The 'Bosch' Universe Just Got a New Star — What to Know About Prime Video's 'Ballard'

What happens when old murders land in the hands of a detective who doesn’t quit? That’s the setup for Ballard, a new crime series now streaming on Prime Video. Set in Los Angeles, the show follows Detective Renée Ballard as she takes charge of the LAPD’s underfunded cold case unit — digging into forgotten files and pushing through the red tape most would rather avoid.

Maggie Q plays Ballard with calm focus and quiet steel — she’s not loud, but she’s relentless. Fans of Bosch will be happy to see Titus Welliver back as Harry Bosch himself, now working alongside Ballard in an uneasy but compelling partnership. The two detectives don’t always agree, but they know when something smells wrong — and in L.A., it often does.

The show keeps the action low-key but sharp. Instead of dark alleys, there are sun-bleached streets and quiet beaches. Instead of big shootouts, we get careful interviews and slow-burning tension. That might not be for everyone, but many viewers — and early critics — are praising its thoughtful pace and grounded tone.

So far, Ballard is earning solid reviews and building steady buzz. Early viewers on IMDb are calling it "Maggie Q’s best work since Nikita," praising its "honest, gritty, grounded" tone and "great ensemble cast." Fans of Bosch also feel right at home, noting how "the atmosphere, narrative structure, and visual style are carefully carried over." And for some, it’s more than just a continuation: "Ballard feels like a fresh take." All ten episodes are streaming now on Prime Video — no spoilers, but cold cases have rarely felt this alive.