Maggie Q’s new series Ballard, a spin-off from the beloved Bosch universe, has quickly become a sensation on Prime Video since its debut on July 9, 2025. The show, which follows Detective Renée Ballard as she leads the LAPD’s new and underfunded cold case division, has soared to the top of Amazon’s streaming charts, earning rave reviews and a perfect 100% Tomatometer score. Yet despite this success, the future of the series remains uncertain, with star Maggie Q expressing cautious optimism amid the unpredictable nature of the television industry.
Based on Michael Connelly’s novel Desert Star, Ballard charts fresh territory within the crime drama genre. The series centers on Renée Ballard, portrayed by Maggie Q, who builds a cold case unit from scratch, tackling long-forgotten murders and uncovering a dangerous conspiracy within the LAPD. While the legendary Harry Bosch, played by Titus Welliver, appears in a few episodes, this isn’t simply a continuation of Bosch: Legacy. Instead, it’s a new chapter that explores the gritty realities of law enforcement through Ballard’s determined eyes.
Despite the show’s immediate popularity, Maggie Q is wary about what lies ahead. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she admitted, “I have no sense [of the future]. This industry is not what it was before. It’s barely recognizable to me, and shows are so expendable. They can throw out a show in two seconds, and it doesn’t make a ton of difference that whole worlds and livelihoods are at stake.” Her caution stems from the unexpected end of Bosch: Legacy after its third season, despite strong viewership and critical acclaim.
Nonetheless, the response from fans to Ballard has been overwhelming. Maggie Q revealed, “When they made the announcement that I was doing the show, I got more texts, more messages, more people reaching out than for anything I’ve ever done in my entire career. People love crime.” This enthusiasm is mirrored in the show’s performance, with Ballard quickly becoming the number one show in the United States on Amazon Prime as of mid-July 2025.
The first season consists of ten episodes, each peeling back layers of complex crimes spanning decades. Ballard and her team not only investigate a serial killer targeting women throughout Los Angeles but also uncover a corrupt network of LAPD officers involved in a gun-running operation linked to the Zacatecas cartel. The season finale left viewers on a cliffhanger, with Ballard herself arrested for the murder of Olivas, a corrupt officer and sexual predator, whose death remains shrouded in mystery.
Adding to the tension, Ballard’s investigation revealed Olivas’s involvement in a dangerous conspiracy within the police force. After confronting Olivas and leaving her DNA at his home, Ballard’s fate hangs in the balance, raising questions about justice and corruption. Meanwhile, the team’s pursuit of the serial killer culminates in the death of Rawls, a fellow officer, at the hands of Gary Pearlman, the killer himself, further darkening the narrative.
With such a dramatic ending, fans and critics alike are eager to know if Ballard will return for a second season. As of now, Prime Video has not officially renewed the show. However, the series’ strong debut and critical acclaim suggest a promising future. Maggie Q herself has shared insights into the potential continuation, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “If we get a season 2 of Ballard, I think we’ll be back in the fall to shoot.” This hints at a possible 2026 release, should the green light be given.
Moreover, Maggie Q has revealed that the writers’ room is actively developing an exciting arc for a second season. “Studios always have options. But we have a writers’ room, and they’ve been writing away. The arc for the second season is very exciting,” she said, though she remains realistic about the uncertainties. “I’ve had writers’ rooms hired before and then gotten cancelled. So everyone’s like, ‘Maggie, of course!’ I’m like, ‘No, no, no.’ There is no ‘of course.’”
Should the series continue, the expected cast would include returning favorites such as Courtney Taylor as Samira Parker, John Carroll Lynch as Thomas Laffont, Rebecca Field as Colleen Hatteras, and Victoria Moroles as Martina Castro. Titus Welliver is also expected to reprise his role as Harry Bosch, maintaining the connection to the larger Bosch universe. The show will likely explore the fallout from the season one cliffhanger, delving deeper into the mystery behind Olivas’s murder and the corrupt officers still at large.
For Maggie Q, the experience of leading Ballard has been a career highlight, but she is not letting the show consume her life. Having recently celebrated her wedding and balancing several independent projects seeking financing, she has found a new equilibrium. “I want to be with my husband. I want to be with my dogs. I don’t have the big void to fill that I did when I was in my twenties, so I can say no to things with a smile on my face,” she shared.
All ten episodes of Ballard are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, available through various subscription options including a 30-day free trial. The show’s gripping storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of systemic corruption have captivated audiences, making it a standout in the crowded streaming landscape.
As viewers await news on a second season, the buzz surrounding Ballard continues to grow. The series not only expands the Bosch universe but also offers a fresh and compelling take on crime drama, anchored by Maggie Q’s powerful performance. Whether the show’s fate will mirror the unpredictability of the industry remains to be seen, but for now, Ballard stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and the hunger for narratives that challenge the status quo.
