With so many crime dramas on different networks, the cast of Will Trent is one of the markers that earns it a fan favorite. Prime's new crime show, Ballard, is quickly becoming another favorite. Deadline reported that Ballard received 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a huge deal in the film industry.
We won't see Will Trent again until after the New Year, but in the mean time, here's why you should start streaming Ballard. And yes, you can stream the entire first season on Prime Video.
Reason No.1 to watch Ballard: The main character has a lot in common with Will Trent
Agent Will Trent has a tough exterior, only trusts the people closest to him, and has difficulties letting his emotions show. If you've fallen in love with Will Trent's character, you're also going to love Ballard's Detective Renee Ballard, played by Maggie Q, who gives off the same tough-egg-to-crack demeanor. Ballard doesn’t purposefully push people away, but she subconsciously lacks trust and intimacy with others due to past traumas.
It took three seasons of Will Trent for viewers to get deeper understanding of Trent’s childhood, to learn what triggers his anxiety, and to see him develop stronger bonds with the people that care about him. Trent is reluctant to meet biological family but desperately needs to bring some closure to past wounds. In Ballard, Detective Ballard has a similar struggle: people in her life have broken her trust and almost ended her career. On top of work trouble, she is still grieving the loss of her dad, and we don’t know much about her mom (through episode 5 at least!).
Both characters take all of their emotional wounds, seal them up behind a professional wall, and delve deeply into bringing justice to victims of horrific crimes. They never shy away from danger, miss an important detail, or put all of their cards on the table. They know how to bend rules wiwthout breaking them, and they're extremely talented at what they do!
Reason No. 2 to watch Ballard: It will satisfy your yearning to solve more crimes
If you’ve found our site, you’re most likely a crime drama fanatic. It can be hard to appease your inner detective when you’re in between seasons of your favorite shows. Fortunately, Ballard gives you all the suspense you need, in less than 50 minutes per episode.
In case solving one murder wasn’t enough, Ballard throws in a few other Jane and John Does with possible connections to each other, just as Will Trent offers multiple ongoing investigations in each episode. If you find it hard to keep up with which evidence goes with which case, the characters do a great job of recapping and re-explaining everything you need to know throughout the episodes—and don’t get too comfortable, because the show is always on the cusp of a plot twist!
Reason No. 3 to watch Ballard: It’s totally binge-able, and a second season is likely
Whether you like to binge-watch shows or build suspense by spreading out your viewing over a few weeks, the choice is yours with Ballard. Prime Video released the entire season, a total of 10 episodes, in July, so it’s not too late to get caught up. If you space it out just right, you can have an episode or two to watch every week or so before the Will Trent season 4 premiere in January.
According to Deadline, there is a high chance of a second season of Ballard, due to the success of season 1 (they could even be in the production phase right now!). Being that Ballard is also a spin-off of the popular crime drama, Bosch (2014-2021), fans are likely to continue watching the series in solidarity. Prime chose a great cast, so there are high expectations for Ballard season 2 to deliver what the fans want—more justice!
Season 1 of Ballard is now streaming on Prime Video.
Stay tuned for the latest Ballard news on Precint TV.