The 97% Rated Thriller Masterpiece

Prime Video‘s catalog is brimming with many compelling thriller shows, but only one series seems to top the genre with an impressive, nearly-perfect 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. The show in question has ended its run, but it was incredibly popular during its prime and even paved the way for many acclaimed spin-offs.

Although Prime Video has a diverse set of offerings in almost all major TV genres, it is gradually earning the reputation of being the best streaming service when it comes to dad shows. Despite having several massive action thriller shows like Reacher and Jack Ryan under its belt, the streamer continues to grow its reputation by further leaning into the niche.

Even in recent times, Prime Video has added several dad shows like The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, Countdown, and Butterfly to its catalog, establishing that it has no plans of slowing down with its action thriller domination. However, even after so many additions to the genre, only one Prime Video series seems to lead the pack.

Harry Bosch Is The Perfect TV Thriller Protagonist

Bosch is never portrayed as a typical morally righteous protagonist. Instead, Prime Video’s Bosch never shies away from highlighting his vulnerabilities, flaws, and the extent to which he is often willing to go to solve criminal cases. The series even shows how he believes that the ends always justify the means because his skewed sense of justice is driven by past trauma.

However, to ensure he does not come off as an anti-hero, Bosch emphasizes how the titular character becomes a voice for many who get overlooked by the criminal justice system. His lack of reliance on modern technology and dependence on typical police procedures also adds a layer of realism and authenticity to his characterization.

For seven long seasons, Titus Welliver, too, never misses a beat in his portrayal of the detective character and perfectly captures all the layers in his personality. What further elevates the show’s portrayal of the character is an underlying sense of consistency where hardly any contradictions appear in the way Bosch is written or performed.

How Bosch Stands Out As A Thriller Masterpiece

Image by Yeider Chacon

Amazon Prime Video’s Bosch is often touted as a masterpiece in the thriller genre, and rightfully so. It has earned this status not because it attempts to consistently dazzle viewers with gimmicks. The show is so widely acclaimed because it has achieved feats that most other thriller shows can only dream of.

It flawlessly executes the classic detective formula with slow-burn precision and deeply satisfying narrative payoffs. While most shows of the genre experience significant sophomore slumps, Bosch consistently delivers one brilliant season after another.

Apart from having immersive storytelling, memorable performances, and relatable character beats, Bosch also makes a character out of its LA setting by often spotlighting overlooked parts of the city. Even when it comes to supporting characters, the show perfectly divides its runtime to ensure that all of them get time to shine and no one is left underdeveloped.

Bosch Has Released Two Hugely Successful Spin-Off Shows – Bosch: Legacy and Ballard

Tyler Golden / ©Amazon/MGM Studios/ Courtesy Everett Collection

Even though Bosch ended its run with its seventh installment, its influence continues to grow through its spin-offs. The first follow-up of the series, Bosch: Legacy, lasted for three seasons and earned a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%. The second one, Ballard, which focuses on the titular female detective, also garnered unanimous acclaim from critics.

Although no official announcements surrounding Ballard‘s future have been made, it seems likely it will return to Prime Video with another installment. Hopefully, if the show returns, Titus Welliver, too, will reprise his role as Harry Bosch again and become a major player in Detective Renée Ballard’s crime-solving endeavors.