Latest news with #Ballard
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4 hours ago
- Entertainment
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Prime Video's latest No. 1 show is a 'Bosch' spinoff with Maggie Q — and it's 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. "Bosch" fans, rejoice: it sounds like Prime Video's follow-up is going to continue the series' legacy as a compelling crime drama. On July 9, the Amazon streaming service dropped the full first season of "Ballard," a new spin-off that shifts focus from Titus Welliver's Harry Bosch over to Renée Ballard (Maggie Q), the detective introduced in April's "Bosch: Legacy" series finale. One day after release, the show had risen to the No. 2 spot on the Amazon streamer (putting it second only to the lackluster action thriller, "Countdown"), but in the few days since, "Ballard" has become the streamer's top watch. Plus, "Ballard" has continued to hold onto that impressive 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning reviewers who've tuned in have liked what they saw. Ready to dive in? You can stream all 10 episodes of "Ballard" on Prime Video right now, or you can find a little more info — and hear what critics have to say — about Prime's newest release below. What is 'Ballard' about? If you're not up to speed, "Ballard" is Prime Video's next series based on Michael Connelly's books. Here, we follow Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q), who is charged with leading the LAPD's underfunded cold case division and taking on some of Los Angeles' toughest long-forgotten cases. Per the series synopsis, we know the series sees her investigating layers of crime that go back decades, including a serial killer's string of murders; as she does so, Ballard unearths a deadly conspiracy within the force, and enlists the help of her team and Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) to crack her cases, navigating personal and professional challenges along the way. In addition to Q and Welliver, "Ballard" also features Courtney Taylor, John Carroll Lynch, Michael Mosley, Rebecca Field, Victoria Moroles, Amy Hill, Ricardo Chavira, Noah Bean, and more. Should you stream 'Ballard' on Prime Video? If you haven't already started binging the 10-episode series on Prime Video, you'll be pleased to know that the first "Ballard" reviews are in... and the new "Bosch" spin-off has been warmly received. As we mentioned above, the series has earned a rare 100% approval rating from critics on the review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes. Admittedly, that score's only aggregated from nine individual reactions, but it's still an encouraging sign to see every critic who's reviewed the series (at the time of writing) liked what they saw. Reviewing for Variety, Aramide Tinubu, for example, called "Ballard" "one of the best police procedurals on TV," adding: "Smartly acted, beautifully paced and genuinely engaging, "Ballard" is a thrilling ride from start to finish." Similarly, Sherin Nicole praised the series for its "well sculpted" characters and for being "grounded by grit, genuine leads, and complex cases," adding: "This series fits right in with 'Bosch' and 'Bosch: Legacy': strident, true-to-life characters doing emotionally crushing work while dealing with the people and things that make life harder." CBR's Brittany Frederick gave the series an 8/10 score, arguing it was "rougher around the edges" than the previous Michael Connelly shows, but was nevertheless entertaining in its own right. "While "Ballard" isn't as iconic as its predecessor," she writes, "it is a worthy addition to the "Bosch" universe and a high-quality crime drama that will keep viewers satisfied for hopefully years to come." Comparatively, audience reactions for "Ballard" have been a little more split; it's landed an 80% rating from fans on Rotten Tomatoes. There are still a number of 5-star reviews present on the platform — one viewer branding it "another Michael Connelly masterpiece" — but some fans aren't nearly as keen; in a 1.5-star rating, one viewer said the series was "one cliché after another" and "a dull parody of a police procedural." Nevertheless, there are more positive takes logged at present, and, in tandem with the critics' takes, the consensus seems to be that "Ballard" is worth your time. In short, if you were sad to see "Bosch" come to an end, or you just love getting wrapped up in a fresh case, most people who've streamed the show recommend you stream "Ballard" on Prime Video as soon as possible. However, if police procedurals and crime dramas just aren't your thing, we can still help you find your next must-watch show. Check out our round-up of the best shows on Prime Video for tons more top streaming recommendations fit for any watchlist. More from Tom's Guide You can skip the Prime fee and still get Prime Day deals Best movies like "Heads of State," and where to stream them Prime Video just added a ridiculously fun dark comedy movie Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New on Prime Video in July 2025 — all the new movies and shows to stream this month
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A new month is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of titles hitting Prime Video. Amazon has officially unveiled its full July 2025 streaming lineup, and there's plenty to get excited about. Below, we've laid out the complete list of everything arriving on the streaming service this month. We've also highlighted a few standout picks you won't want to miss, including the third and final season of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' a new action-comedy featuring Idris Elba and John Cena, and 'Ballard,' the new 'Bosch' spinoff. Not seeing anything that grabs you? No problem — check out our curated guides to the best movies and shows currently on Prime Video for even more streaming recommendations. Otherwise, scroll down to see everything new coming to Prime Video this July. NEW ON PRIME VIDEO IN JULY 2025: TOP PICKS 'Heads of State' 'Heads of State' is a new action-comedy featuring an unlikely duo: U.S. President Will Derringer (John Cena) and U.K. Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba). After their jet is shot down, the two sworn rivals must band together alongside MI6 agent Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) to survive a deadly global conspiracy aimed at shaking the foundation of their nations. If you're in the mood for fast-paced global stakes, charismatic star power, and light-hearted action, 'Heads of State' looks to be July's must-watch on Prime Video. Whether Cena and Elba can set their rivalry aside and save the world … well, that's the fun of finding out. Stream "Heads of State" on Prime Video from July 2 'Ballard' 'Ballard' is set in the 'Bosch' universe and follows Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q). After being introduced in the 'Bosch: Legacy' finale, Ballard now leads an underfunded, all-volunteer LAPD cold case unit. Determined and fiercely empathetic, she juggles complex investigations like the high-profile 'Flower Girl' serial killer case while navigating bureaucratic roadblocks and inner-department corruption. Backed by familiar faces including Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), Ballard is tasked with reopening unsolved crimes, but the emotional toll and political weight of the job threaten to overwhelm her. Created by 'Bosch' author Michael Connelly, the show leans into grounded storytelling, with a focus on justice, trauma, and the messiness of police work. With all ten episodes premiering at once, 'Ballard' offers fans of the franchise (and detective dramas in general) a darker, more character-driven story. Stream "Ballard" on Prime Video from July 9 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 Premiering July 16 with a two-episode kick-off and rolling out weekly through September 17, the third and final season of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' adapts Jenny Han's concluding novel. Set two years after Belly's (Lola Tung) decision to be with Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), the story follows her summer after junior year of college. Belly and Jeremiah announce their engagement, only for Conrad (Christopher Briney) to reappear, reopening old wounds and thrusting Belly into a powerful emotional crossroads. With an expanded 11-episode run (the longest yet) the series dives deeper into the central love triangle, Belly's growth into adulthood, and the dynamics between her friends and family. So expect moments of heartbreak, healing, and surprising adventures (including potential new settings like Paris). Stream "The Summer I Turned Pretty" season 3 on Prime Video from July 16 LIVE SPORTS ON PRIME VIDEO IN JULY 2025 New York Yankees Wed July 2 at 7:07 p.m. ET: Toronto Blue Jays Wed July 9 at 7:05 p.m. ET: Seattle Mariners Wed July 23 at 7:07 p.m. ET: Toronto Blue Jays Wed July 30 at 7:05 p.m. ET: Tampa Bay Rays ONE Championship Fri July 11 at 9 p.m. ET: Allycia Hellen Rodrigues vs. Johanna Persson (Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok) Premier Boxing Champions Sat July 19 at 8 p.m. ET: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario 'El Azteca' Barrios (MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas) WNBA Tue July 1 at 8 p.m. ET: Commissioner's Cup: Indiana Fever at Minnesota Lynx Thu July 3 at 7 p.m. ET: Las Vegas Aces at Indiana Fever Thu July 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET: Las Vegas Aces at Washington Mystics Thu July 24 at 7 p.m. ET: Las Vegas Aces at Indiana Fever Thu July 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET: Golden State Valkyries at Washington Mystics NEW SHOWS ON PRIME VIDEO IN JULY 2025 JULY 1 Sherlock Season 1 (2010) Shooter Seasons 1–3 (2016) JULY 9 Ballard (2025) Menem (2025) JULY 11 One Night in Idaho: The College Murders (2025) JULY 16 "The Summer I Turned Pretty" season 3 premiere (2025) JULY 17 Surf Girls: International Season 2 (2025) JULY 21 Justice on Trial (2025) JULY 23 Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War Season 2 (2025) NEW MOVIES ON PRIME VIDEO IN JULY 2025 JULY 1 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) A Bridge Too Far (1977) A Fish Called Wanda (1988) Baby Boom (1987) Back to School (1986) Bandits (2001) Blown Away (1994) Blue Crush (2002) Blue Velvet (1986) Colors (1988) Creed II (2018) Death Warrant (1990) Double Impact (1991) Dressed to Kill (1980) Duck Soup (1933) Every Day (2018) Fast & Furious 6 (2013) Fast Five (2011) Fiddler on the Roof (1971) Gladiator (2000) Hart's War (2002) Hidden Figures (2017) Hoodlum (1997) How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) Into the Blue (2005) Into the Blue 2: The Reef (2009) It Came From Outer Space (1953) K-PAX (2001) Leaving Las Vegas (1996) Licorice Pizza (2021) Little Fockers (2010) Little Man (2006) Mad Max (1980) Meet the Fockers (2004) Meet the Parents (2000) Mystic Pizza (1988) No Country for Old Men (2007) No Way Out (1987) Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) Paths of Glory (1957) Rings (2017) Robocop (1987) Robocop (2014) Robocop 2 (1990) Robocop 3 (1993) Rocky (1976) Rocky Balboa (2006) Rocky II (1979) Rocky III (1982) Rocky IV (1985) Rocky V (1990) Salt (2010) Saving Private Ryan (1998) Teen Wolf (1985) The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) The Addams Family (2019) The Addams Family 2 (2021) The Apartment (1960) The Bone Collector (1999) The Bounty Hunter (2010) The Fast and the Furious (2001) The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) The Funhouse (1981) The Great Train Robbery (1979) The Horse Soldiers (1959) The House Bunny (2008) The Hustle (2019) The Informant! (2009) The Perfect Storm (2000) The Usual Suspects (1995) Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974) What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001) Windtalkers (2002) Witness for the Prosecution (1958) XXX: The Return of Xander Cage (2017) JULY 2 Heads of State (2025) JULY 4 Game Night (2018) JULY 8 Simple Plan: The Kids in the Crowd (2025) JULY 11 Better Man (2025) JULY 15 Uncharted (2022) JULY 18 Follow (Juegos de Seducción) (2025) JULY 19 Sabotage (2014) JULY 25 Wicked (2024) JULY 30 War of the Worlds (2005) More from Tom's Guide 3 best Prime Video action movies you (probably) haven't seen Prime Video just revealed several generative AI features 'House of David' season 2 will cost an extra fee on top of Prime Video Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
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Prime Video top 10 shows — here's the 3 I'm binge-watching this weekend
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Prime Video's most-watched list is constantly shifting, which makes it a great go-to when you're not sure what to stream next. Whether it's trending newcomers or returning fan favorites, it offers a snapshot of what's currently pulling in viewers. But just because a show is trending doesn't mean it's a must-watch, especially if your queue is already packed. That's why I've filtered through the noise to highlight the three standout options worth your time this weekend. While thriller hits like 'We Were Liars,' 'The Better Sister,' and 'Countdown' have had their moment in the spotlight, I'm turning the focus to a few fresher picks. From a gritty new 'Bosch' spin-off starring Maggie Q, to a comedy drama led by Leighton Meester, plus the return of a beloved summer romance, these are the shows that actually earn a place on your watchlist. This is based on the Prime Video top 10 U.S shows as of Friday, July 25, 2025. Best shows in the Prime Video top 10 'Good Cop/Bad Cop' Prime Video recently added all eight episodes of 'Good Cop/Bad Cop' to its library. Created by John Quaintance and co-produced by The CW and Stan, the show first premiered on the network back in February. Set in the quirky small town of Eden Vale, 'Good Cop/Bad Cop' follows estranged siblings Lou (Leighton Meester) and Henry Hickman (Luke Cook), forced into a detective partnership by their father, Chief Big Hank (Clancy Brown). Lou, a seasoned, people-savvy detective, contrasts sharply with her socially awkward, hyper-logical brother, making for an odd couple duo solving weekly mysteries while bickering like real family. So if you're looking for a breezy, character-driven mystery with sibling chemistry and small‑town charm, this comedy drama is now ready to stream on Prime Video. Watch it on Prime Video 'Ballard' Prime Video's latest original is stepping in to fill the void left by 'Bosch,' and longtime fans are here for it. 'Ballard' is a brand-new spinoff that trades Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) for Renée Ballard (Maggie Q), a determined detective first introduced in the 'Bosch: Legacy' season finale earlier this year. Despite just debuting, the series has already climbed to No. 2 on the platform and boasts a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show follows Ballard as she takes charge of the LAPD's newly formed Cold Case Division — an under-resourced unit made up of volunteers, retirees, and civilians. Tasked with breathing new life into long-forgotten investigations (including a John Doe homicide and the killing of a councilman's sister), Ballard also battles department pushback and the fallout from a recent misconduct scandal. Watch it on Prime Video 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Prime Video's hit YA romance returns with its third and final season. 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 kicked off with two episodes, and the story continues with one new installment dropping every Wednesday. The narrative picks up with Belly (Lola Tung) finishing her junior year and enjoying life with Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) at Finch University, until Conrad (Christopher Briney) unexpectedly reappears, reigniting the central love triangle and forcing Belly to confront her heart's true calling. Right out of the gate, the show delivers emotional jolts — from Jeremiah's engagement to Belly, to Steven's serious accident and simmering real-world drama fueling the decisions Belly must make. So if you're tuning in for romance, family drama, and emotional growth set against the nostalgic summer backdrop of Cousins Beach, don't miss season 3 of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' Watch it on Prime Video Prime Video top 10 shows right now 1. "The Summer I Turned Pretty" (2022)2. "Ballard" (2025)3. "Countdown" (2025)4. "Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War" (2025)5. "One Night in Idaho: The College Murders" (2025)6. "We Were Liars" (2025)7. "The Better Sister" (2025)8. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" (2022)9. "The Chosen: Last Supper" (2025)10. "Good Cop/Bad Cop" (2025) More from Tom's Guide Everything new on Prime Video in July 2025 5 best Prime Video movies with a surprising twist 5 Prime Video movies to stream before they leave Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The arc for the second season is very exciting': Ballard star explains why Prime Video should renew the Bosch spin-off
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I want it, you want it, we all want it, but as it stands, there's no news confirming Ballard season 2. The Bosch: Legacy spinoff has had astonishing success on Prime Video during its first week of release, scoring the elusive 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. These days, though, even that doesn't guarantee a future. Ballard, which follows LAPD detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) as she oversees a cold case in a new department, remains the most streamed new TV show on the platform at the time of writing, with positive critical reviews flying in thick and fast. Even to someone who knows very little about how the industry works, there's clearly more than enough evidence to commission new episodes. But according to Maggie Q, there's just as much chance that we could never see Ballard again if a second season isn't green lit. The biggest shame if the new series quits while it's ahead? We'll never get to see the 'very exciting' season 2 arc that's been teased by Q herself. Ballard season 2 isn't guaranteed to be renewed by Prime Video, but a 'very exciting' arc would make a cancelation devastating Spoilers for Ballard season 1 finale ahead. 'I have no sense,' Q told The Hollywood Reporter about a potential Ballard season 2. 'This industry is not what it was before. It's barely recognizable to me, and shows are so expendable. They can throw out a show in two seconds, and it doesn't make a ton of difference that whole worlds and livelihoods are at stake. Studios always have options. But we have a writers room, and they've been writing away. 'The arc for the second season is very exciting,' she confirms. 'But I've had writers room hired before and then gotten cancelled. So everyone's like, 'Maggie, of course!' I'm like, 'No, no, no.' There is no 'of course.' I am not a negative person at all. I'm a very positive person, but I'm a realist.' Let's recap what we know. Season 1 left off with the unexpected reveal that Councilman Jake Pearlman's (Noah Bean) own father, Gary Pearlman (Kevin Dunn) murdered his own daughter over an alleged confrontation about his marital affair. Robert Olivas (Ricardo Chavira) was also exposed as being a dirty cop alongside being a generally terrible human (bear in mind the earlier assault accusations), but when he's also killed off, Ballard is arrested for it. We've not seen how Olivas died, but we did see Ballard draw her gun on him in the final moments of their confrontation. If season 2 never gets off the ground, Ballard is essentially stuck in jail, for possibly no good reason, for the rest of her fictional life. Not only this, but Ballard has already defied the typical crime drama stereotype by blending the personal and professional in an entirely new way, so it would be an extra shame to lose something that's bringing us something fresh. As far as I'm concerned, Prime Video owes it to the franchise, fans and the undoubtedly the strongest Bosch spinoff so far to give over some answers. In the meantime, you can check out everything else new on Prime Video in July 2025 to get yourself out of a post-Ballard slump. You might also like The Boys season 5: everything we know so far about the popular Prime Video show's final entry Reacher season 4: everything we know so far about the hit Prime Video show's return The best TV show on Prime Video? I can't stop coming back to this comfortingly cringey comedy series from the 2000s Solve the daily Crossword
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Courtney Taylor makes dramatic debut in Bosch spinoff 'Ballard' as Samira Parker on Prime Video
Courtney Taylor has taken on her first leading role in a drama series with Ballard, a new Bosch spinoff streaming on Prime Video. Known for her comedic roles in Insecure and Abbott Elementary, Taylor now steps into the crime procedural genre, portraying Samira Parker. In an interview with Shadow and Act, Taylor spoke about her transition into drama, calling the experience both challenging and rewarding. 'As much as comedy feels like home, I'm so happy that drama has found a way into my career,' she said. Ballard centres on Detective Renée Ballard, played by Maggie Q, and her work in the Los Angeles Police Department's cold case unit. Taylor's character, Samira Parker, is described as 'wary, impulsive and tough,' with a strong sense of justice. She explained that the show highlights underfunded investigative units and the personal commitment of staff, most of whom are volunteers. 'Everybody else is here… just because they're passionate,' Taylor said. Reflecting on her journey, Taylor shared how each role has shaped her confidence. 'I think I've spent a lot of time doubting me,' she said, adding that opportunities in her career have helped her build trust in her abilities. She also emphasised the importance of being adaptable and collaborative on set. Taylor, who has also starred in Neon on Netflix, noted that her creative goal is to tell stories that centre people of colour and offer varied perspectives. Ballard season one is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
