Prime Video’s Cross has become one of the streaming service’s standout crime thrillers. Created by Ben Watkins and based on James Patterson’s beloved Alex Cross novel series, the show combines gripping murder investigations, psychological suspense, and emotional family drama into a compelling television adaptation.
The series premiered on November 14, 2024, and stars Aldis Hodge as legendary detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross. Before its first season even debuted, Prime Video renewed the series for a second season. Following the success of Season 2, the show was officially renewed for Season 3 in March 2026.
Produced by Blue Monday Productions, Skydance Television, Paramount Television Studios, and Amazon MGM Studios, Cross continues to attract viewers with its cinematic storytelling and outstanding performances.
What Is Cross About?
Alex Cross is one of Washington, D.C.’s most brilliant homicide detectives. As both a detective and forensic psychologist, Cross has an extraordinary ability to understand the minds of killers, allowing him to solve complex crimes that others cannot.
While investigating dangerous murder cases alongside his longtime partner, Detective John Sampson, Cross also struggles with personal grief following the death of his wife and works to protect his family from the dangers surrounding his profession.
The series blends psychological profiling, detective work, political intrigue, and emotional storytelling, making it much more than a traditional police procedural.
Cast of Cross
The series features an impressive ensemble cast led by Aldis Hodge.
Main Cast
- Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross
- Isaiah Mustafa as Detective John Sampson
- Juanita Jennings as Regina “Nana Mama” Cross
- Alona Tal as FBI Agent Kayla Craig
- Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro
- Caleb Elijah as Damon Cross
- Melody Hurd as Jannie Cross
- Jennifer Wigmore as Chief April Anderson
- Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey (Season 1)
- Eloise Mumford as Shannon Witmer (Season 1)
- Jeanine Mason as Rebecca (Season 2)
- Wes Chatham as Donnie (Season 2)
- Johnny Ray Gill as Bobby Trey
- Matthew Lillard as Lance Durand (Season 2)
- Ethan Embry joins the cast beginning in Season 3.
Recurring Cast
Additional recurring cast members include Matt Baram, Mercedes de la Zerda, Stacie Greenwell, Dwain Murphy, Siobhan Murphy, Jason Rogel, Sharon Taylor, Karen Robinson, Deidrie Henry, Rene Moran, Michelle C. Bonilla, Carlos Solórzano, Ron Perlman, and several others.
Season Overview
Season 1
The first season follows Alex Cross as he investigates the murder of a Black Lives Matter activist. What begins as a politically charged homicide quickly evolves into the hunt for a calculating serial killer whose crimes reach into Washington’s highest levels of power.
Season 2
Released in February 2026, Season 2 introduces a new investigation involving billionaires connected to human trafficking while continuing Alex Cross’ personal journey and expanding the series’ emotional stakes.
Season 3
Season 3 officially entered production in 2026 with new cast members Ethan Embry and Ron Perlman joining the expanding world of Cross.
Where Was Cross Filmed?
Although the story takes place in Washington, D.C., production is based in Ontario, Canada.
Major filming locations include:
- Toronto
- Hamilton
- Surrounding Ontario communities
Hamilton serves as one of the show’s primary filming locations, doubling for numerous Washington, D.C. neighborhoods throughout the series.
Development and Production
Development on Cross began in 2020 as Amazon partnered with Skydance Television and Paramount Television Studios to adapt James Patterson’s bestselling novels for television.
Ben Watkins serves as creator, showrunner, and executive producer, while Aldis Hodge also serves as a producer in addition to starring as the title character.
The series has steadily expanded since its debut and continues to be one of Prime Video’s flagship crime dramas.
Critical Reception
The series has earned increasingly positive reviews.
Season 1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
- Metacritic: 62/100
Critics praised Aldis Hodge’s commanding performance and the show’s psychological approach to detective storytelling.
Season 2
Season 2 received even stronger reviews.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Metacritic: 63/100
Many reviewers cited improved storytelling, stronger character development, and higher emotional stakes.
Awards and Recognition
Cross has received recognition from several major awards organizations.
Notable honors include:
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series (Winner)
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing (Ben Watkins)
- Multiple acting nominations for Aldis Hodge and Isaiah Mustafa
- Black Reel Awards nominations
- Gotham TV Awards nomination
- Canadian Society of Cinematographers nomination
- Leo Awards nomination
- Golden Trailer Awards nomination
The show’s growing list of accolades reflects both its critical success and audience popularity.
Who Are the Casting Directors for Cross?
One of the reasons Cross features such a compelling ensemble cast is the talented casting team behind the series. Kim Coleman Casting is one of the primary casting companies involved in the project. Led by Emmy-nominated casting director Kim Coleman, the company is recognized for assembling exceptional casts for acclaimed television series including Lovecraft Country, American Crime, Dear White People, Snowfall, and The Good Doctor. Kim Coleman’s expertise in dramatic television helped shape the talented lineup of actors who bring James Patterson’s iconic characters to life.
Another casting company working on the project is TMH Management. The company collaborates with the production team to help cast principal, recurring, and supporting roles throughout the series. Their experience in television casting contributes to the authentic performances and strong ensemble that have become hallmarks of Cross.
Together, Kim Coleman Casting and TMH Management play an important role in finding the performers who make Cross one of Prime Video’s most engaging crime dramas.
Amazon Prime “Cross” Casting Call for Adult Family Members
Adult Family Members for School Track Meet Scene
Job Description
A paid production is seeking adult background actors to portray family members attending a school track meet. This background acting opportunity is open to performers who can authentically portray supportive parents and relatives in an outdoor sports setting. The production is looking for a diverse cast, with a strong representation of Black/African American talent.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray family members at a school track meet.
- Follow direction from the production team.
- Perform natural background interactions during outdoor scenes.
- Maintain continuity throughout filming.
Requirements
- Adult performers.
- Open to all ethnicities, with a strong need for Black/African American talent.
- Comfortable working in an outdoor setting.
- Available to work in Oshawa.
Compensation
- Paid background acting opportunity.
Amazon Prime “Cross” Casting Call for Adult Family Members With Vehicles
Adult Family Members With Vehicles for School Track Meet Scene
Job Description
A paid production is seeking adult background actors with their own vehicles to portray family members attending a school track meet. This role is ideal for performers who can provide their own car and authentically portray parents or relatives at a community sporting event.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a family member attending a school track meet.
- Provide your own vehicle for filming if requested.
- Follow production direction throughout the shoot.
- Maintain continuity during background scenes.
Requirements
- Adult performers with access to a personal vehicle.
- Open to all ethnicities, with a strong need for Black/African American talent.
- Comfortable filming outdoors.
- Available to work in Oshawa.
Compensation
- Paid background acting opportunity.
Amazon Prime “Cross” Casting Call for Track Athletes
School Sports Scene
Job Description
A paid production is seeking young performers to portray track athletes in a school sports scene. This background acting opportunity is open to youth who can convincingly portray student athletes. No track or athletic experience is required.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a student athlete during track meet scenes.
- Follow direction from the production team.
- Participate in background sports activities.
- Maintain continuity throughout filming.
Requirements
- Ages 12–16.
- No athletic experience required.
- Open to all ethnicities, with a strong need for Black/African American talent.
- Available to work in Oshawa.
Compensation
- Paid background acting
Amazon Prime “Cross” Casting Call for Youth Family Members
Youth Family Members for School Track Meet Scene
Job Description
A paid production is seeking child background actors to portray family members attending a school track meet. This role is perfect for young performers who can naturally portray siblings or relatives cheering on athletes during outdoor scenes.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a young family member at a school track meet.
- Follow production direction during filming.
- Participate in realistic family background scenes.
- Maintain continuity throughout production.
Requirements
- Ages 9–12.
- Open to all ethnicities, with a strong need for Black/African American talent.
- Comfortable working outdoors.
- Available to work in Oshawa.
Compensation
- Paid background acting opportunity.
Amazon Prime “Cross” Casting Call for Coaches and Team Staff
Coaches and Team Staff for School Track Meet Scene
Job Description
A paid production is seeking background actors to portray coaches and team staff at a school track meet. This opportunity is ideal for performers who can authentically represent athletic coaches and event personnel in a realistic sports environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a coach or team staff member during filming.
- Follow production direction on set.
- Participate in realistic sports event background scenes.
- Maintain continuity throughout production.
Requirements
- Adult performers.
- Open to all ethnicities, with a strong need for Black/African American talent.
- Professional appearance suitable for coaching or athletic staff roles.
- Available to work in Oshawa.
Compensation
- Paid background acting opportunity.
Why Cross Is Worth Watching
Cross stands apart from many crime dramas by combining psychological suspense with emotionally driven storytelling. Aldis Hodge delivers a powerful performance as Alex Cross, portraying a detective whose greatest strength is understanding the minds of criminals while struggling with his own personal loss.
With compelling mysteries, excellent performances, cinematic production values, and continued expansion into future seasons, Cross has become one of Prime Video’s must-watch original series.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of James Patterson’s novels or discovering Alex Cross for the first time, the series offers an exciting blend of crime, suspense, and character-driven storytelling.
Find the Latest Cross Casting Calls on Project Casting
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Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or aspiring entertainment professional, Project Casting connects you with new opportunities from major productions happening around the world.
Visit Project Casting today to discover the latest Cross casting calls and apply for your next opportunity.
