Supernatural veteran Jensel Ackles has landed a new series over at Prime Video. Ackles will lead the thriller Countdown from One Chicago creator Derek Haas.
Countdown follows “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.”
Amazon MGM has greenlit the series for a 13-episode season. There series was developed with Ackles in mind for the lead after he joined Amazon’s hit superhero series The Boys and signed a first-look deal with the streaming studio. He and his wife Danneel Ackles will produce through their company Chaos Machine Productions.
“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.”
Haas is known most for creating the One Chicago franchise, made up the long-running series Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med and Chicago Justice. He also wrote the 2008 action film Wanted starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie. Haas will showrun and executive produce the series, reuniting with Amazon MGM head Jen Salke and the studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders after the trio worked together when they were at NBC when Haas was getting the Chicago franchise running.
“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.”
“We are incredibly excited to be back in business with Derek Haas,” 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.”
Jensen is most known for his role as Dean Winchester during the 15-season run of Supernatural and followed that in the third season of The Boys as Soldier Boy, a role he is expected to reprise in the upcoming fourth season. He has also been the voice of Batman in DC’s animated Tomorrowverse films, prominently starring in Batman: The Long Halloween and the Crisis on Infinite Earths trilogy. He also recently guest starred on CBS’ thriller series Tracker as Justin Hartley’s brother.
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