Jensen Ackles To Headline ‘Countdown’ Drama Series Ordered By Amazon From Derek Haas

Nellie Andreeva
·3-min read

Prime Video has greenlighted Countdown, a thriller drama series from One Chicago veteran Derek Haas, with Supernatural alum Jensen Ackles attached to star. The project, from Amazon MGM Studios, has received a rare for a streaming series 13-episode order.

This is the first series to come out of an exclusive overall deal Haas has signed with Amazon MGM Studios following his exit from Wolf Entertainment. The project was developed for Ackles who last year entered a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios for Chaos Machine Prods., his company with wife Danneel Ackles, after he had joined the cast of the hit Prime Video series The Boys.

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Countdown starts following a suspicious murder in broad daylight, which leads to LAPD officer Mark Meachum (Ackles) being recruited to join a secret task force of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement to investigate. But as the truth of a more sinister plot comes into focus, the team must overcome their conflicting personal agendas to unite and save a city of millions.

“We are incredibly excited to be back in business with Derek Haas,” Amazon MGM Studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders said. “He has an undeniable ability to enthrall audiences with thrilling storytelling and heart. We cannot wait for Prime Video’s global customers to experience this dynamic series, led by our very talented star, Jensen Ackles.”

Sanders and Amazon MGM Studios head Jen Salke both had worked with Haas for years while they were executives at NBC and he worked on One Chicago.

“I am thrilled to be working again with Jen Salke and Vernon Sanders and all the excellent people they’ve assembled at Prime Video,” Haas said. “I love making shows that keep you on the edge of your seat with nonstop action, drama, surprises, and suspense, and I can’t wait to work with Jensen and for everyone to see Countdown.”

Haas created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. The 13-episode order is closer to the broadcast runs he is used to vs. a streaming drama series, which typically produces seasons consisting of eight episodes, rarely 10.

“I had an incredible experience working with the Prime Video team on The Boys and am delighted to be able to continue that relationship on Countdown,” Ackles said. “I simply cannot wait to partner with Derek and the rest of our Countdown family to bring this story to life.”

During his decade-long association with Dick Wolf and his Wolf Entertainment, Haas co-created and/or executive produced five series, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, FBI, and FBI: International. He is repped by UTA and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.

Best known for his starring role on the long-running WB/CW series Supernatural, Ackles executive produced and recurred on prequel series The Winchesters. In addition to his role on The Boys, he was a series regular on ABC’s Big Sky and recently guest starred on CBS’ Tracker as Colter’s (Justin Hartley) brother. Ackles is repped by Gersh and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

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