A cold case buried for decades. A city drowning in ghosts of the past. And one explosive partnership you’ll never forget.  Maggie Q joins forces with a fan-favorite cop in a crime saga so gripping, critics are calling it “the thriller of the decade.” 

This isn’t TV — it’s a full-blown adrenaline rush. And with Rotten Tomatoes at 100%, fans say it’s impossible to stop once you hit play. 

 The #1 crime event on Netflix right now — FULL STORY + streaming link below 

“BOSCH CAN’T COMPETE!” — Prime Video’s Ballard Is a Detective Thriller With a Perfect 100% Score That’s Breaking Every Record

In the crowded world of crime dramas, where every streaming platform seems to churn out gritty procedurals by the dozen, Prime Video has unleashed a juggernaut that’s rewriting the rules of the genre. Ballard, the latest spinoff from the beloved Bosch and Bosch: Legacy universe, has stormed onto the scene with a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, a feat that has critics and fans alike buzzing with excitement. Starring Maggie Q as the fierce and nuanced Detective Renée Ballard, this 10-episode series, which dropped on July 9, 2025, has skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on Prime Video’s streaming charts, leaving even its Bosch predecessors in the dust. This isn’t just television—it’s a full-blown adrenaline rush that’s being hailed as “the thriller of the decade.” Here’s why Ballard is the crime event you can’t afford to miss.

A New Hero Rises in the Bosch Universe

For fans of Michael Connelly’s bestselling novels, the Bosch franchise has long been a gold standard for crime dramas. With Titus Welliver’s portrayal of the grizzled, jazz-loving detective Harry Bosch anchoring seven seasons of Bosch (2014–2021) and three seasons of Bosch: Legacy (2022–2025), the bar was set impossibly high. Yet, Ballard doesn’t just meet expectations—it surpasses them, carving out a bold new chapter in Connelly’s universe. Introduced in the Bosch: Legacy finale, Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) takes center stage, leading the LAPD’s underfunded Cold Case Division with a team of volunteers and misfits.

Maggie Q, known for her commanding performances in Nikita and Mission: Impossible III, brings a unique blend of grit, grace, and vulnerability to Ballard. Unlike Bosch’s morally ambiguous, rule-bending approach, Ballard is a stickler for procedure, driven by a deep-seated need to deliver justice for the forgotten. Her backstory—sidelined by the LAPD after filing a sexual assault complaint against her partner—adds a layer of personal trauma that makes her both relatable and fiercely compelling. Critics have praised Q’s performance as one of her best, noting her ability to balance deadpan intensity with moments of raw emotion, making Ballard a standout in a genre often dominated by male leads.

A Plot That Grips and Doesn’t Let Go

Ballard dives headfirst into Los Angeles’ dark underbelly, where cold cases—murders long buried and overlooked—form the backbone of the series. The show follows Ballard as she tackles a web of decades-old crimes, including a serial killer’s string of murders and the mysterious death of a politician’s sister. What starts as routine detective work quickly spirals into a deadly conspiracy within the LAPD itself, forcing Ballard to navigate corruption, betrayal, and life-threatening danger. The series’ pacing is relentless, weaving a central mystery with smaller, episodic cases that keep viewers hooked.

The show’s strength lies in its ability to balance familiar crime procedural elements—interrogations, forensic analysis, and gritty action—with a humanist core that sets it apart. Ballard’s team, a ragtag group of retired cops, civilians, and interns, brings warmth and camaraderie to the series. Standout performances include Courtney Taylor as Samira Parker, a former cop coaxed back to the force, and John Carroll Lynch as Thomas Laffont, a retired detective with a heart of gold. Their chemistry with Q grounds the show, making every breakthrough feel earned and every loss deeply felt.

Titus Welliver’s Harry Bosch makes occasional appearances, serving as a mentor figure to Ballard. Their dynamic, marked by mutual respect and occasional tension, adds depth to the narrative, bridging the old and new eras of the Bosch universe. As Maggie Q herself noted, “Maggie and I had never met each other before Bosch: Legacy, but the chemistry was there, it really worked.” This partnership, while not the core focus, delivers the explosive moments fans crave, with Bosch’s seasoned perspective complementing Ballard’s relentless drive.

Why Ballard Is Breaking Records

Since its premiere, Ballard has dominated Prime Video’s top 10, climbing to the No. 1 spot within days of release. Its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, based on early reviews, reflects universal critical acclaim, with reviewers calling it a “worthy addition to the Bosch universe” and “an unexpectedly terrific detective series.” Collider’s Jasneet Singh praised the show for “carving up its own style,” while Variety lauded its pacing and Q’s “deeply believable” performance. Even skeptics, like CBR’s Brittany Frederick, who noted the show’s rougher edges, admitted it’s a “high-quality crime drama.”

Audience reception, while slightly more mixed at 78–80% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans on X calling it “impossible to stop watching” and “the best crime show of 2025.” The series’ ability to tackle heavy themes—corruption, sexism, and the personal toll of police work—without feeling preachy has resonated deeply, particularly with viewers who appreciate its focus on a female-led narrative.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Genre

What sets Ballard apart from its predecessors is its distinct aesthetic and perspective. Shot in Malibu, the series juxtaposes the sun-soaked beaches with the grim realities of cold-case investigations, creating a visual contrast Maggie Q likened to Baywatch meets The Shield. This setting, combined with soulful scoring and scenes of Ballard surfing to find peace, adds a layer of grace to the show’s gritty foundation.

The series also doesn’t shy away from addressing systemic issues within the LAPD, particularly gender dynamics and institutional corruption. While some critics, like an IMDb reviewer, argued the portrayal of these issues feels “exaggerated” or “anachronistic,” others praised Ballard for its unflinching honesty, comparing it to HBO’s We Own This City. This willingness to engage with real-world complexities, paired with Q’s portrayal of a woman navigating a male-dominated field, makes Ballard a timely and powerful addition to the genre.

The Future of Ballard

With its record-breaking viewership and critical acclaim, Ballard seems poised for a second season, though no official renewal has been confirmed. Maggie Q hinted at a “very exciting” arc for a potential Season 2, but cautioned that the industry’s unpredictability makes nothing certain. For now, fans can binge all 10 episodes on Prime Video, available at Prime Video – Ballard.

Why You Should Watch

Ballard is more than a Bosch spinoff—it’s a bold reinvention that proves the franchise’s staying power. Maggie Q’s magnetic performance, a gripping narrative, and a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score make it a must-watch for crime drama enthusiasts. Whether you’re a longtime Bosch fan or a newcomer, this series delivers a heart-pounding, emotionally resonant experience that’s impossible to turn off. Dive into the cold cases, conspiracies, and unforgettable characters of Ballard—your next binge is waiting.