Jensen Ackles is set to lead a new action-thriller series at Amazon Prime Video from \u201cOne Chicago\u201d alum Derek Haas, Variety has learned.<\/p>\n
Titled \u201cCountdown,\u201d the official logline states the show begins \u201cfollowing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amazon has given the show a 13-episode order. Haas created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Ackles and his wife Daneel\u2019s production company, Chaos Machine, is currently under a first-look deal at Amazon MGM studios, while Haas is now under an overall deal at the studio. \u201cCountdown\u201d was developed as a starring vehicle for Ackles, who previously collaborated with Amazon with his role as Soldier Boy in the hit series \u201cThe Boys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI had an incredible experience working with the Prime Video team on \u2018The Boys\u2019 and am delighted to be able to continue that relationship on Countdown,\u201d said Ackles. \u201cI simply cannot wait to partner with Derek and the rest of our \u2018Countdown\u2019 family to bring this story to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
This marks one of Ackles\u2019 first TV starring role since the end of \u201cSupernatural,\u201d the WB\/CW series on which he starred with Jared Padalecki for 15 seasons. The show wrapped up its historic run in 2020. He also starred in the third season of the ABC drama \u201cBig Sky.\u201d He also executive produced and narrated the \u201cSupernatural\u201d prequel series \u201cThe Winchesters\u201d at The CW. Most recently, Ackles appeared in \u201cThe Boys\u201d and its spinoff series, \u201cGen V,\u201d as well as making a guest appearance on the hit CBS show \u201cTracker.\u201d<\/p>\n
He is repped by Gersh and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am thrilled to be working again with Jen Salke and Vernon Sanders and all the excellent people they\u2019ve assembled at Prime Video,\u201d Haas said. \u201cI love making shows that keep you on the edge of your seat with nonstop action, drama, surprises, and suspense, and I can\u2019t wait to work with Jensen and for everyone to see \u2018Countdown.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Haas is perhaps best known for his work in the Dick Wolf universe, specifically launching the shows \u201cChicago Fire,\u201d \u201cChicago Med,\u201d and \u201cChicago PD\u201d at NBC. Haas co-created \u201cChicago Fire\u201d and served as co-showrunner for more than a decade while also executive producing the other two shows. He then co-created \u201cFBI: International\u201d with Wolf and served as showrunner for two seasons. He is currently an executive producer on the Amazon series \u201cOn Call,\u201d which hails from Wolf Entertainemtn. Haas also co-wrote several hit films, including \u201c3:10 to Yuma,\u201d \u201cWanted,\u201d and \u201c2 Fast 2 Furious,\u201d and has written multiple novels, including \u201cThe Silver Bear\u201d series.<\/p>\n
He is repped by UTA and Hansen Jacobson.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are incredibly excited to be back in business with Derek Haas,\u201d said Vernon Sanders, head of television for Amazon MGM Studios. \u201cHe has an undeniable ability to enthrall audiences with thrilling storytelling and heart. We cannot wait for Prime Video\u2019s global customers to experience this dynamic series, led by our very talented star, Jensen Ackles.\u201d<\/p>\n