A new spin-off from a popular crime drama has quickly ascended to the top of Amazon Prime’s chart, with viewers describing it as “proper binge-worth stuff.”
For those seeking an intense, binge-able series, police crime dramas based on Michael Connelly’s novels often fit the bill.
Michael Connelly, the best-selling author, has been the creative force behind several major hits over the past twenty years. These include “Blood Work” starring Clint Eastwood in 2002, and “The Lincoln Lawyer” which featured the renowned Matthew McConaughey in 2011. In 2022, Netflix adapted “The Lincoln Lawyer” into a TV series with Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.
Now, audiences are excited about a newly released hidden gem on Amazon Prime.
The series is a spin-off from “Bosch,” a U.S. police drama inspired by Connelly’s detective novels.
Ballard is set in Los Angeles and focuses on LAPD Detective Renée Ballard, portrayed by Maggie Q from “Nikita,” as she leads a newly established cold case unit.
The series is packed with police corruption, cover-ups, conspiracies, mysteries, and scandals, making it clear why viewers are eager to consume it in one go.
View the trailer below:
One fan shared on Twitter, “Anyone looking for a good new TV show to watch, I’d highly recommend Ballard on Prime Video. Proper binge worth stuff.”
Since its debut on Amazon Prime on July 9, the show has quickly ascended to the top of the platform’s U.S. viewing charts, and currently holds a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
A critic noted, “Ballard felt different from the start. The show gradually adds layers that unfold as the story progresses, and by the end, it all comes together nicely.”
The critic also praised having all episodes available at once, allowing viewers to set their own pace. “I ended up watching quite a few in a row and it’s a solid ride,” they added.
Maggie Q’s performance was highlighted for its strength, with another fan agreeing, “As a longtime Maggie Q fan, I’ve always felt she hasn’t been given nearly enough roles that showcase her full range.”
The actor’s portrayal of Detective Renée Ballard was praised for its complexity and depth. “As Detective Renée Ballard, Maggie Q doesn’t just lead the show—she owns it. Her performance is a compelling mix of grit, intelligence, empathy, and quiet resilience. It’s the kind of nuanced, powerful work that reminds you just how underutilized she’s been until now. This is the role she’s long deserved, and she meets it with both power and grace.”
Another aspect of the show that viewers appreciated was its attention to realism, such as injuries that do not magically heal over time. A critic remarked, “It’s a small detail, but it adds a lot of realism, something many shows skip, and it was refreshing to see here.”
A viewer, rating the show nine out of ten stars, confessed to being a ‘huge Bosch fan’ as well as an admirer of Maggie Q and Connelly. They expressed their anticipation for the season’s release.
Ultimately, they found the wait was justified, stating that the show is “worth every single minute of your time.”
Ballard is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.