Quick Read
- Season 2 of ‘Cross’ premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 11, 2026.
- Unlike Season 1, Season 2 is adopting a weekly episode release schedule.
- New episodes will drop every Wednesday, with the finale on March 18.
- The new storyline focuses on Alex Cross pursuing a ruthless vigilante targeting corrupt billionaire magnates.
- The season opener features an ‘Epstein-like’ sex trafficking plot, written years prior.
WASHINGTON D.C. (Azat TV) – The highly anticipated second season of the detective series ‘Cross,’ starring Aldis Hodge as Dr. Alex Cross, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 11, 2026. This new season marks a significant shift in its distribution strategy, moving from the binge-release model of its predecessor to a weekly episode schedule, promising sustained engagement for viewers as Cross delves into a new, darker narrative focusing on vigilantism against corrupt billionaire magnates.
Based on the best-selling novels by James Patterson, the series is now streaming its first three episodes, with new installments to follow every Wednesday. This change in release pattern for Season 2 aims to build week-to-week anticipation, a departure from the full season drop that characterized ‘Cross’ Season 1 when it debuted in November 2024, according to reports from Show Snob and People.
‘Cross’ Season 2 Release Schedule and New Focus
The second season of ‘Cross’ began its run with a three-episode premiere on February 11, available on Prime Video. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT, leading up to the season finale on March 18. The full schedule includes:
- Episodes 1-3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Episode 4: Wednesday, Feb. 18
- Episode 5: Wednesday, Feb. 25
- Episode 6: Wednesday, March 4
- Episode 7: Wednesday, March 11
- Episode 8 (Season 2 finale): Wednesday, March 18
The new season immediately plunges Dr. Alex Cross, a Washington D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist, into a complex investigation. The storyline revolves around a series of murders targeting CEOs, which leads Cross and his team to protect billionaire businessman Lance Durand (Matthew Lillard). This investigation soon uncovers a vast human trafficking ring and hints at a larger conspiracy, as detailed by Show Snob. Creator, writer, and showrunner Ben Watkins confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the season’s opener features an ‘Epstein-like’ sex trafficking plot, though the storyline was conceived and written years prior. Watkins emphasized that ‘This Season Is About Vigilantism,’ signaling a thematic shift from the personal serial killer hunt of Season 1.
Season 1 Recap: Setting the Stage for ‘Cross’ Season 2
For viewers needing a refresher, ‘Cross’ Season 1 concluded with several critical developments that shaped Alex Cross’s emotional state and professional standing. The season’s primary antagonist, Ed Ramsey (Ryan Eggold), a manipulative figure who tortured victims to mirror infamous serial killers, was apprehended. Cross and Detective John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa) rescued Ramsey’s captive, Shannon Witmer (Eloise Mumford), and destroyed Ramsey’s ‘scrapbook of kills,’ preventing him from achieving the legacy he desired, as recounted by The Wrap.
Crucially, the identity of Maria’s (Chaunteé Schuler Irving), Alex Cross’s murdered wife, killer was revealed. It was Peter, acting under the orders of Miss Nancy (Sharon Taylor), who had been stalking the Cross family as an act of revenge. Miss Nancy, the ‘street mother’ of Peter, believed Alex was responsible for the death of Deirdre, Peter’s partner, who died by suicide in prison after being framed by Miss Nancy. Alex ultimately confronted Miss Nancy, who died by suicide, while Peter was arrested. The season also saw Alex reconcile with John Sampson, admitting his struggles with Maria’s death and seeking therapy, signaling a significant personal breakthrough.
Furthermore, Alex’s record on the force was cleared after footage of him brutalizing a suspect was leaked by Ed Ramsey. Chief April Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore) used this opportunity to advance her own political ambitions, with Alex’s clean slate paving her way to run for mayor of Washington, D.C. In a separate subplot, Kayla Craig (Alona Tal) made a deal with Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill), Ed Ramsey’s accomplice, to confess to crimes, providing answers to victims’ families and setting up his potential return in Season 2.
Returning Cast and Core Themes
The second season sees the return of key cast members alongside Aldis Hodge, including Isaiah Mustafa as Detective John Sampson, Juanita Jennings as Regina ‘Nana Mama’ Cross, Alona Tal as Kayla Craig, Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro, Caleb Elijah as Damon Cross, and Melody Hurd as Janelle ‘Jannie’ Cross. Jennifer Wigmore also reprises her role as Chief April Anderson. The series continues to explore the nuanced relationship between Black police officers and the communities they serve, a theme that resonated with star Aldis Hodge, who told The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Oftentimes, we do hear about the separation of law enforcement and community. But where you find yourself in that homogenous space is when law enforcement is of the community, when they become community.’
While based on James Patterson’s long-running book series, the Prime Video adaptation distinguishes itself by telling original stories rather than direct adaptations. Patterson himself encouraged this approach, allowing the series to ‘tap into how we feel today and what is happening today,’ according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The shift to a weekly release schedule for ‘Cross’ Season 2 suggests a strategic move by Amazon Prime Video to maximize sustained viewership and foster episodic discussion, leveraging the show’s dark, topical themes to maintain cultural relevance in a competitive streaming landscape.