Alex ‘Cross’ Season 1 Details (Updated July 2024)

Netflix has long dominated the market with its addictive TV series, but Prime Video subscribers are starting to see Amazon’s fierce commitment to delivering crowd-pleasing content. Shows like The Boys and Reacher have bolstered Amazon’s reputation for creating engaging series. The popularity of these series even managed to breathe new life into less beloved productions. With that in mind, there is curiosity whether the new Cross series will have the same impact.

Aldis Hodge is set to star as the titular detective from James Patterson’s novels, following previous cinematic portrayals by Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry. Let’s delve into why this upcoming show might be the next big detective binge-watch.

Amazon has yet to reveal if the show will make Alex Cross as appealing as Aldis Hodge’s physique might suggest, but a trailer reveals the character’s physical readiness, shown during an interrogation scene. Alex Cross’ impressive form will likely become a topic of online buzz. Amazon’s confidence in Hodge’s appeal is clear since the series has already been renewed for a second season.

Beyond aesthetics, substance remains crucial. Contrary to the somewhat fantastical deduction skills displayed by Jack Reacher, James Patterson’s Alex Cross is a brilliant and respected forensic psychologist and detective. Cross has an uncanny ability to delve into the psyches of both killers and victims, making him exceptionally good at identifying and capturing murderers. This established character trait promises to keep viewers engaged as Cross aims convincing defendants of their culpability in a manner that makes them live “rent-free” in his head.

Patterson himself has explained in an interview how the TV adaptation adds a fresh edge compared to his novels:

“It’s a little edgier, which I really like, and it’s a little more realistic. I’ve said it before, but I don’t really write realism. Sometimes, people will go, ‘Well, this isn’t very realistic,’ and I go, ‘Well, that’s not really a relevant criticism because I don’t write realism.’ You can say, ‘I don’t like it,’ and that’s a reasonable criticism, but it’s not realism because I don’t write realism.”

With over 30 books in the series, Cross has plenty of material to draw from, suggesting the potential for longevity similar to Reacher if audience interest remains strong. The first season synopsis hints at the series’ direction:

Based on NY Times Bestselling author James Patterson’s #1 hero, Cross is a crime thriller that follows the investigations of brilliant forensic psychologist and DC Metro Detective Alex Cross. Alongside his best friend and partner Detective John Sampson, Cross delves into the minds of America’s most insidious killers while striving to shield his family from the perils of the criminal world.

Aldis Hodge will take the reins from previous portrayals by Tyler Perry and Morgan Freeman. The first season boasts a diverse cast including Isaiah Mustafa, Samantha Walkes, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, and Johnny Ray Gill.

Second-season cast announcements include Matthew Lillard, Wes Chatham, and Jeanine Mason, pointing to intriguing additions and new dynamics.

The eight episodes of the first season are set to stream on November 14, 2024, with the second season’s release date yet to be unveiled.

The trailer, available below, showcases criminals attempting to outthink Cross, only to find themselves outmatched: