Prime Video is expanding its “based-on-a-book” universe with the premiere of the newest Amazon original series, “Cross.” Aldis Hodge, star of “Leverage” and “Black Adam,” will take on the role of the prolific homicide detective in the new series, which is based on the 30-book series by James Patterson, which dates back to 1993 and is still going strong with a new novel set to release later this month.
Detective Alex Cross investigates homicides alongside his partner Detective John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), but his personal struggles threaten to derail his career and life. “Cross” is about to be your new obsession; here’s how to tune in.
When does “Cross” release on Prime Video? “Cross” comes out on Prime Video tomorrow, November 14. All eight episodes of Season 1 will drop at 3:00 a.m. ET. How to Watch ‘Cross’ for Free: “Cross” is an Amazon Original that is exclusively available on Prime Video, requiring an Amazon Prime subscription to watch the show.
Once signed up, you can watch “Cross” with the Prime Video app on any supported device, ranging from smart TVs to streaming devices like Fire TV sticks and Fire tablets. You can start with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, which includes Prime perks like free two-day shipping, exclusive deals (including in-game offers), and more, if you’re not already a Prime Video subscriber. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
Will There Be a Season 2 of ‘Cross’? Yes! Ahead of the Season 1 release, Amazon renewed “Cross” for Season 2. What book is Season 1 of “Cross” based on? While “Cross” is based on the Alex Cross series by James Patterson, Hodge confirmed to TV Insider that the series is not based explicitly on one of the novels. “It is based on the foundation of Alex Cross, but [showrunner] Ben [Watkins] takes the bone structure of that world and fills it up with a beautiful story,” he said.
Cross Season 1 Review: Amazon continues to expand its alliance of airport-fiction avengers with “Cross,” plucked directly from the pages of author James Patterson’s bestselling crime novels (and joining the likes of Jack Ryan and Reacher on the streamer). “Cross” is a blend of police procedural and psychological thriller, and while it may not be as action-packed as its other paperback-inspired Prime Video counterparts, star Aldis Hodge’s outstanding performance as the titular Alex Cross allows it to pierce through the crowded cop-drama genre.
“For the uninitiated, Alex Cross is an uncommonly brilliant Washington, D.C., homicide detective and the protagonist of over 30 books dating back to 1993. For the purposes of this TV series, however, Cross is not based on any one particular novel. Don’t worry, fans; we’ve included all the background elements of Alex Cross, who continues to be a widower, father of two, and holds a Ph.D. in psychology.
The central mystery of Cross Season 1 is a totally original story—a smart play, as “opting for something fresh for all viewers of Prime’s Cross means both longtime readers and those unfamiliar with the books will each be on the same page.”
Aldis Hodge delivers a wonderfully layered performance. Hodge “expertly brings to life what’s easily the best and most nuanced on-screen version of Alex Cross to date.” He delivers a “wonderfully layered performance” as the smart, suave, and uncompromising detective, with moments of vulnerability, compassion, and fatherly tenderness. Strong performances from his co-stars, including Mustafa as Cross’ childhood friend and fellow detective John Sampson, ably support Hodge.
In a Nutshell: Alex Cross joins Prime Video’s growing legion of literary badasses in what’s “easily the strongest and most faithful adaptation of James Patterson’s bestselling detective series to date.” Significantly elevated by Aldis Hodge’s tremendous performance, “Cross” Season 1 “wobbles occasionally” but is overall a “clever and confident start that hits more than it misses.”