Jensen Ackles will play a leading role in Prime Video's drama series Countdown

Prime Video has greenlit Countdown, a thriller-drama series from Derek Haas, starring Jensen Ackles. The Amazon MGM Studios project has received a rare thirteen-episode order for a streaming series. This is the first series to emerge from an exclusive overall deal that One Chicago veteran Haas signed with Amazon MGM Studios following his departure from Wolf Entertainment.



The project was developed for Ackles (pictured), who last year signed a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios for Chaos Machine Prods, his company with wife Danneel Ackles, after joining the cast of the hit series The Boys on Prime Video .

Countdown begins after a suspicious murder in broad daylight leads to LAPD Officer Mark Meachum (Ackles) being recruited to be part of a secret task force of undercover officers from all branches of law enforcement to investigate. But when the truth of a sinister plot is revealed, 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 worked with Haas for years when 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 thirteen-episode series will be closer to the broadcasts he's used to versus a streaming drama series, which typically produces seasons of eight episodes, rarely more than ten.

“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 decades-long association with Dick Wolf and his Wolf Entertainment, Haas was co-creator and/or executive producer of five series: Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, FBI and FBI: International.

Ackles is best known for his starring role in the long-running WB/CW series Supernatural. He also served as executive producer of the 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's Tracker as Colter's (Justin Hartley) brother.