NAACP Image Award-winning writer Ben Watkins joins LZ Granderson for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about the hit series Cross, redefining Black masculinity, and navigating Hollywood as a Black creative in 2025. LZ opens up about discovering Cross during a low point in his life—and how the show spoke to him in ways few pieces of art ever have. Ben shares the behind-the-scenes battles to get the show made, the cultural pushback, and the intention behind portraying powerful, emotional Black male friendships rarely seen on screen. From real talk about representation and masculinity, to the current politics of Hollywood, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about storytelling, impact, and authenticity. 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations. 🔔 Hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop! 0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show 0:15 Los Angeles Voters, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Our Conversation with "Cross" Creator Ben Watkins 1:53 Ben Watkins Joins the Show 3:10 How "Cross" Was Green lit 14:20 Breaking down the False narrative of black content not being viable 21:05 Developing the Script for "Cross" 25:50 How Can Black Artists Reflect What They Want? 32:45 Season 2 Expectations for "Cross" 46:30 "Cross'" Season 1 Nod to Jerry McGuire 50:45 Creating a Black Character like Alex Cross 54:34 Being a Black Creative in 2025 57:45 Thanks for watching! #BenWatkins #CrossSeries #BlackMasculinity #LZGranderson #Hollywood #BlackCreators #PodcastInterview
NAACP Image Award-winning writer Ben Watkins joins LZ Granderson for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about the hit series Cross, redefining Black masculinity, and navigating Hollywood as a Black creative in 2025.
LZ opens up about discovering Cross during a low point in his life—and how the show spoke to him in ways few pieces of art ever have. Ben shares the behind-the-scenes battles to get the show made, the cultural pushback, and the intention behind portraying powerful, emotional Black male friendships rarely seen on screen.
From real talk about representation and masculinity, to the current politics of Hollywood, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about storytelling, impact, and authenticity.
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.
🔔 Hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop!
0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
0:15 Los Angeles Voters, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Our Conversation with "Cross" Creator Ben Watkins
1:53 Ben Watkins Joins the Show
3:10 How "Cross" Was Green lit
14:20 Breaking down the False narrative of black content not being viable
21:05 Developing the Script for "Cross"
25:50 How Can Black Artists Reflect What They Want?
32:45 Season 2 Expectations for "Cross"
46:30 "Cross'" Season 1 Nod to Jerry McGuire
50:45 Creating a Black Character like Alex Cross
54:34 Being a Black Creative in 2025
57:45 Thanks for watching!
#BenWatkins #CrossSeries #BlackMasculinity #LZGranderson #Hollywood #BlackCreators #PodcastInterview