Every Bosch TV Series Ranked (Including Ballard)

by

Back in 2002, I had my first big break in Hollywood with the movie adaptation of “Blood Work,” a gripping crime thriller directed and starring Clint Eastwood, based on his 1997 novel by the same name. It took another nine years for another screen adaptation, “The Lincoln Lawyer.” However, it’s on TV where my stories truly shine, starting in 2014 when Amazon Prime Video premiered “Bosch,” a crime drama inspired by a series of novels about Harry Bosch, a former special forces soldier turned LAPD homicide detective, known for his relentless pursuit of justice.

Titus Welliver from “Lost”, played the main character, and right from its premiere, he and the show received praise from critics for its intense suspense and compelling character development. Bosch was a unique kind of TV detective, portraying a grittier, more complex protagonist compared to those in prime-time police procedurals. The series found favor with viewers as well, resulting in a long stint on the streaming platform, which concluded in 2021.

Despite facing obstacles, a top-notch detective like Bosch can never stay down for long. Not long after the original series ended, a sequel titled “Bosch: Legacy” was released, matching its predecessor in quality. The “Bosch” universe has since grown, with the spin-off “Ballard,” starring Maggie Q, being the latest addition. Whether you’re already familiar with Harry Bosch’s escapades or just starting to explore his world, you might be curious about which show ranks highest. Let’s take a look at all three series and rank them from excellent to outstanding.

3. Bosch

The show that originated from the books, titled “Bosch,” made its debut in 2014, a little over three decades after author Michael Connelly introduced the escapades of Harry Bosch in his inaugural novel, “The Black Echo.” Similar to its literary counterpart, the Amazon Prime Video series chronicles the investigations of the tenacious yet complex LAPD homicide detective, who goes to great lengths to solve even the most challenging cases, but often struggles with adhering to the rules.

The first season of this show is heavily influenced by three separate Bosch novels: “City of Bones,” “Echo Park,” and “The Concrete Blonde.” In these stories, Bosch tackles a case revolving around the murder of a young boy, all while being entangled in an investigation concerning a police shooting that resulted in a man’s death. Over seven seasons, this show was highly acclaimed due to its intricately woven crime noir narratives and the top-notch acting from its ensemble cast. Titus Wellever deserves much credit for his leading role, but the series truly excels because of the outstanding performances from actors like Jeri Ryan, Jamie Hector, and Amy Wersching. Lance Reddick, in one of his best roles, portrays Bosch’s tough-as-nails commanding officer Irvin Irving.

As a dedicated fan, I must confess that I wasn’t initially expecting this particular series to be the cream of the crop, but let me tell you, don’t underestimate its brilliance just because it’s nestled at the bottom of the pile. It’s not only one of the best crime dramas I’ve ever seen, but it has a unique charm that sets it apart from the rest.

2. Ballard

In the final episode of “Bosch: Legacy”, the character of Detective Renée Ballard, played by international action star Maggie Q (famously known for her role as the lead in “Nikita”), was introduced. This character is the main protagonist from a different series of books by author Michael Connelly. Despite some fans finding this episode controversial, it achieved its goal and within a few months, “Ballard” began streaming on Prime Video in July 2025, making it the newest addition to the “Bosch” collection of television shows.

In its first year, Ballard emerges as a unique detective unlike what we’re accustomed to. Unlike Harry Bosch who usually investigates cases with a hardened, fact-focused perspective and an unyielding drive to incarcerate, Ballard is motivated by empathy but remains just as determined in tackling gruesome murders. However, she prioritizes discovering the truth over meting out arbitrary justice.

In the series “Ballard”, viewers are introduced to an innovative team within the Robbery-Homicide Division that concentrates on resolving cold cases – murders that remain unsolved for years or even decades. This dedicated group, made up of volunteers, isn’t provided with the same resources as other high-profile police divisions. However, throughout the season, this determined detective not only locates killers but also uncovers a shocking conspiracy within the LAPD. This intriguing new show offers something fresh while still surpassing “Bosch” in quality. Critics at Variety praised it as “superbly acted, skillfully paced, and genuinely captivating… an exhilarating journey from beginning to end.

1. Bosch: Legacy

After wrapping up “Bosch” in 2021, Harry Bosch decided to hang up his LAPD homicide detective badge and move on. However, he didn’t quit the pursuit of criminals entirely; instead, he returned to Amazon Prime Video with a follow-up series called “Bosch: Legacy” in 2022. Now more world-weary, Bosch was no longer affiliated with the LAPD, but his passion for crime-solving remained undiminished. He simply shifted gears and took on the role of a private investigator instead.

In the series “Bosch: Legacy”, there’s an equal emphasis on Bosch’s personal life and his cases. Previously seen growing up on screen in the original show, Bosch’s daughter Maddie (Madison Lintz) is now a rookie officer with the LAPD. As he juggles his career as a detective with his responsibilities as a father, Bosch assists Honey “Money” Chandler, a local defense attorney, in handling cases. However, Bosch isn’t working alone – he receives assistance from computer expert Mo Bassi (Stephen Chang) and frequently collaborates with his long-time friend Detective Robertson (Paul Calderón).

Legacy” is essentially a continuation of its original series, but with a focus on an older, wiser, and more burdened Harry Bosch. This change enhances the series as it delves even deeper into the mind of the unconventional detective, which was always one of the show’s strongest points. The new season presents a concise narrative that avoids filler episodes, trimming excess and offering some of the best stories ever produced within the “Bosch” universe.

Read More

2025-07-18 22:00