Ben Watkins, creator and showrunner of Prime Video's "Cross," says the psychological thriller has runway for multiple seasons ahead. With Season 3 currently in production, Watkins plans to deepen the character study of detective Alex Cross by examining his obsessive need to hunt killers as a form of addiction.
The show, based on James Patterson's bestselling book series, stars Aldis Hodge as the titular homicide detective. Watkins told Deadline that Season 3 will push Cross to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and his relationships. Rather than treating his relentless pursuit of justice as heroic, the new season frames it as a compulsion that damages those around him.
"We need to see this character confronting a different challenge about himself and the people around him," Watkins explained, hinting that the narrative will explore how Cross' obsession mirrors other forms of addiction. This psychological angle distinguishes the show from standard crime procedurals, positioning it closer to character-driven dramas like "Mindhunter" or "True Detective."
Patterson's Alex Cross universe offers limitless source material. The author created dozens of novels featuring the character across multiple subgenres, from crime thrillers to romance. Prime Video's adaptation has already built a dedicated audience across two seasons, giving the streamer confidence to greenlight additional chapters.
Watkins' comments suggest that each season can tackle a different facet of Cross' psychology or introduce fresh cases that explore broader themes. This approach allows the show to balance procedural storytelling with character evolution, preventing the kind of creative stagnation that derails long-running dramas.
Prime Video has invested heavily in "Cross" as a flagship drama. The show competes in a crowded streaming landscape where Netflix's true-crime offerings and Apple TV Plus' prestige thrillers dominate conversation. By committing