MGM+ expands the Bosch universe with a new origin story.
MGM+ has officially greenlit Bosch: Start of Watch. It is a new prequel series that will explore the early years of Michael Connelly’s famed detective, Harry Bosch. Titus Welliver previously played the character for over a decade. The upcoming series stars Cameron Monaghan (Shameless, Gotham) as a young Harry Bosch. Omari Hardwick (Power, Army of the Dead) stars as veteran officer Eli Bridges. Production is set to begin in Los Angeles in 2026. The series will stream exclusively on MGM+ across multiple territories, including the U.S., U.K., and Europe.
This new prequel series is set in 1991 Los Angeles. Bosch: Start of Watch follows a 26-year-old Bosch as a rookie cop navigating a city on edge. He is gripped by racial tension, gang violence, and internal strife within the LAPD. When Bosch becomes entangled in a dangerous high-profile heist, he’s forced to confront moral dilemmas that will shape him into the principled detective fans have known for decades.
The Team Behind “Bosch: Start of Watch”
The series is co-created and executive produced by Tom Bernardo and Brian Anthony, with Bernardo serving as showrunner. Michael Connelly, Henrik Bastin, Jamie Boscardin Martin, and Jasmine Russ also serve as executive producers. Theresa Snider joins as co-executive producer for Hieronymus Pictures, with Fabel Entertainment producing the series.
MGM+ Head Michael Wright 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, Bosch: Start of Watch promises gritty, authentic storytelling that honors the franchise’s legacy while opening an exciting new chapter.”
Author and franchise creator Michael Connelly added, “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.”
Cast and Characters
Cameron Monaghan as Harry Bosch
Monaghan is known for his breakout role as Ian Gallagher in Shameless and his BAFTA-nominated performance as Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi. He brings a younger, driven version of Bosch to life. Described as stoic and unyielding, young Bosch is a probationary officer whose intelligence, determination, and moral conviction already hint at the legend he’ll become.
Omari Hardwick as Eli Bridges
Hardwick, best known for his acclaimed role as Ghost in Power, portrays Eli Bridges. He is a hardened Vietnam veteran and LAPD training officer. A moral compass for Bosch, Bridges mentors the rookie through the complex realities of policing Los Angeles in the early ’90s.
Returning to Los Angeles Roots
Executive producer Henrik Bastin emphasized the importance of authenticity: “By filming in LA, we’ll be able to tap into the best creative talent this industry has to offer — and deliver a story about Harry Bosch that fans have longed for.”
Bosch: Start of Watch marks a new chapter in MGM+’s commitment to prestige storytelling, bridging the cinematic and television worlds. For fans of Connelly’s novels and the long-running Bosch franchise, this prequel aims to explore not just the man behind the badge — but the city that forged him.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
