Amazon Expands the ‘Bosch’ Universe with MGM+ Prequel Series in Development

The Bosch franchise is growing again. Amazon’s MGM+ has ordered a new prequel series titled Bosch: Start of Watch, which will explore the early years of detective Harry Bosch.

The series will star Cameron Monaghan from Shameless and Gotham as a young Bosch, while Omari Hardwick, known for Power, will play his mentor, LAPD officer Eli Bridges.

The show will tell the story of Bosch as a rookie cop in Los Angeles, long before he became the seasoned detective fans know from Bosch and Bosch: Legacy. Hardwick’s character, Bridges, is a new addition to the universe, a tough Vietnam veteran who helps shape Bosch’s early career.

Unlike the previous series, Start of Watch isn’t directly based on any of Michael Connelly’s novels. Still, the author said the new story draws from parts of Bosch’s backstory hinted at in his books. Connelly described the show as “uncharted character territory” and said he’s eager to explore how Bosch became who he is.

MGM+ head Michael Wright said in a statement, “We are thrilled to expand the Bosch universe with this compelling origin story that showcases how one of television’s most beloved detectives became the man we know today. With Cameron Monaghan and Omari Hardwick bringing these complex characters to life, Bosch: Start of Watch promises to deliver the gritty, authentic storytelling that honors the franchise’s legacy while opening an exciting new chapter.”

This new show will be the fourth in the growing Bosch franchise. The original Bosch ran for seven seasons on Prime Video, followed by Bosch: Legacy and the spinoff Ballard, starring Maggie Q, which was recently renewed for a second season. Bosch: Start of Watch will stream on MGM+ and continue the franchise’s tradition of filming in Los Angeles. The production also received an $11.6 million tax credit from the California Film Commission.

Michael Connelly expressed his gratitude for the new project, saying, “I’m deeply grateful to Michael Wright and the team at MGM+ for championing this next chapter in Bosch’s journey with such remarkable care and integrity. Being able to see how Harry Bosch became the man we have loved for 10 seasons is a gift to me and his many fans. I can’t wait to dig in with Cameron and the writers to explore this uncharted character territory.”

The series will take viewers back to the early 1990s, showing Bosch as a smart but stubborn new officer trying to find his place in the LAPD. Showrunner Tom Bernardo said, “It’s a terrific privilege to be able to explore both the origins of this iconic character and the Los Angeles that formed him. In telling the story of a young Harry Bosch, we want to honor the fans who’ve followed the series and books for years.”

Producer Henrik Bastin said filming in Los Angeles will help keep the show’s tone authentic. “By filming in L.A., we’ll be able to tap into the best creative talent this industry has to offer — and in doing so deliver a story about Harry Bosch that fans have longed for,” he said.

Both lead actors bring strong backgrounds to the project. Monaghan spent ten seasons playing Ian Gallagher on Shameless and is also known for his roles in Gotham and the upcoming film Tron: Ares. Hardwick made his name starring as Ghost in Power and recently appeared alongside Michelle Yeoh in Star Trek: Section 31.

Bosch: Start of Watch will be available on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Latin America, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

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