Bosch author Michael Connelly is developing a new crime series for Paramount. The author, who first debuted Harry Bosch in 1992, has steadily emerged as a hitmaker in the realm of TV adaptations. Along with the long-running Bosch franchise, which features Titus Welliver in the lead role, two of his more recent projects have broken out.
One of Netflix’s most-watched originals, The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 is on the way. And on Prime Video, Ballard is potentially headed for a second season. An extension of the Bosch universe, with Welliver and other familiar faces appearing in guest roles, the spinoff centers on Maggie Q as Renée Ballard, running Los Angeles’ severely underfunded cold-case unit.
Now, as reported by Deadline, Connelly is leaning on his real-life experience for a new drama. The popular author will use his previous work as a crime reporter for a project that’s currently in development at Paramount Television Studios, headed by Matt Thunell.
What This Means For Fans Of Connelly
The project, currently known as Untitled Florida Task Force, will draw on Connelly’s time as a crime beat writer for Florida outlets, such as the Daytona Beach News-Journal, the Fort Lauderdale News, and the Sun-Sentinel. The author began his run as a crime reporter after graduating from the University of Florida, including a stint at the Los Angeles Times, before moving to novels.
Currently an executive producer on Ballard and The Lincoln Lawyer, as well as serving in that role for the Bosch series, Connelly will also executive produce the Florida Task Force project. He is credited as the co-creator of the series, serving as showrunner alongside Ray Donovan and Dexter writer-producer Jim Leonard.
The new crime drama is also executive produced by Rick Jackson. and co-executive producer Theresa Snider, hailing from Connelly’s Hieronymus Pictures and the revamped Paramount Television Studios. It is a bit different from the author’s previous adaptations, since it’s not strictly a book-to-screen situation. It could provide more narrative flexibility. But that will depend, as well, on the show’s approach.
Our Take On Connelly’s New Series
While waiting for any updates after the shocking Ballard ending, the new Michael Connelly drama is early in the process of reaching audiences. The cast is still unknown, plus it’s unclear whether the Paramount project will be episodic or focused on an ongoing arc. Still, for fans of the author, it will be interesting to see what it looks like when one of his works doesn’t stem from well-known book characters.
