Prime Video has become the go-to destination for adapting beloved literary characters into binge-worthy series, following hits like Bosch, Jack Ryan, and Reacher. Now, the streaming giant turns its attention to one of crime fiction's most enduring figures: Alex Cross, the brilliant detective created by James Patterson. The new eight-episode series, simply titled Cross, stars Aldis Hodge as the iconic investigator, but it takes a bold departure from the source material that fans might not expect.
Alex Cross first appeared in Patterson's 1993 novel Along Came a Spider, which, along with the 1995 bestseller Kiss the Girls, was adapted into films starring Morgan Freeman. Those movies stayed faithful to the books' plots, but the new Prime Video series is not based on any specific Patterson novel. Instead, showrunner Ben Watkins has crafted an entirely original mystery, a decision that sets Cross apart from its predecessors and other book-to-TV adaptations.
Why an Original Mystery?
In an interview with Collider, Watkins explained that he was "enchanted" by Patterson's series and eager to expand on the elements that drew him in—the clever mysteries, formidable villains, and the rich exploration of Washington D.C. and its supporting characters. While he stays true to Alex's core origin story—the tragic loss of his wife Maria (Chaunteé Schuler Irving), his partnership with childhood friend John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), and his role as a father to two kids—Watkins chose to invent a new case. "I felt like that would give me the best chance to make something current and timely, and tap into what is actually happening right now in society," he said.
This approach pays off. The series tackles nuanced issues of race, socioeconomic disparity, and policing through its characters' conversations and the central plot. When Alex is about to take a leave of absence, he gets pulled into the case of Emir Godspeed (Donovan Brown), a Black Lives Matter activist found dead in his car. Chief Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore) suspects suicide or accidental overdose, but Emir's family and community—and eventually Alex—believe otherwise. Their instincts prove correct when it's revealed that Emir is the victim of a serial killer obsessed with infamous real-life murderers, and he's not the only victim. The season unravels this mystery while Alex also desperately hunts for the person responsible for Maria's death, a quest that takes a heavy toll on his work and personal life.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Character
In the books and films, Alex Cross is a charismatic, brilliant detective and psychologist. Watkins leans into that for Hodge's portrayal, but he also brings a refreshing vulnerability to the role. It's rare for tough, kickass characters to show their emotions, but Cross does just that, allowing Hodge to showcase his range and make Alex a well-rounded, relatable figure. A standout moment in the first episode comes when Alex explains his hero complex to his date, Elle (Samantha Walkes), revealing his deep-seated guilt over not being able to protect his wife and his determination to save everyone around him, even at his own expense.
Prime Video clearly has confidence in the series, having renewed Cross for a second season before its premiere. While many book adaptations struggle to surprise readers, Watkins' decision to center the show on an original mystery ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy the twists and turns without prior knowledge. It's a smart move that sets Cross apart in the crowded landscape of streaming adaptations.
For those who appreciate a good detective story with a modern edge, Cross is a must-watch. And if you're in the mood for more gripping thrillers, check out our list of the greatest thrillers since 1990 or dive into FX's Say Nothing, another true crime gem. Prime Video also has plenty of other sci-fi shows that need no fixing if you're looking to expand your watchlist.
