Amazon expands ‘Bosch’ franchise with greenlight for Renée Ballard spin-off

Bosch: Legacy

Amazon streamer Prime Video has given the greenlight to the previously announced spin-off from crime drama series Bosch that will center around the character of Detective Renée Ballard.

Ballard is a character from author Michael Connelly’s Bosch books who has not yet appeared in either of the existing shows in the franchise, Bosch and Bosch: Legacy.

The project was revealed to be in development in February, alongside another potential spin-off that would follow Detective Jerry Edgar, played by Jamie Hector in the shows.

Connelly will executive produce the 10-part Renée Ballard spin-off show under his Hieronymus Pictures banner alongside Fabel Entertainment. Michael Alaimo (The Closer) and Kendall Sherwood (Major Crimes) will both serve as showrunners.

Henrik Bastin and Melissa Aouate will executive produce for Fabel Entertainment with Jasmine Russ as co-executive producer. Jamie Boscardin Martin and Trey Batchelor will also serve as co-executive producers. Theresa Snider will co-executive produce for Hieronymus Pictures.

The series will follow Ballard, who is tasked with running the LAPD’s new cold case division – a poorly funded, all-volunteer unit with the largest case load in the city. Ballard approaches these frozen-in-time cases with empathy and determination. When she uncovers a larger conspiracy during her investigations, she’ll lean on the assistance of her retired ally, Harry Bosch, to navigate the dangers that threaten both her unit and her life.

“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.

“We look forward to expanding the Bosch universe with Michael and introducing viewers to Ballard’s personal approach to pursuing justice,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD originals, unscripted, and targeted programming at Amazon MGM Studios.