A new iteration of the beloved detective Harry Bosch is set to debut, and this time, he’s a rookie. MGM+ announced that Cameron Monaghan, known for his work in “Shameless,” will portray a younger, less experienced Bosch in a newly greenlit prequel series titled “Bosch: Start of Watch.” This marks a transition from the role long held by Titus Welliver, who has embodied the iconic character for over a decade.
The prequel will also introduce Omari Hardwick, recognized for his role in “Power,” as Eli Bridges, Bosch’s police mentor—a character that does not exist in Michael Connelly’s original book series. Set in Los Angeles during 1991, the series will chronicle the early days of Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch as a 26-year-old rookie cop. It aims to paint a vivid backdrop of a city grappling with racial tension, gang violence, and a fractured LAPD. As Bosch navigates through mundane police calls and rising unrest, he will become embroiled in a high-stakes heist and a complex web of criminal corruption that challenges his dedication to his badge and ultimately shapes his evolution into the seasoned detective known for his guiding principle: “Everybody counts or nobody counts.”
Produced by Fabel Entertainment, “Start of Watch” is co-created and executive-produced by Tom Bernardo, who also serves as showrunner. Notable figures like Michael Connelly, Henrik Bastin, Jamie Boscardin Martin, and Jasmine Russ are also involved as executive producers. Bernardo expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating that it is a privilege to delve into both the character’s origins and the Los Angeles landscape of the early ’90s. He emphasized a commitment to honoring the long-time readers of Connelly’s work and the dedicated audience of the “Bosch” franchise.
This new series marks the fourth installment in the “Bosch” universe, which initially launched with seven seasons on Amazon Prime Video. Following the original series, “Bosch: Legacy” aired on Freevee before the recent spinoff featuring Maggie Q, “Ballard,” premiered on Prime Video and has already been renewed for a second season.
Connelly expressed his excitement for “Start of Watch,” thanking MGM+ for their dedication to telling this next chapter in Bosch’s journey. He shared his eagerness to collaborate with Monaghan and the creative team to explore the character’s foundational years.
Welliver, who brought depth to Bosch for ten years, reminisced about the bond formed with the character and the show’s loyal fanbase. His reflections on the conclusion of the original series highlighted a bittersweet farewell, filled with pride for the show’s accomplishments and a nod to the possibility of returning in the future.
As “Bosch: Start of Watch” prepares to unfold, fans can look forward to an enriching exploration of a character who has captured hearts and minds, ensuring that the legacy of Harry Bosch continues to live on.