*Amazon’s “Cross” series, based on James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels and starring Aldis Hodge, attracted 40 million viewers in its first 20 days of streaming.
This makes it the third-biggest season premiere of 2024 on the platform, following “Fallout” Season 1 and “The Rings of Power Season 2,” Variety reports. “Cross” is also Prime Video’s third-largest series launch and sixth-biggest season debut of all time. Over half of its viewers (55%) are from outside the U.S., with significant audiences in Germany, the U.K., Brazil, Canada, and Spain.
As Variety reports, Amazon does not specify how it defines a “viewer,” so the 40 million may include anyone who watched any part of the series.
The show, which features Hodge as both the star and a producer, follows the character of Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist who delves into the minds of killers to solve crimes. Alongside Hodge, the series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, and others. Before the first season even debuted, Amazon renewed the series for a second season.
Marie Claire reports that series creator Ben Watkins confirmed season 2 has already finished filming. The premiere date has not yet been announced.
Speaking to EURweb’s Jill Munroe, Watkins said he “wanted the flexibility to reflect on today’s world rather than staying tied to a past era. So, we created an updated Cross who remains authentically Black and combines charisma, physicality, and intellect.”
As for Hodge, portraying such an iconic character meant delving into Alex’s complexities. He was drawn to the “rich narrative and powerful character relationships” the series offered, which allowed him to explore Alex not just as a detective but as a man with close familial and romantic connections.
“The audience wants to see these layers, to live in the world of these characters,” he noted.
*This article contains additional reporting from Jill Munroe.
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