After ten seasons ofBoschandBosch: Legacy, Prime Video’s gritty LA crime franchise is officially entering its next phase — and the real-life inspiration behindBallardsays it’s still sinking in.Mitzi Roberts, the veteran LAPD detectivewho inspired Michael Connelly’s Renee Ballard character, was on hand at theBallardred carpet premiere, where she spoke exclusively to Collider’sAidan Kelleyabout what it’s like seeing a version of herself brought to life onscreen. “It’s surreal. Very humbled. Hasn’t kind of sunk in yet,” Roberts admitted. “But I’m just thrilled with the reviews that we’ve been getting.”
Roberts has been an integral part of theBoschfranchisebehind the scenes for over a decade. She worked as a technical consultant on the original show and now carries that expertise intoBallard, which she says retains the gritty realism of the original while shifting perspective. “We were doing it exactly the wayBoschdid, but with a different character,” she said. “Ballard is a lot different than Bosch… It’s the same world, but a different world.”
That “different world” includes a new tone, new cases, and a new lead inMaggie Q, who plays the tenacious detectivespearheading the LAPD’s cold case division. Roberts was thrilled with the casting from the beginning. “She was my choice from the start,” she told Collider. “So when it came down and they said that they chose her, I was thrilled. It was a no-brainer. And then we talked, and it was like I knew her all my life. We’re very similar. You would think we were related.”
What’s Next for ‘Ballard’?
As for what’s next? According to Roberts, the show’s creative team isn’t treatingBallardas just a one-off. “I’m part of the writers’ room, and yeah, we’re hoping for that second season,” she confirmed. “My hope is that you get to learn more about Ballard and who she is and her story and what makes her tick — and then the stories just keep getting better.”
After a decade working with Harry Bosch, Mitzi Roberts is helping usher in the franchise’s next generation.Ballardisn’t just a spin-off — it’s a bold new chapter, and one that still has plenty left to uncover, clearly.
BallardSeason 1 is now streaming on Prime Video. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest updates from the World of Bosch.
