Fans of The Lincoln Lawyer know that when it comes to legal thrillers, the character leading the way is just as compelling as the cases he takes on. Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is quick-witted, morally grounded, and juggling a messy personal life, all of which make Netflix’s hit series endlessly bingeable. But if you’re counting down the days until Season 4 arrives and looking for something with the same emotional weight, fast pacing, and high-stakes storytelling, Cross on Prime Video might be exactly what you need.

Like The Lincoln Lawyer, which is adapted from the novels by Michael Connelly, Cross is also based on a bestselling book series and centered around an iconic protagonist. Inspired by James Patterson’s long-running Alex Cross novels, the series follows detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross, played by Aldis Hodge, in a tightly-wound crime thriller that blends psychological suspense with grounded, character-driven drama. Like Haller, Cross is charismatic, complicated, and fiercely committed to justice — but his work doesn’t happen in a courtroom.

‘Cross’ Offers a Fresh Take on the Legal Thriller

Where Mickey Haller uses legal savvy and charm to sway juries, Alex Cross relies on instinct, emotional intelligence, and forensic profiling to uncover the truth. Though they operate in different arenas — the courtroom versus the crime scene — both men are locked in battles against justice systems that often fail the people they’re meant to protect. That moral complexity drives each episode, giving Cross the same kind of urgency and emotional weight that makes The Lincoln Lawyer so compelling.

While there’s a central mystery tied to the murder of Alex’s wife, Cross also embraces a case-of-the-week structure that showcases the breadth of his investigative talents. From twisted abductions to chilling serial crimes, the show offers gripping cases, but what sets it apart is how deeply Alex connects to every victim. His work goes beyond just seeking justice, to his desire to understand why the violence happened in the first place. The series tackles PTSD with a rare honesty, and quietly builds one of the strongest male friendships on TV. With its emotional authenticity, sharp writing, and psychological depth, Cross isn’t just a procedural — it’s a layered character study that fans of The Lincoln Lawyer will absolutely appreciate.

‘Cross’ and ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Breathe New Life Into Iconic Book Characters

Stylistically, each series leans into the setting made famous by its source material. Like many of Michael Connelly’s novels, like the Bosch series, The Lincoln Lawyer uses sunny Los Angeles as a living, breathing character. Similarly, Cross is steeped in the gritty, high-stakes environment of Washington D.C., a city defined by power plays and political shadows. While both shows have a cinematic style, Cross leans darker, with moodier lighting, tighter framing and a psychological tension that permeates every scene. Still, amid the darkness, Cross is a devoted father and loyal friend, and like Mickey’s complicated relationship with his family, Alex’s personal life is always bleeding into his work, grounding both characters in relatable, human stakes.

Stylistically, each series leans into the setting made famous by its source material. Like many of Michael Connelly’s novels, like the Bosch series, The Lincoln Lawyer uses sunny Los Angeles as a living, breathing character. Similarly, Cross is steeped in the gritty, high-stakes environment of Washington D.C., a city defined by power plays and political shadows. While both shows have a cinematic style, Cross leans darker, with moodier lighting, tighter framing and a psychological tension that permeates every scene. Still, amid the darkness, Cross is a devoted father and loyal friend, and like Mickey’s complicated relationship with his family, Alex’s personal life is always bleeding into his work, grounding both characters in relatable, human stakes.

Both Mickey Haller and Alex Cross had lived on screen long before their television counterparts. Haller was portrayed by Matthew McConaughey in the 2011 film The Lincoln Lawyer, and Cross has appeared in multiple films, played by Morgan Freeman and later by Tyler Perry. But television has given these characters room to breathe. The TV versions are more complex, more contemporary, and more emotionally layered, allowing for deeper storytelling across serialized arcs. Cross in particular benefits from the episodic format, exploring modern issues like mental health, institutional racism and the weight of generational trauma, all while delivering satisfying cases of the week.

While Michael Connelly is heavily involved in the creation and writing of The Lincoln Lawyer, Cross takes a different approach. James Patterson entrusted showrunner Ben Watkins with full creative control, and rather than adapting specific novels, Watkins took the core DNA of the character and crafted an original story. That creative freedom pays off. Alongside Aldis Hodge’s commanding performance, Watkins reimagines Alex Cross as a layered, present-day figure caught between the emotional toll of his past and the urgency of the world around him.

If you’re a fan of The Lincoln Lawyer and drawn to stories that blend gripping investigations with strong emotional arcs, Cross is a must-watch. It offers the procedural satisfaction you’d expect, but through a grittier, more psychological lens. And with Cross already renewed for Season 2 shortly after its premiere, there’s plenty more of Alex Cross’s story to come. The series reimagines a beloved character and places him in emotionally charged, high-stakes situations that feel timely and compelling. In a crowded field of crime dramas, Cross is carving out its own powerful legacy with sharp writing, a standout performance from Aldis Hodge, and a first season that’s still climbing the streaming charts right alongside The Lincoln Lawyer.