Ballard is a new crime drama series set in the same world as Bosch. The series will premiere on Prime Video on July 9, 2025, and all 10 episodes of Season 1 will be available on the same day. The story follows a tough and smart LAPD detective, Renée Ballard, as she takes over the department’s cold case unit to solve old, unsolved crimes.
The show stars Maggie Q as Detective Ballard and Titus Welliver returns as Harry Bosch. Together, they work on hard cases while uncovering secrets inside the police department. The series is based on books written by Michael Connelly.
| Title | Ballard (2025) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Age Rating (Expected) | TV-MA (Mature Audience Only) |
| Created By | Michael Connelly (based on his novels) |
| Main Cast | Maggie Q, Titus Welliver |
| Release Date | July 9, 2025 |
| Platform | Prime Video |
| Total Episodes | 10 |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Language | English |
Ballard Age Rating
Ballard is expected to be rated TV-MA, which means “for mature audiences only.” This rating is given because of:
- Graphic violence
- Disturbing crime scenes
- Mature and dark themes
This show is not suitable for kids or teens under 17.
Age-Wise Viewing Guide
| Age Group | Suitable to Watch? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 5–12 years | No | Too violent and scary |
| 13–15 years | Not recommended | Mature themes and intense crime visuals |
| 16–17 years | Only with adults | Some scenes may be disturbing |
| 18+ | Yes | Safe for mature adult audiences |
Is Ballard OK for Kids?
No, Ballard is not made for children or young teens. It has intense crime scenes and strong themes about murder, trauma, and corruption.
- Under 13: Not allowed
- 13–15: Strongly not recommended
- 16–17: Only with parent guidance
- 18+: Safe for adult viewers
Ballard Parents Guide
Ballard is a dark and emotional crime drama. It shows how cold cases are solved and how crimes affect victims and officers. Here’s what parents should know:
Violence and Gore
- The show has many scenes of murder, shootings, and blood.
- A serial killer case shows a man tied in a bathtub, with blood coming from his mouth.
- There are dead bodies, injuries, and violent flashbacks shown in a realistic and dark way.
- Police chases, fights, and crime scene investigations happen in most episodes.
Language
- Characters use strong curse words during arguments and crime scenes.
- Language includes foul words and adult expressions.
Sexual Content
- No clear sex scenes or nudity.
- Some adult topics may be talked about but nothing graphic is shown.
Drug and Alcohol Use
- Some characters may be seen drinking alcohol or smoking, especially in stressful or emotional scenes.
- No drug abuse shown directly.
Scary or Emotional Themes
- The show deals with trauma, death, murder investigations, and police corruption.
- Some scenes may upset younger or sensitive viewers.
- Victims of crime are often shown in painful situations.
What Should Parents Do?
- Watch the show first if your teen wants to see it.
- Explain the difference between fictional crime and real-world events.
- Discuss the heavy themes like corruption, justice, and trauma.
- Avoid watching with young children around, even in the background.
Ballard Official Trailer and Streaming Details
Ballard (2025) will premiere on Prime Video on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. All 10 episodes of Season 1 will be available for streaming on the same day, in over 240 countries.
This show is a spin-off of the Bosch series and continues the same gritty crime-solving style, now with a strong female lead character.
FAQs
Q. What is the age rating for Ballard (2025)?
A. Ballard is expected to be rated TV-MA for strong violence, disturbing crime scenes, and mature themes.
Q. Is Ballard safe for teenagers?
A. No, Ballard is not suitable for viewers under 16. Older teens should only watch with an adult.
Q. Does Ballard have sexual scenes?
A. There is no confirmed nudity or sexual scenes, but some adult themes may be included.
Q. What kind of violence is shown in Ballard?
A. The show includes graphic murder scenes, blood, torture, and police investigations with disturbing details.
Q. Can I watch Ballard with my family?
A. No, Ballard is made for individual adult viewers, not family or children.