Full Breakdown
MGM+ Greenlights "Bosch: Start of Watch" Prequel Series
10/16/2025, 12:22:45 AM
Overview of the Prequel Series
MGM+ has officially greenlit a new prequel series titled "Bosch: Start of Watch," which will delve into the early years of Michael Connelly’s iconic detective, Harry Bosch. The series is set to begin production in Los Angeles in 2026 and will feature Cameron Monaghan as a young Harry Bosch and Omari Hardwick as veteran officer Eli Bridges, a character not found in Connelly's original novels.
Setting and Plot
"Bosch: Start of Watch" is set in 1991 Los Angeles, a city characterized by racial tension, gang violence, and a fractured LAPD. The narrative follows 26-year-old Harry Bosch during his rookie days as a police officer. The official logline describes Bosch becoming embroiled in a high-profile heist and a web of criminal corruption that challenges his loyalty to the badge and shapes his future as a detective who adheres to the code, "Everybody counts or nobody counts."
Key Figures and Creative Team
The series is co-created and executive produced by Tom Bernardo and Brian Anthony, with Bernardo also serving as the showrunner. Other executive producers include Michael Connelly, Henrik Bastin, Jamie Boscardin Martin, and Jasmine Russ. The production is handled by Fabel Entertainment, and Theresa Snider serves as co-executive producer for Hieronymus Pictures.
Official Statements and Responses
Michael Wright, head of MGM+, expressed enthusiasm for expanding the Bosch universe, stating, “We are thrilled to expand the Bosch universe with this compelling origin story that showcases how one of television’s most beloved detectives became the man we know today.” Connelly remarked, “Being able to see how Harry Bosch became the man we have loved for 10 seasons is a gift to me and his many fans. I can’t wait to dig in with Cameron and the writers to explore this uncharted character territory.”
Character Descriptions
Cameron Monaghan's portrayal of Harry Bosch is described as a stoic and unyielding young man, characterized by his intelligence, determination, and moral conviction. Omari Hardwick's character, Eli Bridges, is depicted as a seasoned Vietnam veteran and Bosch's mentor, guiding him through the complexities of policing in Los Angeles.
Why It Matters
"Bosch: Start of Watch" marks the fourth series in the Bosch franchise, following the original "Bosch" series, which ran for seven seasons, and its spinoffs, including "Bosch: Legacy" and "Ballard." This prequel aims to explore not only the character of Harry Bosch but also the socio-political landscape of early 1990s Los Angeles, providing a deeper understanding of the environment that shaped him.
What's Next
The series will be available on MGM+ across multiple regions, including the U.S., UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, Latin America, Belgium, and the Netherlands. As production is set to begin in 2026, fans of the franchise can anticipate a fresh perspective on one of television's most enduring characters.
