November’s Must-See Show: Cross on Prime Video Celebrates Premiere with Aldis Hodge

Last night, Prime Video celebrated the highly anticipated series Cross, starring Aldis Hodge as Detective Alex Cross. Now, we can’t reveal too much about the show just yet, other than to say it’s incredibly well-done and easily ranks among the best detective shows to date. Think Luther and, dare I say, may even surpass previous adaptations of James Patterson’s iconic character into film. But we’ll save those details for later—with our cast interviews and a deep die review.

To mark the premiere of the show’s first season—which has already been renewed for a second season—Prime Video hosted a star-studded red carpet event at Nya Studios West in Los Angeles. Series star and producer Aldis Hodge, along with cast members Isaiah Mustafa, Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Eloise Mumford, and others, graced the event, alongside showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins.

Top Amazon executives, including Mike Hopkins (Worldwide Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios), Jennifer Salke (Head of Amazon MGM Studios), Vernon Sanders (Head of Television at Amazon MGM Studios), Albert Cheng (Vice President of Prime Video US), and Sue Kroll (Global Head of Marketing at Amazon MGM Studios), attended the celebration. Edwin Hodge, Aldis Hodge’s brother and an acclaimed actor himself, was also present, adding to the night’s excitement.

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The evening opened with a lively red carpet and a screening of the first two episodes of this intense, layered drama based on James Patterson’s bestselling Alex Cross series. Vernon Sanders introduced the premiere, saying, “We cannot wait to reintroduce audiences to their favorite detective, Alex Cross, played flawlessly by the Aldis Hodge,” while adding, “we’re thrilled to bring you back for season two.” Watkins then took the stage, sharing heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you, Amazon MGM Studios, for your incredible support. You promised us that if we made a great show, you’d make sure the world knew about it, and you’ve delivered beyond expectations.” Hodge joined him on stage, admiring Watkins’ leadership, calling him “the greatest leader I have ever worked with.”

The premiere screening received a roaring applause, followed by a festive after-party at Nya, where guests enjoyed themed cocktails such as the New Hero, Classic Gin Rickey, and the Deceiver. Attendees snacked on chili dogs at a recreated version of D.C.’s iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl, with the restaurant’s owners Virginia and Vida Ali in attendance.

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To honor the show’s D.C. roots, original artwork by D.C. muralist Aniekan Udofia was showcased, commissioned through 9B Collective—the first Black-owned concept art studio primarily composed of BIPOC artists. Co-founded by Hodge, Phillip Boutté Jr., and Mike Uwandi, 9B Collective aims to bring true inclusivity to storytelling and representation, making the collaboration a meaningful tribute to Cross’s setting and spirit.

Don’t miss it on November 14 on Prime Video.