Ballard Brings LAPD’s All-Reserve Cold Case Homicide Unit to Life
LAPD Detective Mitzi Roberts, star Maggie Q, director Jet Wilkinson and author Michael Connelly at Venice Beach on the first day of shooting for Ballard
In July, Amazon Prime Video premiered Ballard, a sharp new addition to the Bosch universe. The series stars Maggie Q as Detective Renée Ballard, who is given the daunting task of leading the LAPD’s newly formed (and vastly underresourced) cold case unit within the Robbery–Homicide Division (RHD).
While the show is a dramatic creation inspired by author Michael Connelly’s Renée Ballard novels, its premise is rooted in a real and meaningful truth: the extraordinary contributions of LAPD reserve officers. In Ballard, Detective Ballard leads a small team of retired and reserve officers and volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to reopening long-dormant homicide cases. In real life, the cold case unit is staffed entirely by reserve officers. Another fun fact: the Renée Ballard character is based on real-life LAPD Detective Mitzi Roberts, who is now a reserve officer!
WHERE TO WATCH
Season One of Ballard — produced by Michael Connelly, Eric Overmyer and Titus Welliver — premiered on Prime Video on July 9. All 10 episodes are available to stream exclusively for Prime Video subscribers.
LOOKING AHEAD
The creative team has confirmed that Season Two is currently in development, continuing Detective Ballard’s journey and the work of her unique unit.
As audiences discover Ballard, we take pride in knowing that the story it tells — of determination, teamwork and service — is grounded in the real achievements of our reserve officers.
Maggie Q as Detective Renée Ballard with Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch