Prime Video's Bosch universe looks like it's only just getting started, and now its newest installment may be closer than ever to securing a future. Ballard, the Maggie Q-led spinoff, has already made a strong case for renewal with its rave reviews and strong ratings. Now, thanks to a major win from the California Film Commission, its prospects for Season 2 just got even brighter. In a huge boost for the Los Angeles-set (and filmed, more importantly) series, it was was awarded a $14.84 million tax credit, a massive boon that often signals a pickup is on the way. Typically, studios submit projects for state tax credits only when they're already renewed or expected to be renewed -- making this news a strong sign that a second season is essentially a lock.
Since its July 9 binge release, Ballard has been performing at the top of its class. The series currently holds a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and has generated a staggering 2.5 billion minutes viewed in the U.S. by the end of July. It's also been a mainstay on Nielsen's weekly Top 10 for streaming originals, most recently sitting at No. 4 with 619 million minutes viewed during the week of July 21.
What Is 'Ballard' About?
The spinoff follows Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) as she leads the LAPD's newly created and underfunded cold case division. Tackling some of the city's most difficult unsolved crimes -- including a serial killer's spree and the mystery of a murdered John Doe -- Ballard uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that stretches inside the LAPD itself. Alongside her volunteer team and retired detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), she must juggle personal trauma, professional obstacles, and life-threatening dangers to pursue justice. And also make sure she finds some time for surfing, in some of the most picturesque scenes in the series.
A key part of Ballard's identity is its real Los Angeles flavor. Season 1 used iconic locations like Venice Beach, the Paradise Cove trailer park in Malibu, Union Station, and Los Angeles City Hall to ground the story in the city and it's that grounding, combined with the tense cold-case storytelling, has made the series really resonate with fans of Michael Connelly's novels while welcoming a new audience.
For now, all episodes of Ballard Season 1 are streaming on Prime Video -- and if the latest news is any indication, there's a lot more to come.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Ballard Crime Drama 31 9.0/10 Release Date July 9, 2025 Network Prime Video Directors Jet Wilkinson Cast See All Maggie Q Detective Renée Ballard Courtney Taylor Samira Parker Powered by Expand Collapse