Fans of action-packed crime thrillers are in for a treat this summer as Countdown, a new series from the creator of Chicago Fire, Derek Haas, is set to hit Prime Video. Premiering on June 25, the 13-episode series promises to bring plenty of action, humor, and heart, starring Jensen Ackles, Eric Dane, and Jessica Camacho.
From the mind of Derek Haas, the series arrives after his massive success with NBC’s Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and CBS’ FBI: International. With Countdown, Haas is venturing into a world of high stakes and heart-pounding suspense, inspired by classic action thrillers like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and Beverly Hills Cop.
The Inspiration Behind Countdown: Action, Humor, and Heart
Derek Haas, who has been behind some of TV’s biggest police and fire dramas, describes Countdown as a project that combines the best of character-driven action stories with humor and emotional depth. “I grew up loving action movies like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and Beverly Hills Cop, so those wild character-based, set-piece-based action thrillers are always in the back of my mind,” Haas shared with Men’s Health. He emphasizes the dynamic between heroes who enjoy their jobs rather than the typical “haunted” antiheroes often seen in action shows.
Jensen Ackles, best known for his role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural, brings a mix of action and emotional depth to his role in Countdown. Ackles explains the tone of the show, saying, “There’s plenty of action and adventure. But there’s also humor and a lot of heart in the show, especially in the way the characters relate to each other.” He continues, drawing a parallel between Countdown and Supernatural: “These are outcast officers that don’t necessarily find comfort with their unit, they’re renegade mavericks in their departments, and they see themselves within each other.” Ackles promises fans will see a lot of the camaraderie he showcased on Supernatural but with a fresh, high-stakes twist.
The action kicks off on June 25, when the first three episodes of Countdown will drop on Prime Video, available to stream in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. Following the premiere, new episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays, leading up to the season finale on September 3. The fast-paced, gripping storyline and unpredictable twists will leave viewers coming back week after week.
The Plot of Countdown: A Dangerous Mission Unfolds
Countdown follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum (played by Jensen Ackles) as he is recruited to a secret task force following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security officer. Alongside a team of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement, Meachum uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, sparking a race against time to save a city on the brink of disaster. With stakes this high, viewers can expect non-stop tension and thrilling action sequences.
Derek Haas promises that while Countdown is filled with suspense and drama, it also offers unexpected twists. “Viewers will come for a crime story with huge stakes, but stay for the drama and the romance and the humor and the twists and all the emotional turns with the characters,” Haas teased. He adds that, in the later episodes, fans will be surprised by the complexity of the villains in the story. “When they get to episode 10 of 13, they’ll see something they haven’t seen in this genre before. No spoilers!”
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of Countdown
Countdown boasts an ensemble cast of talented actors, each bringing a unique dynamic to the series. Jensen Ackles stars as Mark Meachum, a role that required extensive preparation, including firearm training. Ackles shares, “I did some brush-up on my firearms training; in fact, we went to a training facility in California where Keanu Reeves does his gun training for John Wick.”
Eric Dane, who plays Nathan Blythe, brings his own level of gravitas to the show. Ackles highlights their chemistry, saying, “We formed a brotherly bond quickly, and it was so great to have someone who’s a veteran in series television to connect with.”
Jessica Camacho plays Amber Oliveras, with Violett Beane portraying Evan Shepherd, Elliot Knight as Keyonte Bell, and Uli Latukefu as Luke Finau. Together, the cast builds a compelling ensemble that brings Haas’ vision to life, making Countdown a must-watch this summer.
How to Watch Countdown
Countdown will be available exclusively on Prime Video, with the first three episodes debuting on June 25. After that, new episodes will be released weekly, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the season finale on September 3.
The series promises to be a thrilling ride with high stakes, unexpected twists, and a memorable cast of characters. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers or character-driven drama, Countdown is set to deliver an unforgettable experience this summer.