Key Facts
Prime Video's Cross, starring Aldis Hodge as detective Alex Cross, has been a hit with fans of gritty crime dramas. Based on James Patterson's novels, the show follows Cross as he navigates grief after his wife's murder while pursuing dangerous criminals. Season 1 featured the Fanboy Killer (Ryan Eggold), and Season 2 introduced billionaire Lance Durand (Matthew Lillard) and vigilante Luz (Jeanine Mason). The series has been renewed for Season 3, leaving fans eager for more. If you're looking for similar shows with complex characters, dark psyches, and messy relationships, here are 15 recommendations.
Top Picks for Fans of Cross
Reacher (Prime Video)
Based on Lee Child's novels, Reacher follows Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson), a former military police officer who drifts from town to town, solving crimes with his formidable strength and sharp mind. The ride-or-die dynamic between Reacher and Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) mirrors the bond between Cross and John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa). Each season features new settings and villains, with a Neagley spin-off in development and Season 5 already ordered.
Bosch (Prime Video)
Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) is an LAPD detective in Hollywood who bends rules but never breaks his moral code. Like Cross, Bosch faces personal demons while investigating murders of people close to him. The original series ran for seven seasons, followed by the spin-off Bosch: Legacy, offering serialized arcs with plenty of twists.
Luther (BBC America)
DCI John Luther (Idris Elba) is a brilliant but troubled homicide detective in London. His fascination with dark psyches leads to a dangerous entanglement with psychopath Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson). Luther is darker and more disturbing than Cross, but both protagonists share a fixation on catching criminals at great personal cost.
Jack Ryan (Prime Video)
John Krasinski stars as CIA analyst Jack Ryan in this global espionage thriller. With strong supporting performances from Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly, the show features high-stakes decisions and intricate plots. While more international in scale, it shares Cross's smart writing and a hero worth rooting for.
The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix)
Lighter in tone, The Lincoln Lawyer follows defense attorney Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) in Los Angeles. His messy personal life—two ex-wives, an ex-biker investigator, and an ex-client—makes for addictive viewing. The series has been renewed for Season 5.
Longmire (Netflix)
Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) of Absaroka County, Wyoming, is a widower like Cross. He buries his grief in work, solving crimes with dry wit and dedication. Over six seasons, the show explores contemporary Native American life and features beautiful scenery, with strong relationships at its core.
Mare of Easttown (HBO)
Detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) investigates a teenage mother's murder while barely holding her own life together. Grief permeates the series, much like in Cross. This slow-burn mystery features stellar performances from Winslet and Julianne Nicholson.
The Fall (Netflix)
Set in Northern Ireland, this BBC drama pits Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) against serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). The cat-and-mouse game explores power and control, with a focus on understanding the killer's psyche—similar to Cross's deep dives into criminal minds.
Mindhunter (Netflix)
From director David Fincher, Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they interview serial killers like Edmund Kemper and Charles Manson in the late 1970s. The series delves into criminal psychology, much like Cross's interest in the 'why' behind crimes. Unfortunately, Netflix did not renew it for Season 3.
Criminal Minds (Paramount+)
One of the longest-running police procedurals, Criminal Minds follows the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit as they profile unknown subjects. Like Cross, the team supports each other through highs and lows, creating a family dynamic. The series has evolved into Criminal Minds: Evolution on streaming.
Dept. Q (Netflix)
This U.K. crime thriller features DCI Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), a prickly detective exiled to a basement office with cold cases. He assembles a misfit team, including a Syrian immigrant and a detective with PTSD. The show's messiness and character depth echo Cross, and it has been renewed for Season 2.
The Killing (AMC)
Based on a Danish series, The Killing is a character-driven suspense drama that takes a slow approach to solving a single murder over two seasons. The co-dependent bond between detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder is a highlight, similar to Cross's relationships.
Broadchurch (BBC America)
Set in a coastal English town, this drama follows detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller as they investigate the death of an 11-year-old boy. The grief and pursuit of justice resonate with Cross's themes of loss and moving on.
True Detective (HBO)
An anthology series with different detectives and settings each season, True Detective shares Cross's detailed pursuit of criminals and psychological depth. Each season offers a unique, gripping story.
What to Watch Next
These 15 shows offer the same blend of crime, character complexity, and emotional depth that makes Cross so compelling. Whether you prefer action, psychological thrillers, or slow-burn mysteries, there's something here to fill the wait for Season 3.
FAQ
- What is Cross about? Cross is a Prime Video crime drama based on James Patterson's novels, following detective Alex Cross as he solves cases while dealing with personal grief and complex relationships.
- Is Cross renewed for another season? Yes, Cross has been officially renewed for Season 3 on Prime Video.
- What shows are similar to Cross? Shows like Reacher, Bosch, Luther, Jack Ryan, The Lincoln Lawyer, Longmire, Mare of Easttown, The Fall, Mindhunter, Criminal Minds, Dept. Q, The Killing, Broadchurch, and True Detective share similar themes of crime, character depth, and psychological intrigue.
- Where can I watch Cross? Cross is available exclusively on Prime Video.