Eric Overmyer’s detective procedural series Bosch might be one of Prime Video’s most watched series ever, but its replacement, Ballard, is set to be just as successful. Another adaptation of Michael Connelly’s literary universe, this new show sees Detective Renée Ballard effectively take Harry Bosch’s place in the LAPD.
Ballard was first introduced as a TV character in Bosch: Legacy’s third and final season, before forging her own path as a crime investigator, with only occasional help from her retired mentor. The series she fronts has got off to a flying start, with Ballard season 1 rivalling even the best Bosch seasons for intensity and swagger.
Bosch Is One Of Prime Video’s Most Iconic Shows, But Ballard Is Already Better
First and foremost, Ballard’s success is a reminder to watch Bosch and Bosch: Legacy if you haven’t already. The exploits of Renée Ballard as a police detective work as a standalone series, too, though. She’s a very different personality from Harry Bosch, although she also specializes in piecing together seemingly unsolvable cold cases, driven by her empathy for the victims.
Maggie Q gives a powerhouse performance as the show’s title character, changing tack from Titus Welliver’s portrayal of Harry Bosch with a singular sense of purpose. Renée Ballard is very much her own person, but she isn’t afraid to apply what she’s learnt from Bosch – particularly when it comes to her determined and unwavering pursuit of justice.
Given More Time, Ballard Could Rival Its Predecessor’s Legacy
Ballard (Maggie Q) walking outside under police tape on Ballard
Ballard has already had enormous streaming success on Prime Video, thanks to its flawless visuals, accomplished action sequences, and forensic approach to plotting Michael Connelly’s stories across a 10-season episode. But with further seasons, the series could even surpass Bosch in terms of legacy and popularity on the streaming platform.
Michael Connelly is still writing Renée Ballard novels, and there’s no end in sight for the character, who has plenty more onscreen development to accomplish in the coming years. As long as Maggie Q is willing to continue playing the character, there’s no reason why Ballard couldn’t continue ruling the streaming charts for the next decade.
The Success Of Ballard & Bosch Is Great News For Prime Video
Ballard and Bosch sit outside under a sun umbrella in Ballard
Because of the joint success of Bosch and Ballard, Prime Video now has arguably the world’s most valuable ongoing TV franchise on its roster. There’s even talk of a Ballard crossover with Reacher, another hugely popular Prime Video release, in the coming years.
Even if this crossover doesn’t happen, there are other avenues through which Amazon MGM Studios can explore the franchise further. These avenues include Detective Stilwell, another Los Angeles County police detective who’s the central hero in Michael Connelly’s latest novel, Nightshade. For now, though, Ballard is a worthy new centerpiece for the franchise, picking up where Harry Bosch left off.
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