Prime Video is set to premiere its new crime drama series, Countdown, on June 25, 2025, starring Jensen Ackles in the lead role of LAPD detective Mark Meachum. Known for his iconic role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural and more recently as Soldier Boy in The Boys, Ackles brings his signature intensity to this high-stakes thriller that promises a blend of action, suspense, and character-driven storytelling.
The series kicks off when a Department of Homeland Security officer is murdered in broad daylight, prompting Meachum to join a secret task force composed of undercover agents from multiple law enforcement branches, including the FBI, DEA, and Secret Service. Together, they investigate the killing, only to uncover a far more sinister conspiracy that threatens the lives of millions in Los Angeles. Created by Derek Haas, a veteran producer behind the One Chicago franchise and FBI, Countdown aims to deliver a tense, serialized narrative with a strong emotional core.
Despite the promising premise and star power, early critical reception has been sharply divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds a 50% score, categorized as "rotten," reflecting a split among critics. Some praise the show for its character focus and emotional depth, while others criticize it as clichéd and lacking originality.
LaNeysha Champbell of But Why Tho? A Geek Community called Countdown an "intriguing crime drama that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish," highlighting its emphasis on characters and storytelling over nonstop action. Similarly, Jeff Ewing of Collider acknowledged that while the show "isn't quite original enough in its premise to completely feel like a breath of fresh air," it still "capably makes use of compelling characters, strong performers, and an evolving situation with dangerous implications."
On the other hand, some critics were less enthusiastic. Nick Schager of The Daily Beast described the series as "clunky, simplistic, unbelievable, and inert," condemning it as "generic in absolutely every respect." Ross McIndoe of Slant Magazine echoed this sentiment, suggesting the show "feels like a cop show from an older, more conservative era of television," implying that it struggles to resonate with contemporary audiences.
One of the show's strongest aspects is its serialized storytelling approach. Unlike many procedural dramas that rely on episodic cases, Countdown builds its narrative episode by episode, with each installment advancing the overarching plot and deepening character development. This method brings a palpable sense of urgency and stakes, reminiscent of the real-time tension that made 24 a cultural phenomenon.
Indeed, many viewers and critics see Countdown as a spiritual successor to 24, particularly because of its high-stakes terrorist threat and the unpredictability in its character fates. The show establishes early on that no one is truly safe, with key characters facing sudden, brutal ends that heighten the suspense. This unpredictability, while thrilling, sometimes comes at the expense of deeper character exploration.
Jensen Ackles' portrayal of Mark Meachum adds a compelling layer to the series. Meachum grapples with the symptoms of a terminal illness, which adds personal stakes to his mission. Ackles himself described his character's dilemma to CBR: "He has an opportunity to go to a beach like [a character] told him and just kick his feet up and drink Mai Tais for the rest of his days. Or he has an opportunity to go and maybe make some rights out of some wrongs and maybe bring some people justice. And I think that is more rewarding than sand between your toes."
Other characters also receive meaningful development. Jessica Camacho plays Amber Oliveras, an undercover agent readjusting to normal life after a deep cover assignment, including battling a drug habit. Elliot Knight portrays Bell, a man striving to escape his father's shadow and forge his own identity in law enforcement. However, some cast members, such as Eric Dane's Nathan Blythe, Violett Beane's Shepherd, and Jonathan Togo's Drew, are less fleshed out, with emotional storylines hinted at but not fully explored.
The ensemble cast is a highlight, featuring familiar faces from popular series. Eric Dane of Grey's Anatomy fame joins as Nathan Blythe, while Jessica Camacho brings her experience from The Flash and Watchmen. Elliot Knight and Violett Beane, both from The Boys and The Flash respectively, add further depth. Uli Latukefu, known for portraying Dwayne Johnson in Young Rock, and Bogdan Yasinski, recognized from shows like NCIS: Los Angeles, round out the cast.
Action sequences in Countdown have received praise for their intensity and craftsmanship. The show delivers a variety of thrilling set pieces, including shootouts, car chases, and a particularly tense sequence involving smuggling a delivery truck across the Mexican border to avoid gang suspicions. These moments are well-shot and effectively paced, providing adrenaline-fueled breaks from the character-driven drama.
However, some critics and viewers feel the 13-episode season runs longer than necessary. One reviewer noted that episode 10 felt like a natural season finale, leaving the necessity of the final three episodes in question. This extension may dilute character development and narrative momentum, making the pacing uneven at times.
Despite its flaws, Countdown has the ingredients to captivate audiences who enjoy serialized crime dramas with complex characters and high stakes. Its release strategy involves dropping the first three episodes simultaneously on June 25, 2025, followed by weekly episodes every Wednesday until September 3, 2025, giving viewers ample time to engage with the unfolding story.
Whether Countdown will carve out a lasting place in the crowded landscape of crime dramas remains to be seen. Its mixed critical reception highlights the challenge of balancing originality with familiar genre conventions. Yet, with Jensen Ackles at the helm and a talented ensemble cast, the series offers enough intrigue and action to warrant a watch, especially for fans of intense, character-driven thrillers.
