Prime Video’s new detective show, Ballard, blends together traits of Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer, making it a perfect choice for fans of both. Since its release in 2014, Bosch has remained one of the best detective shows available on streaming. The show set itself apart because of its incredible stories, based on the books by Michael Connelly, and the top-notch acting.

This has led to two spinoff shows, the newer of which is Ballard. The show explores the life and work of Detective Renee Ballard, who’s working on the underfunded cold cases unit. Despite being a spinoff of Bosch, the show actually draws plenty of inspiration from Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer, blending together the Michael Connelly shows in the perfect way.

Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer & Prime Video’s Ballard Share Themes & Include Similar Characters

Ballard Feels Intrinsically Linked To Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer

Maggie Q's Renée looking in thought and Courtney Taylor's Samira looking intrigued in Ballard

Mickey stands in the courtroom with a picture of Glory Days in the background in The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 episode 6

Maggie Q's Renée holding a coffee cop and leaning over a railing while talking to Courtney Taylor's Samira Parker in Ballard

Mickey Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer season 1 finale

Although Prime Video’s Ballard is meant to be a spinoff of Bosch, the series has more narrative similarities with the Netflix series The Lincoln Lawyer, which is also based on books by Michael Connelly. Ballard and The Lincoln Lawyer heavily explore social justice topics and the faults in the legal system.

While themes like corruption also appear in Bosch, the show rarely tackles socio-political issues or the factors that influence crime. It feels very removed from reality despite being gritty and dark. However, Renee Ballard’s job as a cold case detective and Mickey Haller’s work as a defense attorney put social justice issues directly at the forefront of the narrative.

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Ballard and The Lincoln Lawyer both show the sunnier and beachier side of Los Angeles.

Mickey Haller and Renee Ballard also feel very similar in that they’re extremely competent and top of their field, but they both experienced career setbacks due to factors they didn’t ask for. Mickey has the disease of addiction, which he has to manage to stay in recovery. Meanwhile, Renee experienced sexual assault from Olivas and faced retaliation when she reported it. Renee Ballard also has an emotional connection to her car, like Mickey Haller.