Prime Video’s Bosch and Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer Have More in Common Than You Think—It’s All About Michael Connelly

In the ever-expanding world of crime dramas, two shows have managed to carve their own unique space in the hearts of viewers: Amazon Prime Video’s Bosch and Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer. Both series stand out in a crowded TV crime drama field, with Bosch building an entire fictional universe and The Lincoln Lawyer earning rave reviews for its gripping storytelling. However, fans may not realize that these two series have a deeper connection than just being critically acclaimed.

Shared Universe? Not Quite — But Close Enough
Although on separate streaming platforms and having debuted years apart, Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer are both based on books by renowned crime author Michael Connelly. What many TV viewers don’t know is that these two shows are more than just separate adaptations of Connelly’s popular novels—they share a hidden, fascinating link.

In Connelly’s books, the two titular characters—Harry Bosch (the no-nonsense LAPD detective turned private investigator) and Mickey Haller (the charismatic defense attorney working out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car)—are actually half-brothers. Yes, you read that right. Despite the obvious difference in their professions and personalities, Bosch and Haller share the same father: Michael Haller, Sr., a famous defense attorney. This family connection adds an intriguing layer to the dynamic between the two characters, especially when they first meet and team up in Connelly’s 2008 novel, The Brass Verdict.

Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller: Half-Brothers in Crime
While The Lincoln Lawyer is focused on Mickey Haller’s career as a defense lawyer, Bosch follows Harry’s journey as a detective-turned-investigator. The two characters first cross paths in The Brass Verdict where Bosch and Haller must work together on a murder case. It’s during this investigation that Mickey discovers he has a brother he never knew about, and Harry, too, uncovers the truth about their family ties. Over the years, Bosch and Haller have appeared in several more novels together, with their relationship growing more complex and layered with each passing story.

The most recent collaboration between the two half-brothers can be found in Connelly’s 2023 novel, Resurrection Walk, where Bosch and Haller continue to work separately on their individual cases, but still cross paths as family. Their shared history provides a fascinating backdrop to the individual narratives and deepens their already compelling characters.

The TV Versions: A Separate Evolution
Despite their shared literary roots, the Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer TV adaptations were developed independently, which means the two series don’t cross over in the same way they do in the books. Bosch, which premiered in 2014 on Prime Video, began as a procedural focused on Harry Bosch’s struggles with his moral compass, the law, and his personal demons. The show, which ran for seven seasons, concluded with Bosch’s story taking a major turn toward the future, with a potential sequel series and spinoffs already in the works.

On the other hand, The Lincoln Lawyer wasn’t released on Netflix until 2022, after a long and complicated journey to the screen. Originally pitched to CBS with Logan Marshall-Green in the lead role, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually landing on Netflix with Manuel Garcia-Rulfo portraying Mickey Haller. Netflix, seeing the potential for a Michael Connelly-based hit, quickly moved to bring the series to life and has since turned it into a successful part of its streaming empire.

Bosch vs. The Lincoln Lawyer: Separate Universes, Shared Foundation

The most surprising fact about the relationship between these two popular crime dramas is that, despite the significant differences in tone, character arcs, and plotlines, they are connected by one key element: the books of Michael Connelly. It’s easy for viewers to assume that the two shows, airing on different platforms, are totally independent of one another. But once you dig into Connelly’s expansive universe, it’s clear that both characters exist in the same fictional world, despite their storylines remaining largely separate on-screen.

Interestingly, Connelly himself is an executive producer on both series, a rare connection in the world of TV adaptations. This has led to speculation that, while the two shows remain separate for now, future crossovers might be possible—especially considering the vast world Connelly has created with Bosch and Haller. In the books, the brothers’ interactions are always filled with tension, but there’s also a sense of camaraderie that builds over time. Could this dynamic make its way to TV?

What’s Next for Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer?
While the TV shows remain separate, it’s hard to ignore the growing demand for more from both franchises. With Bosch: Legacy, the sequel series, already in production, fans of Harry Bosch will continue to follow his journey, while The Lincoln Lawyer is expected to return for a second season after its successful debut.

Although the shows have not yet crossed over, the idea of seeing Bosch and Haller team up for a case on TV is one that fans have been hoping for. But for now, both characters will continue their individual quests for justice, with their shared history only hinted at in the background. Whether or not we’ll see the two brothers working side-by-side on screen remains to be seen, but for now, both Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer are holding their ground as some of the best crime dramas available to watch.

📰 More Inside Today’s Edition:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Connelly discusses the future of the Bosch universe
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE LINCOLN LAWYER?: Season 2 preview
STREAMING SHOWDOWNS: How Amazon and Netflix are changing crime drama

📸 PHOTOS FROM BOSCH: LEGACY SET — PAGE A5

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