“40 Million Viewers Tune in to Prime Video’s ‘Cross’ with Aldis Hodge”

Aldis Hodge’s Breakout Role in ‘CROSS’

Aldis Hodge’s stellar performance in Amazon’s “Cross” series, adapted from James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, has garnered a massive audience of 40 million viewers within its first 20 days of streaming. This achievement now sees “Cross” ranked as the third-largest season premiere of 2024 on Amazon Prime Video, following closely behind “Fallout” Season 1 and “The Rings of Power Season 2.”

Variety reveals that “Cross” marks Prime Video’s third-largest series debut and the sixth-biggest season premiere in the platform’s history. Its popularity transcends boundaries, with international viewers making up 55% of the total audience. Notably, “Cross” has found significant traction in countries like Germany, the U.K., Brazil, Canada, and Spain.

While Amazon does not provide a precise definition of a “viewer,” the 40 million viewer count includes anyone who has watched any part of the series. Starring Hodge, who features not only as the lead but also as a producer, the show revolves around Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist unraveling mysteries by stepping into the minds of criminals. The series boasts a talented cast including Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, and others. Before the first season had even premiered, Amazon had already greenlit a second season.

According to Marie Claire, series creator Ben Watkins has confirmed that filming for season 2 has already concluded, although no official premiere date has been announced yet. In an interview with EURweb’s Jill Munroe, Watkins emphasizes the need to anchor the show in the present rather than focus solely on the past. This decision allows for a modern portrayal of the character of Cross, embodying genuine Black representation while exuding a blend of charm, physicality, and intellect.

For Hodge, stepping into the shoes of such an iconic character required a deep dive into Cross’s intricate persona. He found the narrative’s depth and the character relationships offered in the series particularly alluring, enabling a comprehensive exploration of Cross beyond just being a detective, into a man with profound familial and romantic connections. Hodge emphasized the audience’s desire to experience these complex layers and immerse themselves in the characters’ universe.

Overall, “Cross” has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, propelling Aldis Hodge into the spotlight with his compelling performance as Alex Cross.