'Must-see' crime drama with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score soars up streaming charts

A crime drama that fans have hailed a “must-see” and even “one of the best shows of the year” has climbed its way up Amazon Prime Video’s charts.

Ballard is a spin-off of Bosch, which aired between 2014 and 2021 and followed Los Angeles Police Detective Harry Bosch (played by Titus Welliver).

This time, Maggie Q takes the lead role as LAPD Detective Renée Ballard, another character based on Michael Connelly’s detective novels.

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The ten-part series sees her take command of the LAPD’s new cold case unit within the Robbery-Homicide Division, as she leads a team attempting to solve decades-old murders.

As she opens up the investigations, Ballard uncovers a web of corruption and secrets within the police department.

The synopsis teases: “Detective Renée Ballard plunges into a web of murder and corruption as she hunts a ruthless serial killer and uncovers a sinister police conspiracy that threatens everything she stands for.

“With her own demons nipping at her heels, Ballard must outwit both criminals and colleagues to bring long-overdue justice to the victims and their families.”

Just days after it was released, Ballard has landed the number one spot on Amazon Prime Video’s UK charts and scored a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

One person praised on Rotten Tomatoes: “It doesn't disappoint and lives up to all expectations. It should surprise no one that Michael Connelly has another winner. Must see TV!”

Another said: “I can't stop watching it. After every episode, I think, "I need to go do x," but then I watch another.”

“Very engaging, binged the whole thing without stopping,” someone else said.

Over on X, a fan wrote: “#Ballard is amazing. It picks up the pace when needed but also slows down, giving you time to breathe without ever being boring. It's been so long since I've seen a show do that, and isn't just a sensory overload (even if you binge it in a day). Also Maggie Q is absolutely [fire].”

“What a rollercoaster! Ballard was worth the binge... So far, Harry Bosch's universe remains undefeated,” another added.

As well as roaring reviews from audience members, critics have hailed the Amazon Prime series.

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

A review from Paste Magazine added: “Ballard is kick-a**, earnest, and extremely well-written, and may well be one of the best shows of the year.”

Addressing the demands for a second season, Maggie Q revealed to Variety : “The good news is we have a writers’ room already, so that’s very positive. That does not mean we’re going to get greenlit for a second season!

“I wish it did, but I’ve had writers’ room start and then get ended. But the good news is that we are breaking the second season, which is very exciting.”

Ballard is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.