Cross Season 2 surges in early critic tallies
Prime Video’s crime drama Cross has opened its second season to strong critical acclaim, registering a 92% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes from 12 critic reviews so far. That marks a notable jump from the first season’s 76% and has put the series ahead of some peers it’s frequently likened to, including True Detective, in early aggregator comparisons.
The series—an adaptation of James Patterson’s long-running Alex Cross novels—returned with the premiere of its second season in a hybrid rollout: Prime Video released the first three episodes at once before moving to a weekly schedule.
What’s new this season
Season 2 brings back Aldis Hodge as Detective Alex Cross, whose blend of charisma and procedural savvy remains central to the show’s momentum. New to the cast is Matthew Lillard, joined by Isaiah Mustafa, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Juanita Jennings, and Caleb Elijah. According to the season synopsis, Cross is chasing a ruthless vigilante who is targeting corrupt billionaire magnates, setting up a moral and investigative cat-and-mouse that drives the episodes.
The series lists Craig Siebels and Nzingha Stewart among its directors, with Ben Watkins credited as a writer and creator for this incarnation. Cross remains categorized as TV‑MA and fits squarely in the crime and mystery space on Prime Video.
Why critics are responding
Early reviews highlight Aldis Hodge’s compelling lead performance and the show’s pacing as key strengths. The tonal shift toward a darker, vigilante-centric investigation appears to have resonated with many reviewers, who cite the tighter plotting and elevated stakes compared with Season 1.
Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer reflects only participating critics and is subject to change as more reviews are added, but the current 92% suggests that Cross has made a sizable impression on those who have assessed the new season so far.
Not everyone is sold — nuanced criticism remains
Positive early scores don’t mean unanimous praise. Some critics urge caution. Nate Richard of Collider, for example, awarded the season a 6/10 and noted that while the show is “entertainingly paced,” it struggles to distinguish itself beyond its lead performance. Richard wrote that outside of Hodge’s Alex Cross, “nothing about it allows it to stand out from Prime Video’s similar offerings,” while still expressing a desire for more of the character in future seasons.
That view underscores a common thread in the mixed responses: strong central performances and compelling set pieces, but a need for deeper distinctiveness in storytelling and ensemble development to elevate the show above other prestige-leaning streaming crime dramas.
What to watch for next
- Episode rollout: After the initial three-episode drop, Prime Video follows a weekly cadence, giving viewers time to digest and react to each installment.
- Critics and audience scores: Rotten Tomatoes’ critic score can shift as more reviews stream in; audience reactions and social-media buzz will also shape perceptions over the coming weeks.
- Character and plot development: How the series balances its vigilante plotline with Alex Cross’s personal and professional life will likely determine whether it sustains early momentum.
Where to watch
Cross Season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video. Expect ongoing coverage of reviews and episode reactions as the season progresses.