Prime Video has given a 10-episode series order to an untitled Bosch spinoff series centered around bestselling author Michael Connelly‘s character Renée Ballard.
The series will follow the LAPD’s Cold Case Division, which Ballard is part of. Ballard is based on actual Los Angeles Police Department Det. Mitzi Roberts.
The Ballard series is one of two projects inspired by Connelly’s work that have been in the works at Amazon MGM Studios since February. The other, which is another yet-to-be-titled show centering on Connolly’s Jerry Edgar character (Harry Bosch’s former partner), remains in development. According to Deadline, Edgar is recruited for an undercover FBI mission in Little Haiti, Miami in the series.
Renée Ballard has thus far not appeared on either of the two Bosch series to date. The new series will follow Ballard as she runs the LAPD’s poorly funded, all-volunteer cold case unit. When she uncovers a larger conspiracy during her investigations, she will confide in a retired Harry Bosch (who has been played by Titus Welliver) to help her navigate a life-threatening scenario.
Connelly will executive produce the new series under his Hieronymus Pictures banner alongside Fabel Entertainment’s Henrik Bastin and Melissa Aouate. Michael Alaimo (The Closer, The Man Who Fell To Earth) and Kendall Sherwood (Major Crimes, Your Honor) will both serve as showrunners.
Fabel Entertainment’s Jasmine Russ will co-executive produce alongside Jamie Boscardin Martin and Trey Batchelor , as well as Theresa Snider for Hieronymus Pictures.
“From books to screen, Michael Connelly creates authentic and suspenseful stories, led by distinctive characters who make audiences care and connect. 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,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD originals, unscripted, and targeted programming at Amazon MGM Studios. “We look forward to expanding the Bosch universe with Michael and introducing viewers to Ballard’s personal approach to pursuing justice.”
“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,” added Connelly. “This show will have the same authenticity and propulsive momentum of Bosch: Legacy. Fans of the books will love it.”
“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,” said Henrik Bastin, Executive Producer and CEO, Fabel Entertainment. “As the producers of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, we are sure fans will love this new installment in the franchise.”
