A new prequel series titled “Bosch: Start of Watch” has officially been commissioned by MGM+, with Cameron Monaghan cast in the lead role of Harry Bosch.
According to Variety, the prequel will delve into Bosch’s early career with the LAPD, portraying him as a rookie. Omari Hardwick will portray Eli Bridges, a seasoned officer and Bosch’s partner.
Based on the Detective Harry Bosch novels by Michael Connelly, the series is set to begin filming in Los Angeles in 2026.
“We are excited to enrich the Bosch universe with this engaging origin tale that reveals how one of television’s favorite detectives became who he is today,” stated Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “With Cameron Monaghan and Omari Hardwick embodying these intricate characters, along with Michael Connelly’s creative guidance and our esteemed executive producers, Bosch: Start of Watch aims to deliver the authentic storytelling that pays homage to the franchise’s history while introducing an exhilarating new narrative.”
Set in 1991 Los Angeles, the official synopsis reveals, “The series will depict a city fraught with racial tension, gang violence, and a divided LAPD. As Bosch navigates routine calls amid intensifying unrest, he gets embroiled in a high-stakes heist and a web of criminal corruption that will challenge his loyalty and shape his future as a detective who adheres to the principle: ‘Everybody counts or nobody counts.’”
Tom Bernardo (“Bosch,” “Bosch: Legacy”) and Brian Anthony (“Bosch: Legacy,” “FBI”) serve as co-creators and executive producers, with Bernardo also acting as showrunner. Connelly, Henrik Bastin, Jamie Boscardin Martin, and Jasmine Russ will join them as executive producers, while Theresa Snider is the co-executive producer representing Hieronymus Pictures. The production is under the banner of Fabel Entertainment.
“I am incredibly thankful to Michael Wright and the MGM+ team for their commitment to this new chapter in Bosch’s saga with such discernment and integrity,” remarked Connelly. “To explore how Harry Bosch transformed into the character beloved by so many over 10 seasons is a wonderful opportunity for me and his fans. I eagerly anticipate working with Cameron and the writers to navigate this unexplored character landscape.”
This marks the fourth installment in the “Bosch” franchise. Following the original Amazon Prime Video series, which spanned seven seasons, the lead actor Titus Welliver starred in the spinoff “Bosch: Legacy” over three seasons. Most recently, the spinoff “Ballard,” featuring Maggie Q as cold case detective Renée Ballard, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in July and has already been renewed for a second season as of early October.
“It is a great honor to delve into the origins of this legendary character and the Los Angeles that shaped him during the early 1990s,” Bernard stated. “In narrating the story of a young Harry Bosch, we aim to respect the trust of Michael Connelly’s vast readership and the loyal audience that has followed ‘Bosch’ and ‘Bosch: Legacy’ over the years. We’re looking forward to embarking on this new adventure.”
Monaghan is recognized primarily for his performance in the acclaimed Showtime series “Shameless,” where he portrayed Ian Gallagher for the entirety of the show’s 11-season run. His notable roles also include playing twins Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in “Gotham.” He has appeared in films like “Tron: Ares,” “Amityville: The Awakening,” and the Adam Sandler comedy “Click.”
Hardwick is best known for his lead role in the popular Starz crime drama “Power,” where he played James “Ghost” St. Patrick throughout the series’ six seasons. His other television appearances include “Pieces of Her” and “Star Trek: Section 31,” along with roles in films such as “The Mother,” “Fantasy Football,” and “Army of the Dead.”
Monaghan is represented by UTA, Amplified, and Goodman Genow, while Hardwick is represented by UTA and Sloane Offer. Bernardo is represented by Verve, and Anthony is represented by Brant Rose Agency.
“Producing this show and filming it in Los Angeles is a rare and valuable opportunity in today’s landscape,” noted Bastin. “Shooting in LA allows us to harness the finest creative talent available in the industry resulting in a story about Harry Bosch that fans have been eagerly anticipating. We are grateful to MGM+ for supporting us, and to the California Tax Credit for renewing business in LA!”
