Get ready for an action-packed summer as Countdown, a gripping 13-episode crime thriller from Chicago Fire creator Derek Haas, makes its way to Amazon’s Prime Video. The series, starring Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles, Euphoria’s Eric Dane, and The Flash’s Jessica Camacho, promises to deliver everything fans of the genre crave — thrilling action, deep character moments, and unexpected twists.
A High-Stakes Crime Thriller with Heart
Set to debut on June 25, Countdown follows the story of LAPD detective Mark Meachum, played by Jensen Ackles, who is thrust into a top-secret task force after an officer from the Department of Homeland Security is murdered in broad daylight. Meachum is joined by a diverse team of undercover agents from various law enforcement branches, all working together to investigate the murder. But the hunt for the killer soon leads to the discovery of a far more sinister plot — a ticking time bomb that could affect the future of an entire city.
As showrunner and executive producer Derek Haas shared in a conversation with Men’s Health, he’s excited to revisit the action-packed, character-driven thrillers that inspired him growing up, like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and Rush Hour. “I like it when the heroes have a bounce in their step and love their jobs, versus the depressed, I’m-haunted-by-what-I’ve-seen type of characters,” Haas explained. The tone of Countdown promises to be fast-paced and energetic, much like its inspirations, with an emphasis on camaraderie and character development.
Jensen Ackles Brings Action and Heart to Mark Meachum
For Supernatural fans, Jensen Ackles’ return to action is something to look forward to. In Countdown, Ackles takes on the role of Mark Meachum, a tough, determined LAPD detective who must balance action-packed chases and shootouts with moments of emotional depth. “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,” Ackles told Men’s Health.
Drawing comparisons to his iconic role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural, Ackles said, “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.” It’s a theme of camaraderie that has always resonated with Ackles, and it’s clear that his portrayal of Meachum will bring similar heart and depth to this high-stakes narrative.
A Stellar Cast and Dynamic Chemistry
Alongside Ackles, Countdown boasts an impressive cast. Eric Dane plays Nathan Blythe, a fellow member of the task force who quickly forms a brotherly bond with Ackles’ character. “We formed a brotherly bond quickly, and it was so great to have someone who’s a veteran in series television to connect with,” Ackles shared.
Jessica Camacho stars as Amber Oliveras, a strong, no-nonsense officer with a past that’s sure to surface over the course of the series. Violett Beane (Evan Shepherd), Elliot Knight (Keyonte Bell), and Uli Latukefu (Luke Finau) round out the main cast, each bringing a unique flavor to this ensemble.
A Thrilling Mystery with Layers of Drama
Countdown is not just a high-octane thriller; it’s also a character-driven drama that will pull audiences into the lives of its protagonists — and even its villains. Derek Haas promises that viewers can expect more than just the standard crime story. “I think they will be surprised by how involved they become with not only our protagonists’ lives, but also the villain’s,” Haas teased. “When they get to episode 10 of 13, they’ll see something they haven’t seen in this genre before. No spoilers!”
For those who enjoy a twist-filled narrative, Countdown will certainly keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with the promise of unexpected emotional turns. With plenty of action, a strong focus on relationships, and a mysterious, high-stakes plot, it’s shaping up to be one of summer’s must-watch series.
When and Where to Watch Countdown
Mark your calendars! Countdown will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on June 25, with a three-episode debut. After that, new episodes will drop every Wednesday, leading up to the season finale on September 3.
As of now, Prime Video has shared first-look photos from the series but has yet to release an official trailer. Check out the sneak peeks featuring Jensen Ackles, Eric Dane, and Jessica Camacho below:
- Jensen Ackles and Eric Dane in action
- Jessica Camacho and Jensen Ackles sharing a moment
- The Countdown team in an intense scene
Why Countdown Should Be on Your Radar
With its mix of action, character-driven moments, and an unpredictable storyline, Countdown is shaping up to be one of the most exciting crime thrillers of the year. Whether you’re a fan of Chicago Fire or Supernatural, this series is set to bring you a fresh take on the action-thriller genre. Don’t miss out when it drops this June on Prime Video!