If you’re obsessed with Netflix’sThe Lincoln Lawyer, Prime Video has the perfect crime show to watch, which adapts another bestselling book series. The Lincoln Lawyer is one of Netflix’s most popular shows, and it only seems to get bigger every season. Currently, the show is in between seasons.The Lincoln Lawyer’s exciting filming updatemeans Netflix’s legal drama could be returning sooner than expected. However, it will still take some time for the show to finish post-production, and we don’t have an official release date yet.
In the meantime, fans can turn toshows likeThe Lincoln Lawyerin order to entertain themselves. Older legal dramas likeThe PracticeandBoston Legalare the go-tos because of their obvious similarities. However, there is a newer crime show that is a must-watch forThe Lincoln Lawyerfans. Prime Video’sCrossis the perfect choice because of its narrative, stylistic, and character similarities.
The Lincoln Lawyer & Cross Are Two Sides Of The Same Coin
These Two Netflix And Prime Video Shows Have Many Similarities
The show Cross follows a decorated forensic psychologist and homicide detective named Alex Cross, who tries to cope with his troubled past while tracking down a serial killer. Although they sound very different at face value, the Netflix and Prime Video shows feel like kindred spirits and two sides of the same coin.
They’re both procedurals – Cross as a police psychologist and Haller as a lawyer – with seriously compelling central mysteries each season.They feature interesting main characters who want to do good.The Lincoln LawyerandCrossare both based on bestselling book series. Both stories are faster-paced, rather than slowburn series.
The narratives explore the concept of right and wrong, interweaving themes of social justice.They both have something to say about the world. Even though Alex Cross and Mickey Haller make questionable choices at times,The Lincoln LawyerandCrossboth want the audience to believe that their protagonists are heroes fighting for the right things. Despite all the similarities, their different tones are noteworthy.The Lincoln Lawyeris much sunnier and lighter in tone, whileCrossis nihilistic with a darker tone.
Alex Cross & Mickey Haller Are Very Similar
The Protagonists Have Similar Behaviors & Drives
Besides both of them working within the legal system, Alex and Mickey have numerous similarities that will make Alex Cross appealing to fans of Mickey Haller, and vice versa. Firstly, they are both renowned within their professions, and people look to them to solve the impossible cases. They both have a tendency to get way too involved in their cases, blurring the line of ethics. Both characters are multi-faceted and well-rounded. They’re fathers, sons, hard workers, and lovers.
On top of that, Alex Cross has a traumatic backstory, having lost his wife and parents. Similarly, Mickey lost his father and is in recovery from addiction.Both protagonists are also willing to bend the rules and find loopholes if it means getting justice. Their overconfidence also becomes their fatal flaw.
DID YOU KNOW:Thecreator of theCrossTV showhas confirmed that each season will focus on a new killer, just likeThe Lincoln Lawyerfocuses on one major case each season.
Despite their similarities, Alex Cross isn’t Mickey Haller. He has a lot less optimism than Mickey on a daily basis, presenting a jaded outlook on life.He doesn’t have that plucky attitude. Mickey and Alex’s differences are most apparent when looking at their relationships with their children. While they both love their kids, Mickey is a lot softer and more affectionate with Hayley, while Alex is more prickly with Damon and Janelle. Ultimately, their personalities are probably most similar in The Lincoln Lawyer season 3, when Mickey is a little more tortured.
Cross Is Based On The Bestselling Book Series By James Patterson
James Patterson’s Cross Series Is Arguably His Most Popular
Another reason for The Lincoln Lawyer fans to watch Cross is that they won’t be disappointed by the narrative integrity and quality of storytelling in the Prime Video show. Rather than being original content,both shows are adapted from bestselling authors who excel in their respective genres. Michael Connelly and James Patterson have both received accolades for their writing. Most notably, they each won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel. Both shows are impeccably well-told stories because they stay faithful to the bestselling books in some way, utilizing the characters and world that the authors developed.
Co-showrunners Dailyn Rodriguez and Ted Humphrey have done a fantastic job of keeping true to the story and characters in Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer books, making changes as necessary. Even when they find a way around the Bosch problem or introduce a new character, they maintain the essence of the beloved book series. There’s a clear throughline from start to finish.
Because there are so many Alex Cross stories out there, it feels just as probable that he would go up against the Fanboy as he would any of the established villains from the books.
Meanwhile, Ben Watkins took a different but equally valid approach to adapting James Patterson’s books. Patterson has released 34 Alex Cross books and two novellas, giving them a very established catalog to choose from. Rather than doing a one-to-one adaptation,Watkins incorporated the characters, tone, and style of James Patterson’s books while creating an entirely new storylinefor the season. Because there are so many Alex Cross stories out there, it feels just as probable that he would go up against the Fanboy as he would any of the established villains from the books.
Prime Video’s Cross Has Already Been Renewed For Season 2
The TV Show Will Continue For At Least One More Season, If Not More
I always hesitate to recommend shows to readers when only one season has been released because I don’t want individuals to get emotionally invested in a character and story only for it to be cancelled. This is especially true since streaming platforms have taken to unceremoniously cancelling excellent shows after just one season. Luckily, that won’t be an issue when it comes to Cross.Season 2 of Cross was confirmed before the first season even released, and filming for the season finished before the first season debuted. This is obvious based on thesetups and hints in theCrossseason 1 finale.
Additionally, fans don’t have to worry about the show’s quality going down after the first season. Ben Watkins toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat he wrote the show with plans for four more years, meaning the show has cohesion and a clear direction. The show will drop clues and foreshadow the direction because he planned ahead.
What’s more, Cross was Prime Video’s third-biggest series launch of 2024, only falling behindRings of PowerandFallout, andthe streaming site’s sixth-biggest season launch of all time(viaVariety). Just as impressively, the show amassed 40 million views within the first 20 days. Fans can invest inCrossknowing that the story will definitely continue for at least one more season and most likely for even longer than that, if the second season is just as successful as the first season.
The Lincoln Lawyer
Cast
The Lincoln Lawyer: This legal drama follows Mickey Haller, a Los Angeles defense attorney known for operating from his Lincoln Town Car, as he revives his career after an accident by taking on a high-profile murder case. The series explores challenges within the justice system and Haller’s pursuit of truth.
Cross
Cross follows the life of Alex Cross, a skilled yet troubled homicide detective balancing his role as a devoted father and relentless crime investigator. Haunted by his wife’s murder, he navigates personal turmoil while persistently pursuing justice in the face of dangerous adversaries.
