Harry Bosch’s “everybody counts or nobody counts” philosophy has endeared him to millions of readers. It’s understandable, therefore, that excitement is running high around the premiere of the TV series Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s series.
Many folks are confused, though, about how, where, and when they can see Bosch. Here’s the (fact-checked) scoop:
Bosch is being produced by Amazon. As such, it will not air on a TV network (or Netflix or Hulu). It will be available only through Amazon and only in the US and UK (details below).
They have made one episode (the first one, commonly referred to as a pilot) of Bosch. It combines aspects of CITY OF BONES and CONCRETE BLONDE.
Whether they will produce a full season of Bosch depends on viewer response. If people like it and demonstrate that by talking about it online (especially on Amazon), they will. If response is tepid, they won’t.
When Amazon decided to produce the Bosch pilot, it also went ahead with ten other shows. Not all eleven will be made into series; Amazon has not specified how many it will be, but it will be influenced by viewer response. So if you watch it, you’re not wasting your time by rating and/or reviewing it on Amazon afterwards.
Amazon has not announced a specific release date for the episode, but it will be in February.
The cast of Bosch includes:
- Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch
- Jamie Hector as Jerry Edgar
- Amy Aquino as Lt. Grace Billets
- Lance Reddick as Deputy Chief Irvin Irving
Click here for a more complete list with pictures of everyone. For those who are wondering, Kiz Rider isn’t a character (yet) in this one.
The big question for most people seems to be, “so how do I see it?” The answer depends on where you are:
If you are in the United States, you can watch it through Amazon on your computer, tablet or phone (through the Amazon Instant Video app), or television (assuming you either connect a computer, tablet, or phone to it or have a TV that has a wi-fi connection and the Amazon app).
You do not need to subscribe to Amazon Prime to watch it. It will be free. You do, however, need an Amazon account (user name and password).
It will not be available on DVD—online streaming only for now.
If you are in the UK (including Northern Ireland), you can watch it on LOVEFiLM (which is part of Amazon). All the above stuff applies, including needing a user account.
If you are anywhere else in the world, you’re out of luck for the moment, unless you use an IP proxy service that makes Amazon think you’re in the US (or LOVEFiLM think you’re in the UK). LOVEFiLM doesoffer service in Germany, but not for their streaming product, and so the Bosch pilot won’t be available there in the immediate term. If they make a whole series and if it does well, though, chances are good you’ll be able to get a hold of it in other countries eventually, either online or on DVD.
If you’d like a preview of Bosch, Amazon released a clip today, which you can see on YouTube (no matter where you are) here.
Michael Connelly’s website has a bunch of interesting info, which you can find here.
Any other questions?
I loved Bosch. I can’t believe how well cast Bosch is Titus W. is perfect. The music matches completely and the skyline for LA. Love it make more please!
I just watched the Pilot Episode the other day and was thoroughly entertained. I have read plenty of the M. Connelly books with Det Harry Bosch and could really relate to his character and the cases he was involved in, as I am a 20 year retired detective and have worked many homicide cases. I only hope those of us who are fans of Harry Bosch’s character and the cases he investigates won’t have long to wait for the episodes to be available on Amazon. After I watched the pilot episode…I was ready to watch another one back to back. I Feel that Mr Welliver delivered a very compelling performance as Harry Bosch. I do look forward to hearing from Amazon SOON that the rest of the shows will be forthcoming. Thank you.
Really enjoyed the pilot and am looking forward to,a full season. One burning question…will Scott Wilson have a recurring role? Please say yes.