James Patterson’s novels have been adapted countless times over the years, with mixed results across film and television. From theatrical thrillers to network dramas, most adaptations struggled to capture both critical praise and lasting audience interest.
Prime Video’s Cross, released in 2024 and based on Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, may finally be changing that narrative. With season 2 officially on the way, the series is now closer than ever to surpassing the author’s most critically successful screen adaptation to date.
Cross Has Already Started Strong On Prime Video
Cross stars Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, delivering a grounded, emotionally charged take on the iconic detective. The first season earned a solid 76% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it above nearly every other Patterson adaptation released so far.
That score is especially impressive considering how inconsistent past adaptations of Patterson’s work have been. Films like Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls found commercial success but never universal critical approval, while most TV efforts failed to gain traction beyond a single season.
There is only one exception.
Zoo Remains James Patterson’s Highest-Rated Adaptation
CBS’s Zoo, which premiered in 2015 and ran for three seasons, remains the gold standard for Patterson adaptations in terms of critical reception. With an 82% Rotten Tomatoes score, it has held the top spot for nearly a decade.
That benchmark has gone unchallenged until now. While Cross still trails Zoo by a small margin, its careful approach to casting and storytelling in season 2 could finally push it over the edge.
Matthew Lillard’s Casting Could Be A Game-Changer
One of the biggest developments for Cross season 2 is the addition of Matthew Lillard to the cast. Lillard will play Lance Durand, a billionaire whose presence is expected to significantly complicate Alex Cross’ investigations.
Lillard’s appeal spans generations. He broke out in Scream in 1996 and became a pop culture staple through films like She’s All That, Thirteen Ghosts, and the Scooby-Doo franchise. His continued relevance ensures instant curiosity from viewers across multiple age groups.
More importantly, his casting appears to be driven by performance rather than name recognition alone. Showrunner Ben Watkins revealed that he specifically asked Lillard to audition for the role, marking the first time the actor had been required to read for a part in 15 years. That decision signals a commitment to quality over stunt casting.
Season 2 Could Push Cross Past Zoo
While Cross still has ground to cover to surpass Zoo’s 82% critics score, audience reception already tells a promising story. Both series currently sit at an identical 64% audience score, meaning Cross is already matching Zoo in viewer approval.
Lillard’s addition is far more likely to influence general audiences than critics, helping the series maintain momentum and avoid a sophomore slump. If season 2 delivers stronger storytelling alongside its expanded cast, Cross could realistically claim the top spot as the best-reviewed James Patterson adaptation ever.
Final Thoughts
With a strong first season, a compelling lead performance from Aldis Hodge, and the strategic addition of Matthew Lillard, Cross season 2 feels poised for a significant leap forward. After nearly ten years, James Patterson’s adaptation hierarchy may finally be due for a reshuffle.
If Prime Video continues to prioritize performance-driven casting and character-focused storytelling, Cross could soon dethrone Zoo and redefine what a successful James Patterson adaptation looks like on television.
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