Bosch is an American crime drama series based on the Harry Bosch book series by author Michael Connelly. Bosch follows the titular detective as he investigates crimes, faces unjust accusations and different conflicts at work, and struggles to keep his personal life under control. What sets Bosch apart from other TV crime dramas is the gritty and dark atmosphere of the series, the focus on morally gray characters and corruption within the force, as well as the complex cases that constantly introduce unexpected twists. These are some of the main reasons why fans of Bosch would also enjoy the British crime drama series Line of Duty.

Much like Bosch, Line of Duty is a TV crime drama that introduces complex characters who walk the delicate line between good and bad. But for every similarity between Bosch and Line of Duty, there are just as many differences that make each show unique on its own. Both TV crime dramas have the same gritty atmosphere and compelling storytelling. Yet there are other aspects of Line of Duty that will intrigue and interest Bosch fans and might even make them fans of this acclaimed British TV crime drama as well.

Line of Duty and Bosch Are Both Character-Driven TV Crime Dramas

Both Shows Focus on the Character Arch Of the Main Characters Through the Different Cases

Bosch might follow intriguing criminal cases with each season, but it's the development of the characters, and particularly of Harry Bosch himself, what makes this crime series so compelling. Line of Duty follows the same type of storytelling, with cases revealing new layers and sides of the different characters involved. While both shows are crime dramas and revolve around a different investigation each season, the 'who-dun-it' part isn't what's most important. Instead, it is the character development and the motivations behind the different players that make both Bosch and Line of Duty so intriguing and addictive.

Most of the cases in Bosch and Line of Duty affect the main characters in some way or another. In the case of Line of Duty, there's a different police officer, or officers, who are under investigation each season. The main detectives from the anti-corruption unit 12, or AC-12, as it's usually referred to in the series, have to pull apart the life of the police officer or detective under investigation, usually unearthing secrets that were better left under wraps. Meanwhile, Bosch's cases usually affect Harry Bosch's personal life and career. Detective Bosch can be impulsive, quick-tempered, and has a hard time following rules, something that, more often than not, lands him in trouble. With a focus on the main characters instead of the mystery of each season, the character development is what moves both series forward.

Both Line of Duty and Bosch Are Full of Unexpected Twists That Keep Audiences Guessing

While the Focus Are the Characters, the Mysteries Also Keep Audiences Intrigued Until the End

While Line of Duty and Bosch feature powerful performances and are character-driven, the mysteries and intrigues of each season are also part of what makes audiences come back to the show. Line of Duty's biggest mysteries revolve around the officer or detective being investigated each season. And even though the case is usually closed by the end of the season, sometimes the cases aren't as black and white as they appear. In most cases, the people investigated by DS Arnott and DC Fleming are as morally gray as the rest of the main characters, and the motivations and secrets revealed can make viewers feel torn about whether the detectives at the center of the investigations are guilty or not. Line of Duty also subverts expectations with each season, introducing shocking twists that derail an investigation or that even make audiences question if everything they thought they knew until then was wrong.

On the other hand, Bosch keeps audiences guessing with the different revelations in each case. Even though an investigation might seem an open-and-shut case, new evidence and information always comes to light that takes detectives Bosch and Edgar in another direction. Both TV crime dramas can make audiences doubt the criminal's true motivations or actions until the very end, something that results in highly intriguing and entertaining episodes.

Line of Duty and Bosch Feature Different Complex Cases In Each Season

Each Series Introduces New Characters In Each Season Connected With the Main Investigation

Unlike procedural crime dramas, where there's usually one case per episode, Bosch and Line of Duty take their time with the investigations. Both TV crime dramas follow a different investigation in each season while also dealing with their own personal struggles, dramas, and stories. Also, while a new case is introduced every season, the previous cases and characters still feature and influence the overarching story of the show. For example, Line of Duty's Season 1 centers on the investigation of Detective Chief Inspector Tony Gates, who is suspected of corruption. Yet what appears to be a simple case gets bigger when other criminal connections come to light, and while Tony Gates' case is closed by the end of Season 1, some of the characters involved in the investigation return in Season 2 to tie up some loose ends.

Similarly, Bosch Season 1 follows a single main investigation, in this case, the investigation of the murder of a 12-year-old boy, which gets even more complicated once a serial killer confesses to the crime. Season 1 of Bosch closes the case involving the young boy and the serial killer, the latter of whom targets Harry Bosch personally. And while not all the main characters related to the investigation from Season 1 come back, the repercussions are still relevant in the next season.

Bosch and Line of Duty take it a step further in Season 2, introducing characters and storylines that are also part of the following seasons, unlike with Season 1. This, in a way, is a testament to the popularity and growth of both series. Season 2 of both crime dramas push the concept further and instead introduce more overarching storylines, knowing audiences will remain invested in these characters' stories.

Line of Duty's Leading Man Shares Many Similarities with Harry Bosch

While DS Arnott Might Not Be As Confrontational As Bosch, They Both Share a Strong Sense of Right and Wrong

Fans of Bosch will know that even the most beloved characters have some questionable moments and actions. Detective Bosch himself bends the rules more than once, even though audiences know his motivations aren't corrupt. However, Harry Bosch still has to face the consequences of his actions when he defies authority or engages in relationships that might bring trouble at work. But Bosch can also be honest to a fault, even in cases when it means he'll get on someone's bad side. This is particularly relevant in Season 1 when Bosch refuses to cover up for someone who made a serious mistake. And when Harry Bosch is on trial for a questionable shooting, he is against settling and admitting guilt, knowing he didn't do anything wrong.

These are similarities Bosch fans will find with Line of Duty's leading man, Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott. DS Arnott transfers to the anti-corruption unit after being involved in a mission that ends with the death of an innocent man. And when the rest of his squad tries to cover it up, DS Arnott tells the truth, even if that means going against his own. Steve Arnott also has a propensity for getting involved in improper relationships, both with a fellow detective and even with a witness in a case Arnott was working on. However, Harry Bosch and Steve Arnott go about their work and the chain of command differently, making them unique and original characters on their own. Arnott does have a soft spot and might even be willing to bend the rules, but usually in favor of others who deserve it and not for himself. Both Arnott and Bosch have strong beliefs about right and wrong, even if they go about it differently.

The similarities between Bosch and Line of Duty are strong enough for fans of Bosch to give this British TV crime drama a try, as they will most likely find it just as interesting. And at the same time, the differences between the shows are what will keep audiences engaged in both series. Both TV crime dramas are critically acclaimed for their gritty atmosphere, unexpected twists, and strong character development. Bosch fans will find themselves just as invested in the characters from Line of Duty, as both series rely on viewers connecting with morally gray characters, making them understand and even sympathize with any questionable decision they might make. Because, at the end of the day, no one is 100% good or bad, and Bosch and Line of Duty are two TV crime dramas that perfectly depict these realities of humankind.