7.5
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Ballard
2025·Show
·10Episodes in1Season·
Ballard fingerprint
Masterful craft, high energy, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline7
- Violence7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos6
- Melancholy6
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor4
- Physical Comedy1
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue10
- Direction9
- Acting9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Ballard is nerve-racking, thrilling, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighCrime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
She's the last chance for lost hopes.
Detective Renée Ballard is tasked with running the LAPD's new cold case division—a poorly funded, all-volunteer unit with the largest case load in the city. When she uncovers a larger conspiracy during her investigations, she'll lean on the assistance of her retired ally, Harry Bosch, to navigate the dangers that threaten both her unit and her life.
Detective ProceduralCold Case MysteryLAPD DramaConspiracy ThrillerCharacter-Driven CrimeIntergenerational PartnershipGritty RealismJustice System ExplorationHigh Stakes Investigation
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about Ballard
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ballard worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Metacritic 83). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ballard rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Ballard have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 10 episodes and is still in production.
Is Ballard based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ballard?
Critics83
Audiences75
Not quite. Critics rate Ballard higher (83) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did Ballard air?
S1
It started in 2025 and is still in production.
What language is Ballard in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does Ballard use?
Serial KillerMama's Baby, Papa's MaybeDirty CopOffing the OffspringCordon Bleugh Chef"Eureka!" MomentSpotting the ThreadPrecision F-StrikeHe-Man Woman HaterEven Evil Has Loved OnesPreviously on…Miscarriage of Justiceand 34 more
TV Tropes lists 46 storytelling tropes for Ballard, including Serial Killer, Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe, Dirty Cop.