Bosch Author Reveals Exciting Differences Between Ballard and Original Titus Welliver Show

by

With the imminent premiere of the “Ballard” series, author Michael Connelly shares some observations regarding the variations between the two shows. At age 68, he penned the books that spawned the long-running series “Bosch,” which aired from 2014 to 2021, preceding the spinoff show “Bosch: Legacy” that debuted in 2022 and concluded its run in 2025. Although it was well-received, the series ended unexpectedly.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled that even though Titus Welliver‘s show has ended, Amazon Prime Video is eagerly anticipating more from this captivating franchise. A sequel series, inspired by Connelly’s Ballard novels, is currently in the works. The intriguing character of Detective Renée Ballard, introduced in the final season of Legacy, has paved the way for this new development. Interestingly, Bosch will still be a part of the ensemble, but it looks like Detective Ballard will be stepping into the limelight as the main character.

In my conversation with Grant Hermanns from ScreenRant, Connelly shared some intriguing insights about the upcoming shows. Despite both “Bosch” and “Ballard” being set in Los Angeles and revolving around the LAPD, Connelly emphasized that we can expect “two unique perspectives” on this familiar setting. Here are his thoughts:

Sure thing!

The intention wasn’t to completely break away from the original series, but rather to expand its reach and make it more appealing to a broader audience. We wanted to explore new territories, which is why we chose a character who finds solace in the ocean as our protagonist, instead of someone like Harry Bosch who finds comfort in the city. This change towards brighter locations was deliberate because we knew it would allow us to develop a show with a wider scope and greater appeal to viewers. The fact that she has to put together a motley crew of misfits also provides opportunities for humor, anecdotes, and character development, which were lacking in the Bosch series. In essence, we aimed to create a show that would resonate with more people, and I believe we succeeded in doing so.

What This Means For The Bosch Franchise

Ballard Will Not Feel The Same

This new approach for the series will introduce noticeable differences, even though the changes are minor compared to other procedurals. Instead of confining the story within a familiar setting, Ballard introduces fresh environments that can help set it apart from the original series. Essentially, this shift is essential as Ballard represents a unique spinoff.

The new Bosch spinoff, debuting on July 9, won’t just be offering a change of scenery; Maggie Q will step into the leading role previously held by Welliver, who may still have a part in the series. To engage viewers, both the fresh location and compelling performances are essential.

In this series, Maggie Q hasn’t had the chance to embody a character as captivating as Harry Bosch, which is why her talents may not be sufficient to attract viewers on their own. However, it’s important to highlight unique aspects that demonstrate why a shift in the franchise was necessary.

Our Take On Ballard And Bosch’s Differences

The Main Change Is The Star

To avoid making these two shows too similar and ensure they both attract audiences, Prime Video executives must find a delicate balance. While Bosch: Legacy benefited from being a continuation of the original show, despite Bosch not playing the same role anymore, Ballard must captivate viewers with a fresh new star.

It’s clear that Amazon Prime Video aims to capture attention by casting Titus Welliver in a prominent role, but he can’t be the main character. This is because it would be incongruous for him to headline a series titled after another character. To maintain the essence of Bosch within the series, even as it focuses on Ballard’s story, Amazon Prime Video needs to ensure that it still feels like Bosch in certain aspects.

Altering the scenery subtly can help preserve that distinction, without always requiring a drastic change of scene. This provides each episode’s director with the chance to explore fresh locations that can give the series a unique flavor. Minor adjustments might just be what Ballard needs to strike a balance between being like Bosch and standing out on its own.

Read More

2025-07-06 19:27