Michael Connelly Reflects on Bosch’s Beginnings and Honors Series Creator Eric Overmyer
The landscape of scripted television has undergone a significant transformation over the past 15 years, shifting from traditional viewing methods to streaming platforms becoming the norm. Bestselling author Michael Connelly reflected on this evolution while honoring influential TV writer-producer Eric Overmyer, who passed away on March 16 at the age of 74.
In an Instagram post, Connelly recalled their initial meeting in New York City, where he sought to persuade Overmyer to take on the role of showrunner for a new series based on Connelly’s Harry Bosch novels. “I had met Eric once before, and he had spoken very knowingly about the character of Bosch,” Connelly noted alongside a photo featuring himself, Overmyer, and Bosch star Titus Welliver.
The proposal was not without its challenges. “There was a catch. The show was going to be on this new form of television watching called streaming. Amazon was dipping its toe in it, and Bosch would be its first drama,” Connelly explained. As they made their pitch, Overmyer interrupted, saying, “I don’t know if you are auditioning me or I am auditioning you, but I’m in.”
(L-R) Executive producer Eric Overmyer, writer Michael Connelly and executive producer Henrik Bastin on the panel for ‘Bosch’ during the Amazon Winter 2016 Television Critics Association tour
Bosch ultimately ran for seven seasons, becoming Prime Video’s longest-running series and its first franchise, leading to two spinoffs, including Bosch: Legacy, which Overmyer and Connelly co-created and executive produced.
The series also rekindled interest in Connelly’s works, paving the way for another successful adaptation, Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer.
Reflecting on the show’s success, Connelly remarked, “We went on to make 98 episodes of one of the best detective stories ever told on television. It wouldn’t have happened without Eric. Now he’s gone but the stories he told will live on. Rest in peace, my friend.”
