The Bosch universe is set to expand further with the highly anticipated prequel series, ‘Bosch: Start of Watch,’ starring Cameron Monaghan as a young Harry Bosch. This new MGM+ series will transport fans back to 1991 Los Angeles, exploring the formative years and experiences that shaped the iconic detective, further deepening the rich mythology created by author Michael Connelly.
For over a decade, fans of crime drama have followed the gritty, unwavering justice of Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, brought to life masterfully by Titus Welliver. Now, the beloved detective’s origin story is set to unfold with the announcement of ‘Bosch: Start of Watch,’ a new prequel series greenlit by MGM+. This marks an exciting new chapter, promising to reveal the foundational experiences that molded one of television’s most iconic law enforcement figures.
The mantle of a younger Harry Bosch will be taken up by Cameron Monaghan, widely recognized for his compelling performances in series like ‘Shameless.’ This casting decision has sparked significant fan discussion, eager to see how Monaghan will embody the nascent stages of Bosch’s relentless pursuit of truth in a city on the brink. The series promises an in-depth exploration of the man behind the badge, delving into the influences and challenges he faced as a rookie cop.
The Dawn of a Detective: Cameron Monaghan as Young Harry Bosch
Cameron Monaghan steps into the shoes of Harry Bosch as a 26-year-old rookie, a stark contrast to the seasoned, battle-worn detective fans have come to know. This pivotal period in Bosch’s career, set in 1991 Los Angeles, will explore his earliest experiences on the force. The role demands a blend of youthful idealism and the nascent stages of the cynicism that would later define Bosch. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Monaghan’s portrayal will delve into a city simmering with tension, directly impacting the young officer.
A New Partnership: Omari Hardwick Joins as Eli Bridges
Joining Monaghan is Omari Hardwick, known for his powerful role in ‘Power,’ who will play Eli Bridges, Bosch’s training officer. Bridges is introduced as a new character, not originating from Michael Connelly‘s extensive book series, which offers fresh narrative possibilities. His presence will serve as a crucial influence on young Bosch, guiding him through the complexities of police work and shaping his early understanding of justice and corruption.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty; Robin L Marshall/Getty
Cameron Monaghan; Omari Hardwick
Los Angeles, 1991: The Formative Years
The prequel is set in Los Angeles during 1991, a period of significant social and political upheaval. The logline for ‘Start of Watch’ describes a city “teeming with racial tension, gang violence, and a fractured LAPD.” This tumultuous environment serves as the crucible in which Harry Bosch‘s worldview and his unwavering moral code, “Everybody counts or nobody counts,” will be forged. Viewers will witness how routine calls and growing unrest propel Bosch into a high-profile heist and a complex web of criminal corruption.
The series aims to showcase how these early, intense experiences challenge his loyalty to the badge and fundamentally shape his future as the uncompromising detective fans admire. Understanding the socio-political climate of 1991 is crucial to appreciating the forces that molded Bosch’s unique sense of justice and his often-antagonistic relationship with the institutional aspects of law enforcement.
The Expanding Bosch Universe: A Franchise Overview
‘Bosch: Start of Watch’ officially becomes the fourth series in the thriving Bosch television franchise. The journey began with the acclaimed original series, ‘Bosch,’ which ran for seven seasons on Amazon Prime Video, cementing Titus Welliver‘s portrayal as definitive.
Following its success, the narrative continued with ‘Bosch: Legacy,’ which initially premiered on Amazon’s Freevee platform (formerly IMDb TV) due to budget considerations, as detailed in reports like those from The Hollywood Reporter discussing streaming platform strategies. ‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3, Episode 1, aired on March 27, 2025, and continues to follow Harry Bosch as he protects Honey Chandler’s DA campaign, while his daughter Maddie, and Reina Vasquez tackle a follow-home robbery case. Concurrently, an investigation begins into Bosch’s suspected involvement in Kurt Dockweiler’s death, according to IMDb. Additionally, the Maggie Q-led spinoff, ‘Ballard,’ which debuted on Prime Video earlier this year, has already been renewed for a second season, further diversifying the storytelling within Michael Connelly’s world.
This strategic expansion across different platforms (Prime Video, Freevee, MGM+) showcases the enduring appeal and versatility of Michael Connelly’s characters and narratives. Each new series provides a unique lens into the sprawling criminal justice system of Los Angeles, from the origins of its most famous detective to the continuing sagas of its beloved supporting characters.
Hopper Stone/Amazon Studios
Titus Welliver and Jamie Hector on ‘Bosch’
Passing the Torch: Welliver’s Legacy and Connelly’s Vision
While Cameron Monaghan prepares to portray the young Harry Bosch, the legacy of Titus Welliver’s portrayal remains profound. Welliver himself expressed a deep connection to the character, stating his pride in what was accomplished over 10 years and the sadness of saying goodbye, while acknowledging the possibility of “never say never.” His sons, Quinn and Eammonn, even briefly appeared as younger versions of their father’s character in flashback scenes on both ‘Bosch’ and ‘Bosch: Legacy,’ hinting at the interest in Bosch’s past.
Michael Connelly, the author and co-creator, shared his enthusiasm for the prequel, emphasizing his gratitude to Michael Wright, head of MGM+, and the team for their commitment. “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,” Connelly remarked. He expressed excitement to “dig in with Cameron and the writers to explore this uncharted character territory.” This sentiment underscores the prequel’s dual purpose: to honor the established character while charting compelling new narrative ground.
What This Means for the Bosch Fan Community
The announcement of ‘Bosch: Start of Watch’ is more than just another series; it’s an opportunity for fans to witness the very genesis of the detective they’ve admired. This prequel promises to fill in the crucial gaps of Bosch’s early life, explaining the origins of his resolute integrity and his unique approach to justice in a corrupt world. For those who have followed Harry Bosch through his darkest cases and personal battles, this series offers unparalleled insight into the foundational experiences that shaped his distinctive character, further enriching the lore of the Bosch universe.
