducing viewers to Ballard’s personal approach to pursuing justice.”
Ballard has been a major character in five of Connelly’s novels to date, starting with “The Late Show” in 2017. She also made a minor appearance in Connelly’s book “Resurrection Walk” in 2023, which is part of his “Lincoln Lawyer” book series. “The Lincoln Lawyer” itself has been adapted into a feature film starring Matthew McConaughey and a television series, currently going into its third season at Netflix.
(Pictured: Michael Alaimo and Kendall Sherwood)
