Prime Video has become known for its popular book-to-screen adaptations, with shows like Bosch, Reacher, and Ballard becoming mainstays on the platform. Now, a lesser-known but highly-regarded crime series from Prime Video is gaining international attention on Paramount+.
According to FlixPatrol, the TV show Cross is currently a global hit on Paramount+, ranking as the 10th most-watched series worldwide. It’s particularly popular in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Italy, and France. In the United States, Cross is the 9th most-watched show on the platform. The series first launched on November 14, 2024, and its second season became available on February 11, 2026.
Cross Is an Adaptation of a Popular Book Series
The show Cross is inspired by James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, but it doesn’t directly adapt one specific book like Reacher does. Instead, Cross weaves together characters, plotlines, and moments from across the book series to create a fresh story centered around Alex Cross, Patterson’s famous forensic psychologist and detective.
Aldis Hodge plays Alex Cross, a detective fascinated by understanding what makes serial killers tick. He’s a complex character dealing with anger and the grief of losing his wife. The film also features Isaiah Mustafa as Detective John Sampson, Juanita Jennings as Regina “Nana Mama” Cross, Alona Tal as FBI agent Kayla Craig, and Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey.
This isn’t the first time Alex Cross has been adapted for the screen. Morgan Freeman first played the detective in the 1997 film Kiss the Girls, followed by the 2001 sequel, Along Came a Spider. Freeman later left the role, and Tyler Perry took over as Alex Cross in the 2012 film of the same name.
Cross Received Positive Reviews from Critics
Critics generally like the show, giving it an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences score it at 60%. The first season is considered ‘Certified Fresh’ with a 76% critic score, and the second season is even more popular, earning a 95% rating. On IMDb, the show has a rating of 7.2 based on nearly 40,000 reviews.
In a review for RogerEbert.com, Sherin Nicole described Cross as a complex, unsettling, and thought-provoking thriller set against the backdrop of Washington D.C. crime. David Opie of Empire Magazine praised the film as a successful and welcoming entry point to the Alex Cross universe, noting it avoids disappointment for both long-time fans and new viewers.
I’m really excited about this new show, Cross! Variety’s Aramide Tinubu highlighted how great Aldis Hodge is in the lead, with Siân Hucker-Watkins directing, and said it’s a crime drama full of unexpected twists. What I especially liked is how the review mentioned it doesn’t just focus on the mystery, but also deals with really important and tough topics like grief, harmful ideas about what it means to be a man, and how obsessions can ruin lives. And Ronda Racha Penrice at TheWrap thought it was a huge step up from other shows like it – way more satisfying and well-done!
James Patterson’s longtime readers had mixed reactions to the changes in the Prime Video series. Despite this, Cross stands out as a strong crime drama, ranking among Prime Video’s best. Now a global success, the show is reaching even more viewers after becoming available on Paramount+, and fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next.
2026-07-19 20:06