Courtney Taylor Explores Drama in New Spinoff ‘Ballard’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Courtney Taylor is stepping away from her comedic roots to embrace drama in the spinoff series, ‘Ballard‘, set in the Bosch universe. The show premiered on Prime Video on July 9, 2025, and follows Detective Renée Ballard as she heads a cold case unit.

In a recent interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act, Taylor expressed her excitement about taking on the role of Samira Parker, a tough and passionate woman in search of justice. ‘As much as comedy feels like home, I’m so happy that drama has found a way into my career,’ she said.

Taylor described Parker’s character as someone who is ‘wary and impulsive’ but driven by a burning desire to provide answers to those who have waited decades for justice. She pointed out how the show highlights the struggles of underfunded cold case units, emphasizing that many of the characters are volunteers passionate about their work.

‘There’s an episode where she basically says that she’s the only paid staff member. Everyone else is here because they want to help people,’ Taylor noted. Her role introduces viewers to the gritty realities of the cold case investigations.

Previously, Taylor gained recognition for her performances in shows like ‘Insecure‘ and ‘Abbott Elementary‘. She explained that each character she portrays helps her build trust in her abilities as an actress. ‘I think I’ve spent a lot of time doubting me,’ she confessed.

As she navigates the complexities of her character, Taylor also reflected on the challenges of portraying sensitive topics. Parker’s story intersects with traumatic experiences related to an assault by a fellow officer, a narrative that Taylor described as crucial and delicate.

‘I was a little terrified about tackling this aspect of Parker’s arc,’ she admitted, noting the importance of representing such stories authentically.

<p'The support from the crew was incredible,' she shared, highlighting the importance of her community in helping her navigate difficult scenes. Taylor's performance has resonated with fans and critics, as 'Ballard' currently holds a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

As the series progresses, Taylor hopes to explore deeper relationships between her character and others in the unit. She expressed excitement about possibly working more with fellow actors, stating, ‘I’m ready to grow alongside these characters.’ With its debut season now available for streaming, fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Taylor and the rest of the cast.