It will be a while before a new installment of the Harry Bosch franchise lands on Prime Video, but, till then, fans of the series can check out its perfect returning replacement.
After an incredibly strong seven-season run, Bosch finally ended its run on a high note in 2021. Since then, fans of the series have experienced a major void in the crime thriller genre even though Prime Video has been churning out one dad show after another.
Although Bosch‘s new spin-off, Ballard, became an effective replacement, its next installment is not coming out anytime soon. Fortunately, Prime Video has confirmed the release date for another action thriller series that has the potential to become as good as Bosch in the near future.
Alex Cross Feels Like Prime Video’s Real Harry Bosch Successor
Harry Bosch and Alex Cross are known to be distinctive detectives in the world of crime thrillers. However, they share some undeniable similarities that make Prime Video’s Cross feel like a worthy successor to Bosch.
One of the biggest similarities between the two is that both operate well within the existing structures of law enforcement. They do not shy away from breaking and bending rules and even navigate the grey areas of law. However, unlike other detective characters like Jack Reacher, they do not straight up walk down the path of vigilantism.
Unlike Prime Video’s Reacher, Bosch and Cross are not direct adaptations of any original books. Instead, both shows draw from several narratives from their source materials and present well-rounded stories in each season.
Alex Cross and Harry Bosch are brilliant as detectives but often display complex traits. Both struggle to have stable family lives, primarily because of the inherent dangers of their jobs. The books of both franchises also show how the two characters end up working in different law enforcement departments instead of sticking to one.
With so many overlaps between the two, it is hard not to see Cross as a worthy successor to Bosch.
Cross Season 2’s Release Is Timed Perfectly While Waiting For Harry Bosch’s Ballard Season 2 Return
It has been a while since Prime Video announced Cross‘ renewal after its successful season 1 run. Almost a year after Cross season 1’s end, the streaming service has now confirmed that its season 2 will premiere on February 11, 2026.
Cross season 1 presented a compelling take on the original James Patterson books and Aldos Hodge also did a brilliant job portraying the titular detective character. However, even though Cross is up there among Prime Video’s best dad shows, it still has not matched the legacy of premium detective shows like Bosch and Reacher.
Owing to this, calling it a worthy Bosch replacement would be a stretch. However, Cross effectively eases the wait for the Bosch franchise’s next installment. Since Ballard season 2 does not have an official release date despite being renewed, it will not come out before Cross season 2.
Fans of crime thrillers can watch Cross‘ both installments while waiting for Ballard season 2’s release.
Alex Cross’ Books Give Prime Video As Much Source Material As Harry Bosch
James Patterson has written over 30 Alex Cross books so far. If Prime Video could turn 24 Harry Bosch novels into a brilliant seven-season series, it is hard not to believe that it could achieve something similar with Cross.
Owing to the abundance of source material, Prime Video’s Cross can have an incredibly long run if it maintains the quality of its storytelling across all seasons, like Bosch. While only time will tell how Cross‘ future seasons will turn out, it undoubtedly has the potential to match Bosch‘s legacy in the long run and become one of Prime Video‘s most valuable IPs.
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Cross
8/10
- Release Date
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November 14, 2024
- Directors
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Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart
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Bosch
- Release Date
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2015 – 2021-00-00
- Network
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Prime Video
