If you grew up seeing James Patterson paperbacks at every airport newsstand, you might think you know Alex Cross. But the Amazon series starring Aldis Hodge isn’t the sanitized version of the character you might remember from older movies. This is a 2026-era prestige thriller—it’s dark, it’s sleek, and it’s designed to compete with shows like Reacher and The Lincoln Lawyer.

The show follows Alex Cross, a D.C. detective and forensic psychologist who is essentially a "super-sleuth" with a PhD. He’s grieving the murder of his wife while hunting down some of the most depraved serial killers imaginable. Because he’s a psychologist, the show dives deep into the "why" of the crimes, which often leads to some pretty disturbing imagery and psychological mind games.

We’re living in an era where "True Crime" is a massive genre for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Teens are increasingly drawn to content that feels "real" and "gritty." They want to see the world as it is, not a polished-up version of it. Cross hits that sweet spot because it doesn't just focus on the "who-dun-it" mystery; it focuses on the internal life of a Black man working in a system that doesn't always value him or his community.

It’s the kind of show that sparks "real talk." It’s not just about the jump scares or the forensic evidence; it’s about how we handle trauma and how a city like D.C. operates under the surface. If your teen is asking to watch this, they’re likely looking for something that feels "adult" and respects their intelligence.

Learn more about why teens are obsessed with true crime

According to the bbfc.co.uk, and the general TV-MA rating in the US, there are a few specific areas where parents should be alert:

This is the big one. As a forensic psychologist, Cross is often looking at things most people would turn away from. You can expect graphic crime scenes, depictions of torture (often psychological but sometimes physical), and the kind of "serial killer trophies" that might lead to some late-night nightmares. It is significantly more intense than a standard episode of Criminal Minds.

The dialogue is realistic for a gritty D.C. precinct. Expect plenty of F-bombs and other strong language. It’s not "gratuitous" in the sense that it feels out of place, but it’s definitely not a family-friendly script.

The show leans heavily into the complexity of being a Black detective. It explores community relations with the police, systemic bias, and political maneuvering. For an intentional parent, this is actually the "good stuff"—it provides a platform for some really deep conversations about justice in America.

There are romantic subplots and some moderate sexual situations, but the show is much more interested in the "thriller" aspect than being a "steamy" drama. However, it’s still firmly in the "adult" category here.

So, where is the line?

If you’ve decided Cross is a bit too "heavy" for right now, there are plenty of ways to scratch that "detective" itch without the TV-MA trauma:

Check out our full guide on the best mystery media for teens

If you do decide to let your teen dive into the world of Alex Cross, use it as a bridge for conversation. Here are a few prompts that don't feel like a lecture:

Cross is a well-made, high-stakes thriller that respects its audience's intelligence. It isn't "brain rot," but it is definitely "heavy." It’s the kind of show that requires an intentional decision. If your teen is mature enough to handle graphic crime scenes and wants to engage with complex questions about race, grief, and the psychology of crime, it’s a solid choice for a co-watch.

Just maybe keep the lights on and the popcorn ready—you’re going to need a "palette cleanser" episode of The Great British Baking Show afterward.

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