Jensen Ackles is making a powerful return to television with Countdown, a thrilling new crime series set to premiere on Prime Video this summer. After wrapping up his iconic role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural, fans have eagerly awaited his next move, and now they have a definitive answer. The first-look images from the series are here, along with the highly anticipated premiere date.
Countdown Premieres June 25 on Prime Video
Countdown will debut worldwide on Prime Video on Wednesday, June 25, with the first three episodes available to stream. This marks a major moment for Ackles, who takes on his first leading role since his Supernatural days. In the series, he stars as Mark Meachum, a seasoned LAPD detective recruited into a secret task force made up of agents from various branches of U.S. law enforcement. Together, they dive into the investigation of a Homeland Security officer’s murder, unraveling a deadly conspiracy that threatens countless lives.
“Mark Meachum has a tough job,” says Ackles in the official synopsis. “But this is unlike anything he’s ever faced.” As the task force hunts for the killer, the investigation spirals into a much larger and more dangerous situation, setting the stage for heart-pounding action.
Ackles’ Return to the Spotlight After Supernatural
For those who’ve followed Ackles’ career, this role is a big deal. While Supernatural wrapped in 2020 after 15 seasons, Ackles has continued to make waves in the TV world, notably in a recurring role as Soldier Boy in The Boys and as Beau Arlen in Big Sky. But Countdown marks a return to the lead role, something fans have been eagerly awaiting.
“I had an incredible experience working with the Prime Video team on The Boys,” Ackles shared when the series was first announced in June 2024. “I’m thrilled to continue that relationship with Countdown. I can’t wait to partner with Derek and the rest of our Countdown family to bring this story to life.”
A Star-Studded Cast Joins Ackles in Countdown
Ackles will be joined by an impressive cast that adds depth and drama to the series. Jessica Camacho, known for her role in The Flash, will play Amber Oliveras, a DEA special agent working alongside Ackles’ character. Eric Dane, who played the villain in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, joins as Nathan Blythe, while Violett Beane (also from The Flash) portrays Evan Shepherd.
Other key cast members include Uli Latukefu (familiar from Young Rock) as Lucas Finau, and Elliot Knight (from Titans) as Keyonte Bell. Together, this ensemble promises a mix of high-stakes drama and rich character development.
A Throwback to Classic Action Thrillers
The series was created by Derek Haas, a writer and showrunner best known for his work on NBC’s One Chicago franchise. According to Haas, Countdown is heavily influenced by the action thrillers of the late ’80s and ’90s, bringing a fresh take on that genre for today’s audience. “I grew up loving movies like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and Beverly Hills Cop,” Haas revealed in an interview with Men’s Health. “Those wild, character-driven action films always stay with me. I love it when the heroes have a bounce in their step and enjoy their work, rather than being bogged down by guilt or a tortured past.”
Haas’ inspiration shines through in Countdown, offering fans a fast-paced, exciting ride that brings back the joy of the action-packed thrillers of the past, but with a modern twist.
What Fans Can Expect From Countdown
As the story unravels, fans can expect a high-stakes thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The characters in Countdown are not your typical law enforcement officers; they have complex motivations and unique backgrounds that will add depth to the drama. While the series promises plenty of action and suspense, the heart of the show lies in the relationships and dynamics between the agents, making it a character-driven thriller at its core.