Bosch: Start of Watch: Everything We Know About Harry's Rookie Days

Get ready, Bosch fanatics! The sprawling Michael Connelly universe is expanding yet again, this time taking us back to where it all began with a brand-new prequel series focused on a young Harry Bosch.

TL;DR: The Quick Hits on 'Bosch: Start of Watch'

• Back to 1991 Los Angeles: The series will explore Harry Bosch's early days as a 26-year-old rookie LAPD officer.
• New Faces in Familiar Territory: Cameron Monaghan steps into the shoes of young Harry, with Omari Hardwick joining as his seasoned training officer, Eli Bridges.
• MGM+ is the New Home: While the original 'Bosch' and 'Legacy' lived on Amazon platforms, this prequel is set to debut on MGM+.

Unveiling 'Bosch: Start of Watch': A Fresh Look at a Legendary Detective

If you're anything like us, you've probably binged every single season of 'Bosch' and 'Bosch: Legacy' – maybe even twice. There's just something about Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch that keeps us hooked, right? Well, good news for all of us who can't get enough: the Bosch universe is officially getting a prequel series, titled 'Bosch: Start Of Watch', and it's going to explore the formative years of our favorite gritty detective.

This isn't just another spin-off; it's a full-on origin story, taking us back to 1991 Los Angeles. Imagine a young, intensely observant, and stoic Harry Bosch – still learning the ropes as a 26-year-old rookie cop in the LAPD. This series promises to show us how Harry became the unyielding, code-driven man we've come to admire, the one who famously believes, "Everybody counts or nobody counts."

Meet the New Cast Members Bringing Young Bosch to Life

Stepping into such an iconic role is no small feat, but the casting for 'Bosch: Start of Watch' has us genuinely excited. Taking on the titular role of young Harry Bosch is Cameron Monaghan, whom you might recognize from his extensive work on Showtime's 'Shameless' (where he played Ian Gallagher for a decade!) or as the chilling Valeska twins on Fox's 'Gotham'. Monaghan's knack for portraying complex, often troubled characters makes him an intriguing choice to show us a Harry Bosch still figuring things out.

But Harry won't be alone on the mean streets of '90s LA. Joining him is Omari Hardwick, best known for his powerful lead role as James "Ghost" St. Patrick in Starz's hit crime drama 'Power', and for his work in films like 'Army of the Dead'. Hardwick will portray Eli Bridges, a veteran detective who serves as Harry's training officer. Eli is a new character, not directly from Michael Connelly's books, described as a "seasoned, salty, rough-around-the-edges kind of cop" who takes "Baby Bosch" under his wing. This dynamic promises a fresh lens through which to view Harry's early police career.

Exploring the 'Bosch' Universe: From Prime Video to MGM+ and Beyond

The 'Bosch' franchise has been a cornerstone of streaming success for Amazon. It all kicked off with the original 'Bosch' series, starring Titus Welliver, which ran for a impressive seven seasons (2014-2021) on Prime Video and became the longest-running series on the platform. After that, the story continued with 'Bosch: Legacy', which saw Harry working as a private investigator and his daughter Maddie joining the force. 'Legacy' ran for three seasons, initially on Amazon Freevee before making its way to Prime Video, concluding in April.

And let's not forget the latest addition before the prequel, 'Ballard', starring Maggie Q as cold case detective Renée Ballard. That show debuted on Prime Video in July and has already been renewed for a second season. So, 'Start of Watch' marks the fourth series in this ever-expanding universe, showing just how much life there is in Michael Connelly's rich world.

However, 'Bosch: Start of Watch' is charting a slightly different course in terms of its streaming home. While its predecessors were firmly rooted in Amazon's ecosystem, this prequel is set to debut on MGM+. Amazon does own MGM+, so it's all still within the family, but it means fans will need to navigate a new platform to get their early Harry Bosch fix. MGM+ head Michael Wright expressed excitement about expanding the universe:

"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. With Cameron Monaghan and Omari Hardwick bringing these complex characters to life, and the creative vision of Michael Connelly and our talented executive producers, Bosch: Start of Watch promises to deliver the gritty, authentic storytelling that honors the franchise’s legacy while opening an exciting new chapter."

Venturing into Uncharted Character Territory for Michael Connelly

One of the most exciting aspects for long-time fans is how this prequel will interact with Michael Connelly's acclaimed books. The original 'Bosch' series adapted many of the early novels, which already depict Harry as a seasoned detective, a Vietnam veteran, and someone who's already cracked major cases. This means that 'Bosch: Start of Watch' largely steps into "uncharted character territory" for Connelly himself, a fact he acknowledged with enthusiasm.

While bits and pieces of Harry's early years are scattered throughout Connelly's more than 40 novels, the showrunners, Tom Bernardo (who will also serve as showrunner) and Brian Anthony, have a unique opportunity to craft a narrative that hasn't been directly explored in print. Connelly is deeply involved as an executive producer, ensuring that the essence of Harry Bosch remains true to its origins, even as new ground is broken.

Connelly shared his excitement: "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." This collaboration promises to deliver a story that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the character's established lore.

Stepping Back into 1991 Los Angeles: A City on the Edge

The choice of 1991 Los Angeles as the setting for 'Bosch: Start of Watch' is incredibly significant. The official logline paints a vivid picture: "The series will explore a city on the edge, teeming with racial tension, gang violence, and a fractured LAPD." This was a period of intense societal upheaval and heightened tensions in the city, particularly in the run-up to the 1992 Rodney King riots, which deeply impacted the city and its police force. This backdrop offers a rich, complex environment for a young, idealistic (or perhaps already jaded) Harry Bosch to cut his teeth.

Amidst routine calls and the growing unrest, Harry will find himself "drawn into a high-profile heist and a web of criminal corruption that will test his loyalty to the badge and shape his future." This setting isn't just scenery; it's a character in itself, mirroring the internal and external conflicts that will define Bosch's moral compass and unwavering commitment to justice.

The production will fittingly film in Los Angeles, securing an $11.6 million tax credit on $33.2 million in local expenditures. As executive producer Henrik Bastin put it, filming in LA is a "rare privilege these days" and allows them to "tap into the best creative talent this industry has to offer." This commitment to authenticity in setting and production bodes well for a truly immersive experience.

Following a Trend: The Rise of the Origin Story Prequel

'Bosch: Start of Watch' isn't the only show looking back to its hero's formative years. It joins a growing trend of popular crime dramas exploring their protagonists' origins, much like the recently announced 'Dexter: Original Sin' (a.k.a. 'Young Dexter') and CBS's 'NCIS: Origins'. This strategy often allows creators to refresh a beloved franchise, bring in new talent, and explore themes that might not fit the ongoing narrative of the main series.

While some might view these prequels as a "cynical ploy" by studios to generate new content and avoid rising costs associated with long-running series, for fans, it means more stories within universes they already love. It's a chance to see familiar characters in new lights, explore untold chapters, and delve deeper into the lore without disrupting established timelines. For 'Bosch' fans, it means understanding the roots of Harry's stoicism, his relentless pursuit of justice, and why he lives by the creed, "Everybody counts or nobody counts."

When Can We Expect to Watch 'Bosch: Start of Watch'?

While an exact premiere date for 'Bosch: Start of Watch' hasn't been locked in yet, we do know that production is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in 2026. Given that filming will kick off next year, it's reasonable to expect the series to debut on MGM+ sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. The series will be available on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, Latin America, Belgium, and the Netherlands, making young Harry accessible to a wide global audience.

Until then, there's plenty of 'Bosch' to rewatch across Prime Video and Amazon Freevee. Get ready to see the making of a legend!

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Bosch: Start of Watch'

• What is 'Bosch: Start of Watch'?

  'Bosch: Start of Watch' is an upcoming prequel series that explores the early career of Harry Bosch as a rookie LAPD detective in 1991 Los Angeles, long before he became the seasoned investigator fans know.

• Who plays young Harry Bosch?

  Cameron Monaghan, known for 'Shameless' and 'Gotham', will portray the 26-year-old Harry Bosch.

• Where can I watch 'Bosch: Start of Watch'?

  The new prequel series will be released on MGM+ in the U.S. and several international territories.

• Is 'Start of Watch' based on a Michael Connelly book?

  Not directly. While Michael Connelly is an executive producer and involved in the show, he describes the prequel as "uncharted character territory," as his books largely feature Harry Bosch as an already established detective.

• When does 'Bosch: Start of Watch' premiere?

  Production is slated to begin in 2026, so the series is expected to debut on MGM+ in late 2026 or early 2027.

Sources

• A.V. Club - Bosch gets a prequel series, somehow does not call it The Bosch Baby
• Deadline - ‘Bosch’ Prequel ‘Start of Watch’ Ordered at MGM+, Cameron Monaghan & Omari Hardwick To Star
• Variety - ‘Bosch’ Prequel ‘Start of Watch’ Ordered at MGM+, Cameron Monaghan and Omari Hardwick to Star
• NJ.com - ‘Shameless’ star Cameron Monaghan cast as young Harry Bosch in new ‘Bosch’ prequel series
• TVLine - Bosch Prequel Series, Starring Cameron Monaghan As Young Harry Bosch, Ordered At MGM+
• The Hollywood Reporter - ‘Bosch: Start of Watch’ Ordered at MGM+ With Cameron Monaghan and Omari Hardwick
• UNILAD - A popular Prime Video drama that Stephen King once called 'one of the best' is getting a prequel
• Digital Spy - Bosch prequel series Start of Watch greenlit by MGM+
• ScreenRant - Harry Bosch Is Officially Returning As Detective Franchise Expands With New Spinoff
• Pajiba - The Deeply Cynical Logic Behind the New 'Bosch' Prequel