Why Amazon May Have Canceled the Jerry Edgar Spin-Off of Bosch: Legacy

Key Takeaways

Amazon is contemplating reviving the Jerry Edgar spin-off after the release of the Ballard series to optimize costs and maintain the Bosch universe.
The company exhibits skepticism about further expanding the Bosch universe, opting to treat each show as separate entities while simultaneously minimizing expenses.
The Ballard series is set to premiere in Fall 2025, potentially paving the way for the return of the Jerry Edgar spin-off with a different supporting cast structure.

Bosch: Legacy was not the only casualty in Amazon’s recent cancellation spree; the eagerly awaited Jerry Edgar spin-off was also cut before production began. As a result, the Ballard spin-off stands as the sole continuation of Michael Connelly’s crime saga to advance on Amazon. Nonetheless, the conclusion of Ballard may open the door for the revival of the Jerry Edgar project.

Amazon’s approach indicates a reluctance to develop the Bosch narrative universe into an expansive one, where multiple shows could run concurrently. Their strategy seems centered on reducing expenses by launching Ballard independently, with the option to introduce Jerry Edgar later if viewer interest wanes or production costs escalate.

Potential Revival of Jerry Edgar Following Ballard

Following the cancellation of the Jerry Edgar spin-off shortly after Bosch: Legacy’s termination, Amazon’s earlier commitments seemed hollow. Michael Connelly’s optimism about Jerry Edgar’s future was evident in an interview with The Irish Star in October 2024:

“I don’t want to say it’s on the backburner, but Amazon is going to see how Ballard does and then, hopefully, we can bring Jerry back.”

Connelly’s assessment highlights Amazon’s strategy to evaluate Ballard‘s performance before making moves regarding Jerry Edgar’s series. However, it’s crucial to note that Amazon will likely avoid running both shows simultaneously. Given their unwillingness to air Bosch: Legacy and Ballard at the same time, it’s improbable that they would feature both characters in concurrent spin-offs. Should Ballard falter, Amazon might swiftly pivot to reintroducing Jerry Edgar, potentially reconfiguring roles for other characters like Maggie Q as minor guest appearances. Conversely, if Ballard performs well, it may receive a three-season run similar to Bosch: Legacy’s trajectory, with Jerry Edgar emerging afterward to reinvigorate the costs linked to the Bosch universe. Additionally, the planned Jerry Edgar spin-off may be set outside of Los Angeles, allowing for further budgetary savings.

Key Points to Save Bosch: Legacy

Sign the petition to Save Bosch: Legacy HERE
Share this petition across all social media channels (X, Threads, Blue Sky, Facebook, and Instagram).
Write and post REVIEWS of BOSCH: LEGACY on platforms like Prime and IMDB, emphasizing your love for the show and the desire for at least ONE MORE SEASON to conclude the storyline.

Amazon’s Skepticism About an Expanded Bosch Universe

Amazon’s treatment of the Bosch universe mirrors the structure of a cinematic sequel, rather than establishing it as a fully realized expansive universe. Since its debut in 2014, Bosch captivated audiences for seven seasons until concluding in 2021. The spin-off, Bosch: Legacy, launched in 2022 and is poised to conclude in March 2025, allowing the new Ballard series to hit screens in Fall 2025. Although it may appear that Amazon is broadening the Bosch universe, the reality is a cost-cutting maneuver. Bosch and Bosch: Legacy could have easily existed as a single series, yet by presenting it as a sequel, they successfully removed many supporting characters from the narrative. This left fans anticipating a robust universe of three concurrent shows, while, in reality, Ballard merely serves as the next chapter in the same saga, featuring a rehash of characters and new faces.

Looking Ahead: Jerry Edgar’s Possible Future

The narratives of Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, and Ballard could pave the way for a fourth installment centered on Jerry Edgar. Each series can leverage the presence of well-known characters like Harry Bosch, Renee Ballard, and other supporting roles in limited capacities while featuring a fresh cast for Jerry Edgar. This strategic decoupling from Los Angeles not only diminishes operational costs but positions Amazon to claim they are ‘expanding’ the Bosch universe. In his interview with The Irish Star, Connelly indicated that the shift might allow other characters from the Bosch narratives to appear more freely:

“We didn’t know Bosch: Legacy wasn’t going to continue until we were deep into producing Ballard, but that kind of opens up opportunities for our Bosch characters. I believe there will be some surprise appearances in the future.”

However, the original cast of Bosch: Legacy need not be absent from Ballard: The separation of the two shows hasn’t been the case in other cinematic universes. Instead, Amazon’s unique handling of the Bosch universe results in three distinct shows that should rightfully coexist, bringing about potentially engaging crossovers and intertwined narratives—an enticing proposition for their audience.