Amazon’s Ambitious Crime Thriller Cross: A Reacher-CSI Hybrid Show

by

Prime Video features a gripping crime thriller that blends elements of Reacher and CSI, but aims even higher in scope. Amazon has consistently delivered high-quality original shows, especially within the crime genre, over the past few years.

Shows like Reacher, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith have been praised by both critics and viewers. Reacher has been especially popular, becoming a real hit with audiences, and a spin-off called Ballard is coming this summer. But fans of the action series starring Alan Ritchson don’t have to wait that long for more similar content.

Cross is a 2024 crime thriller inspired by James Patterson’s popular Alex Cross novels. Aldis Hodge stars as Alex Cross, a Washington D.C. detective and forensic psychologist. The story follows Alex a year after his wife’s murder, as he throws himself into solving cases and understanding the motives of both killers and their victims.

This show follows a case-of-the-week format, much like CSI, but with a larger mystery unfolding throughout each season. The main character, Alex, often takes the law into his own hands, driven by grief and a quick temper – a trait viewers familiar with Reacher will likely recognize.

Cross Is Overshadowed By Prime Video’s Other Crime Thrillers

The series Cross is really strong, especially considering its two seasons. The big improvement in ratings – from 76% on Rotten Tomatoes for the first season to 95% for the second – shows the creator successfully overcame common first-season challenges. Despite its quality, though, it doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves.

It seems to have been overshadowed by not only Prime’s crime thrillers, but all their exciting shows, from The Boys to Scarpetta. Cross has struggled to get noticed in the vast library, but viewers should pay attention. It’s an ambitious and rewarding series.

Aldis Hodge delivers a powerful performance as a detective who’s great at solving crimes, and he has a surprising, well-timed sense of humor. The second season is especially strong, with a complex story that makes it hard to tell who the ‘good guys’ really are. It’s a dark, daring season with a compelling villain for the main character to face.

At just 16 episodes over two seasons, Cross is a quick and easy show to watch. If you enjoy crime thrillers like Reacher or CSI, it’s definitely worth checking out. Plus, a third season is coming soon, so now’s a good time to start watching!

Cross Season 3 Is On Its Way

Only a month after the second season of Cross debuted on Prime Video in February 2026, and on the same day the season concluded, Amazon renewed the show for a third season. The third season will consist of eight episodes. Peter Friedlander, head of global television at Amazon MGM Studios, commented on the renewal.

Morgan Aldis has truly become Alex Cross, bringing a lot of emotional depth, intelligence, and heart to the role. We’re excited to keep telling this story with Ben, our partners at Paramount Television Studios, and the talented cast, sharing more of James Patterson’s well-known world with viewers around the globe on Prime Video.

In 2024, the show’s creator, Ben Watkins, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he had planned out the series for four seasons and would be happy to continue for ten. Author James Patterson also revealed to THR that scripts for future seasons were written even before season 2 finished, suggesting season 3 might arrive soon.

Okay, so I just heard some cool news about Cross – it’s really become a standout show on Prime Video, and I’m seriously hooked! They’ve added Ethan Embry to the cast, and he’s playing Frederick, a tough-love kind of sobriety coach. Sounds like a great addition, and I’m really curious to see what direction they take the story in next. Deadline had the scoop, by the way.

Read More

2026-04-22 22:50