TL;DR: The Prime Video series Cross is a gritty, TV-MA psychological thriller intended strictly for adults and older teens (17+). While James Patterson’s Ali Cross book series is a hit with middle-grade readers (ages 9-12), the TV show is a different beast entirely—think graphic crime scenes, intense psychological manipulation, and heavy language. If your middle schooler is asking to watch because they loved the books, it’s time for a "not all media is created equal" conversation.
Ask our chatbot for age-appropriate detective show alternatives
Screenwise Parents
See allAlex Cross is the iconic detective and forensic psychologist created by James Patterson. For decades, he’s been the protagonist of dozens of best-selling adult thrillers. However, the "Cross-verse" has expanded significantly in recent years, which is where the parental confusion usually starts.
Currently, there are three main ways kids encounter this world:
- The Prime Video Series: Cross, starring Aldis Hodge. Season 2 just dropped, and it doubles down on the dark, serialized storytelling.
- The Adult Novels: The original Alex Cross book series, which are standard airport-thriller fare—violent and fast-paced.
- The Middle-Grade Series: Ali Cross, a spin-off series following Alex’s son. These are written specifically for kids and are very popular in school libraries.
With Season 2 of the Prime Video show trending, the marketing is everywhere. If your kid has read the Ali Cross books, their internal algorithm is going to scream "I know that guy!" when they see the trailer for the show.
But here’s the no-BS reality: the gap between the Ali Cross books and the Cross TV show is wider than the gap between a LEGO set and a construction site. One is a controlled, safe environment for problem-solving; the other involves heavy machinery and real-world danger.
Violence and Gore
This isn't your standard "police procedural" violence where the camera cuts away. The show deals with serial killers who have elaborate, disturbing "signatures." You can expect to see crime scenes with significant blood, discussion of torture, and a lingering focus on the psychological terror victims experience. It’s designed to make the viewer feel uneasy.
Language
The script is peppered with heavy profanity. It’s "prestige TV" style, meaning the "F-bombs" fly freely to establish "realism" and "grit." If your household has a low tolerance for strong language, this is a non-starter.
Sexual Content
While not as explicit as something like Game of Thrones, there are sexual situations, suggestive dialogue, and themes of sexual violence that are often central to the criminal investigations. It’s handled with a "dark thriller" lens, which can be more disturbing to younger viewers than straightforward romance.
Psychological Intensity
This is the part most parents overlook. Alex Cross is a forensic psychologist. The show dives deep into the "why" of evil. For a developing brain, the level of cynicism and the depiction of human depravity can be overwhelming. It’s not "brain rot" in the sense of mindless content, but it is "heavy" content that requires a high level of emotional maturity to process.
Learn more about how violent media impacts teen brain development
If your 11-year-old is a fan of Ali Cross by James Patterson, they are reading about a kid solving mysteries involving his friends and community. The stakes are real, but they are age-appropriate.
If they try to jump from those books to the Cross show, they’re going to see the "dad" character from their favorite books engaged in some very adult, very violent situations. It can be jarring to see a character you associate with "middle-grade mystery" suddenly navigating a TV-MA world.
If your kid is into the mystery/detective genre but isn't ready for the TV-MA intensity of Cross, here are some Screenwise-approved alternatives that offer great puzzles without the trauma.
For Middle Schoolers (Ages 10-13)
- The Mysterious Benedict Society: High-stakes mystery with a whimsical, intelligent vibe. Great for kids who like "genius" characters.
- Enola Holmes: Fast-paced, fun, and features a brilliant young detective.
- Nancy Drew (2019 series): A bit edgier and has some "ghostly" scares, but generally stays within the TV-14 range. Better for the 12+ crowd.
For Younger Teens (Ages 14-16)
- Sherlock (BBC): It’s intense and smart, but lacks the specific "grindhouse" gore of the modern Cross series.
- Knives Out: A perfect "whodunnit" that is stylish, clever, and much more focused on the puzzle than the violence.
- Psych: If they want the "detective with a special skill" vibe but with a massive dose of humor.
Gaming Alternatives
If they want to be the detective, skip the mobile "detective" apps that are often just vehicles for microtransactions and hidden ads. Instead, try:
- Professor Layton and the Curious Village: Pure puzzle-solving bliss.
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Melodramatic, funny, and great for critical thinking.
| Media Type | Recommended Age | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Cross Books | 9+ | Written for middle-grade; focuses on kid-led mystery. |
| Alex Cross Adult Novels | 15+ | Standard thriller violence; requires some maturity. |
| Cross (Prime Video) | 17+ | Graphic violence, pervasive language, dark themes. |
If your kid is pushing to watch the show, don't just say "because I said so." That's a one-way ticket to them watching it on a friend's phone. Try these talking points:
- The "Genre" Conversation: Explain that "Alex Cross" is a brand that covers everything from kids' books to adult horror-thrillers. Just because they share a name doesn't mean they share an audience.
- The "Emotional Load" Argument: "This show is designed to make people feel scared and upset. It’s like a workout for your emotions that is meant for people who have had a lot more practice handling that kind of stress."
- The "Wait and See" Approach: If you have a 15-year-old who is adamant, watch the first episode of Season 1 yourself. You’ll quickly see if it’s something your specific teen can handle or if it’s a hard "no."
Check out our guide on how to talk to teens about mature content
Cross on Prime Video is a well-made, high-intensity thriller, but it is not family viewing. It exists in the same space as shows like Mindhunter or True Detective.
If your kids are fans of the Ali Cross books, celebrate their love for mystery by steering them toward Enola Holmes or even a classic board game like Clue. Let them enjoy the "puzzle" phase of mystery fandom before they dive into the "psychological trauma" phase that the adult series provides.
- Audit the Watchlist: Check if Cross has been added to any of your kids' profiles on Prime Video.
- Set Ratings Restrictions: Ensure your Prime Video parental controls are set to require a PIN for TV-MA content.
- Explore the Genre: If they love the "detective" vibe, look into mystery books for middle schoolers to keep that reading momentum going without the nightmares.
Ask Screenwise for a personalized mystery media recommendation for your family