If it feels like only yesterday that a big TV franchise with a loyal fanbase had multiple spin-off series confirmed for a large streaming service, then that would be because it pretty much was only yesterday. But before we’ve even had chance to fully process the news of Dexter’s universe-broadening return, Amazon Studios – which itself has only just announced a massive Tomb Raider franchise backed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge – has swept in to steal Paramount+ with Showtime’s thunder, announcing not one, but two all-new additions to the Boschverse.
Based on Michael Connelly’s hugely successful crime novels, the original Bosch – which stars Titus Welliver as a maverick cop with an aversion to authority (is there any other kind?) – ran for seven series. Last year, much to the delight of fans, Harry Bosch made a triumphant return in Amazon Freevee’s Bosch: Legacy, which already has a second series on the way. And now, as reported by THR, spin-offs centering on star Jamie Hector’s Detective Jerry Edgar and LAPD Detective Renee Ballard, a prominent character in Connelly’s books who we’ve yet to see on screen, are in the works. Check out the loglines for the two as-yet-untitled shows below:
First up here’s the info on the Untitled J. Edgar Show: “A police drama following Harry Bosch’s former partner, Detective Jerry Edgar, who is tapped for an undercover FBI mission in Little Haiti, Miami. In this glamorous city, he is forced to balance his new life with the gritty underbelly of the city, while being chased by his mysterious past. EPs: Michael Connelly, Larry Andries. The producing team on behalf of Fabel Entertainment will include executive producers Henrik Bastin and Melissa Aouate, and co-executive producer Jasmine Russ.”
And here’s the outline for the Untitled Renee Ballard Show: “Detective Renee Ballard is tasked with running the LAPD’s new cold case division. Beyond simply investigating unsolved crimes, Renee is dedicated to bringing credibility to the department and justice to the community. Having learned from retired ally and mentor Harry Bosch, Renee does things her way – solving cases in unconventional ways while navigating the politics of being a woman on the rise in the LAPD. EPs: Michael Connelly, Michael Alaimo, Kendall Sherwood. The producing team on behalf of Fabel Entertainment will include executive producers Henrik Bastin and Melissa Aouate, and co-executive producer Jasmine Russ.”
You know, with so much peak TV on the way, it would be really handy if there was a podcast designed specifically to help you keep on top of it all. Oh wait – there is! It’s called Pilot TV, and it’s available for free on all good and evil platforms. And if you find yourself looking for even more TV chat, then for just £1.99 per month you can subscribe to the newly-launched Pilot TV+, where not only will you get early, ad-free access to the main weekly show, but you’ll also get a bonus ep every Thursday. Just a thought…