Ballard: How Prime Video’s Spinoff Expanded The Bosch Universe

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It once seemed unlikely that the world of Prime Video’s Bosch could continue without its main character, Harry Bosch. However, the spin-off series Ballard, launched in 2025, proved that it could. And it’s been a success, earning excellent reviews and a very positive response from viewers.

Maggie Q’s success in taking over the lead role shows that changing things up doesn’t always make them worse, even with a popular character like an antihero. Ballard is quickly becoming one of the best TV shows based on Michael Connelly’s work, joining the ranks of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer and the original Bosch series with Titus Welliver.

After being a huge hit on Prime Video all summer, it’s been confirmed that the popular series will return for a second season. The exciting finale of season one suggests the next season will be even more action-packed.

Ballard Expanded The Bosch Universe

Following the success of the first Bosch spinoff on Prime Video, Ballard has significantly broadened the show’s universe by introducing a new lead character. While Detective Renée Ballard works in law enforcement like Harry Bosch, she’s a distinct and unique personality.

The last season of Bosch: Legacy subtly introduced Maggie Q’s character, setting the stage for a potential spin-off series where Harry Bosch wouldn’t be the main focus. Despite being a new direction for the franchise, the idea has been very well-received. Renée Ballard’s success stems from the fact that she offers a completely different approach than Bosch, bringing a refreshing dynamic to the series.

Is Ballard Better Than Bosch?

Harry Bosch is often considered the most recognizable tough detective of recent times, but Lucia Ballard excels at figuring out complex cases and isn’t afraid to show compassion for those involved. Even so, after twelve years of the Bosch and Bosch: Legacy series, Maggie Q likely didn’t anticipate such a warm welcome to her role as the central character.

The new show, Ballard, has received even better reviews on Rotten Tomatoes than Bosch did during its first season. If Ballard keeps getting such positive feedback, it could end up being critically better-regarded than the original Bosch series.

Despite its promise, Ballard still has a ways to go before it reaches the level of Bosch, which enjoyed seven consistently excellent seasons on Prime Video. While the main characters of the two shows attract different viewers, Titus Welliver’s portrayal of a homicide detective in Bosch is undeniably iconic.

Ballard Season 2 Is Confirmed

Tyler Golden / Amazon/MGM Studios

I’m excited to report that if Maggie Q wants to carry the torch from Titus Welliver, she’ll absolutely get the chance! Season two of Ballard is already being filmed and looks to be hitting Prime Video sometime in late 2026 or early 2027, continuing Renée Ballard’s story.

Novelist Michael Connelly has already written six books featuring the character Ballard, with more planned. This gives the creators of the Prime Video show, Michael Alaimo and Kendall Sherwood, a wealth of source material to build a long-running and successful series.

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2026-02-09 03:28