Ballard’s success lies in its simplicity. Instead of a stylized detective show, the creators chose a very ‘no-nonsense’ style of storytelling, and that complements the complex cases that we watch unfold on-screen.

Full Review | Jul 26, 2025

Slow to start, the series eventually finds its rhythm by the third episode. The cast is what keeps you motivated to continue watching.

Full Review | Jul 25, 2025

This could all begin to resemble a list of bad-cop clichés, but Ballard is lifted out of the ordinary by its strong cast and the way Ballard’s somewhat motley crew pool their own idiosyncratic talents.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 25, 2025

But instead of remaining a direct replica of the main series, as 'Legacy' did, 'Ballard' offers a lighter, funnier feel through the diverse supporting cast who volunteer for Renée's squad. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 25, 2025

[Bosch] was always personally motivated by everything that he did, but it's different seeing that from a female perspective, and we need more of that.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Jul 24, 2025

This compelling crime procedural features all the expected investigative work one would expect from the Bosch franchise.

Full Review | Jul 24, 2025

Ballard is Prime Video capitalizing on a resurgence of police dramas, but that isn’t a bad thing. Sure, it’s off-base at times, but the drama, the characters, and the intrigue keep the series trucking along.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Jul 15, 2025

It’s an easy, entertaining watch and the audience might get lucky and see Harry Bosch peek in.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jul 14, 2025

Ballard is building itself around a singular character as it settles comfortably into the Bosch universe. But it’s also investigating new angles on the familiar form of the police procedural.

Full Review | Jul 11, 2025

Smartly acted, beautifully paced and genuinely engaging, “Ballard” is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Full Review | Jul 9, 2025

Ballard is kick-ass, earnest, and extremely well-written, and may well be one of the best shows of the year.

Full Review | Original Score: 9.1/10 | Jul 9, 2025

It’s an uncommonly great potboiler with something for everyone.

Full Review | Jul 9, 2025

Maggie Q delivers a performance unlike any she’s given before, thoughtful, vulnerable, and empathetic, that offers plenty of introspection.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 8, 2025

[Ballard] seems at first like another budget-conscious attempt to keep the Bosch universe alive -- and it is -- but it’s also an unexpectedly terrific stand-alone series that arguably improves upon the original.

Full Review | Jul 7, 2025

For a show that could've very easily gotten lost among the waves Bosch made, Ballard rides them while carving up its own style and leaving anticipation in its wake.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Jul 7, 2025

If you’re looking for a procedural thriller that’s grounded by grit, genuine leads, and complex cases, “Ballard” gets it done.

Full Review | Jul 7, 2025

Ballard, on Prime Video, is a thoroughly entertaining series that, despite its shortcomings, makes for a bingeable watch.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jul 7, 2025

While Ballard isn't as iconic as its predecessor, it is a worthy addition to the Bosch universe and a high-quality crime drama that will keep viewers satisfied for hopefully years to come.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Jul 7, 2025