Alex Cross is on the case—and the world is watching!
Prime Video’s Cross, based on James Patterson’s bestselling Alex Cross novels, has proven to be a massive hit for the platform. According to Amazon, the crime drama amassed over 40 million viewers globally in its first 20 days, marking it as the third most-watched series premiere of the year, following Fallout Season 1 and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2.
While Amazon does not disclose how it defines a “viewer,” the company highlighted that more than 55% of the audience for Cross comes from outside the U.S., with standout performance in countries like Germany, the U.K., Brazil, Canada, and Spain. The series also held the title of Prime Video’s most-watched show globally during its debut period, reaching No. 1 in more than 100 countries.
Setting New Milestones
Cross has earned its place as one of Prime Video’s top-performing shows of all time. The series is the streamer’s third-biggest launch ever and the sixth-largest season premiere, solidifying its strong international appeal.
For comparison:
- Fallout garnered over 65 million viewers within its first 16 days.
- The Rings of Power Season 2 reached 40 million viewers in just 11 days and surpassed 55 million by the one-month mark.
The World of Cross
Led by Aldis Hodge (Leverage, Black Adam), who also serves as a producer, Cross delves into the life of Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist with an unparalleled ability to uncover the psyches of both killers and victims. The series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold.
Behind the scenes, Ben Watkins serves as showrunner and executive producer through his Blue Monday Productions banner. Additional executive producers include James Patterson, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bill Bost.
What’s Next for Cross
The success of Cross comes as no surprise given its compelling narrative and strong performances. Prime Video had already renewed the series for a second season ahead of its debut, a move that appears to be paying off. With the show’s continued momentum and an international audience eagerly tuning in, Cross has solidified itself as a major player in Amazon’s streaming portfolio.
Industry Context
Amazon’s definition of viewership remains opaque, unlike competitors Netflix and Disney+, which calculate views based on total watch time divided by runtime. This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation regarding the 40 million figure. However, with Nielsen data expected soon, a clearer picture of audience engagement will likely emerge.
For now, Cross stands as a major win for Prime Video, cementing its place as one of 2024’s breakout hits.