In sensational news, Harry Bosch is returning but this time it’s with a twist. We’re finally going to see the story of the Black Echo as a new prequel series starring Cameron Monaghan as Hieronymous Bosch, previously played by Titus Welliver, has officially been green lit by MGM+. Monaghan will be joined by Omari Hardwick in the series titled Start of Watch. More to follow. Set in 1991 Los Angeles, the story will explore the city’s racial tensions, gang violence, and corruption through the eyes of a young cop who’s just learning what it means to live by Bosch’s defining code: “Everybody counts or nobody counts.”
“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,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “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.”
Why Is a Bosch Prequel Being Made?
In the announcement, Connelly described the project as a personal milestone:
“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,” he said. “I can’t wait to dig in with Cameron and the writers to explore this uncharted character territory.”
Bernardo echoed that excitement, calling it “a privilege” to tell the story of how both Bosch — and Los Angeles — were shaped in the early 1990s. “We want to honor the faith of Michael Connelly’s legion of readers and the amazing audience that tuned into Bosch and Bosch: Legacy over the years,” he said.
Filming will take place entirely in Los Angeles — something producer Henrik Bastin says was non-negotiable. “By filming in LA, we’ll be able to tap into the best creative talent this industry has to offer,” Bastin said. “And in doing so, deliver a story about Harry Bosch that fans have longed for.”
MGM+ says Bosch: Start of Watch is part of its mission to create “television for movie lovers,” combining the cinematic grit of classic Hollywood crime dramas with the grounded realism that’s always defined Connelly’s world.
No premiere date has been announced yet, but Bosch: Start of Watch will stream exclusively on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, Latin America, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
via Collider