Cameron Monaghan Steps Into Harry Bosch’s Shoes in MGM+ Prequel BOSCH START OF WATCH

The Bosch universe is growing again. MGM+ has officially ordered Bosch: Start of Watch, a new prequel series that dives into the early years of Harry Bosch’s career with the LAPD.

Cameron Monaghan will step into the role of a young Bosch, while Omari Hardwick joins him as veteran officer Eli Bridges.

Set in 1991 Los Angeles, Start of Watch will explore a city on the edge, boiling with racial tension, gang violence, and corruption within a fractured police department. According to the official logline:

“The series will explore a city on the edge, teeming with racial tension, gang violence, and a fractured LAPD. Amid routine calls and growing unrest, Bosch finds 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 as the detective who lives by the code, ‘Everybody counts or nobody counts.’”

Michael Wright, head of MGM+, said, “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.”

Production on the series is set to begin in Los Angeles in 2026, keeping the story grounded in the same city that shaped Bosch’s worldview.

The show comes from Tom Bernardo and Brian Anthony, both veterans of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, who serve as co-creators and executive producers. Bernardo will also act as showrunner, with Michael Connelly, Henrik Bastin, Jamie Boscardin Martin, and Jasmine Russ joining the producing team.

Connelly, who created the character in his best-selling detective novels, shared his excitement about this new chapter. “I’m deeply grateful to Michael Wright and the team at MGM+ for championing this next chapter in Bosch’s journey with such remarkable care and integrity,”

“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 marks the fourth series in the Bosch franchise. The original Bosch ran for seven seasons on Amazon Prime Video, followed by Bosch: Legacy, which continued the story for three more.

Most recently, Ballard, starring Maggie Q as Detective Renée Ballard, premiered on Prime Video and was renewed for a second season earlier this month.

Bernardo teased what fans can expect from the prequel, saying, “It’s a terrific privilege to be able to explore both the origins of this iconic character and the Los Angeles that formed him in the early 1990s.

“In telling the story of a young Harry Bosch, 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. We’re excited to embark on this journey.”

Monaghan, best known for his standout role as Ian Gallagher on Showtime’s Shameless, also appeared in Gotham, Tron: Ares, Amityville: The Awakening, and Click. Hardwick, who made a name for himself as James “Ghost” St. Patrick in Starz’s Power, adds even more weight to the cast. His past work includes Pieces of Her, Star Trek: Section 31, The Mother, and Army of the Dead.

Executive producer Henrik Bastin said in a statement: “To get the opportunity to produce this show and shoot it on the streets of Los Angeles is a rare privilege these days.

“By filming in LA, we’ll be able to tap into the best creative talent this industry has to offer – and in doing so deliver a story about Harry Bosch that fans have longed for. Thanks to MGM+ for giving us the resources to make it happen, and to the California Tax Credit for bringing business back to LA!”

As a fan of the Bosch franchise, I’m excited about this new series!