Countdown is Prime Video’s latest adrenaline-fueled crime thriller for 2025, blending high-stakes procedural drama with looming existential threats. Created and written by Derek Haas (One Chicago), it stars Jensen Ackles and Eric Dane leading a covert task force to unravel a conspiracy that could upend Los Angeles. The series pits fast-paced investigation against ticking-clock suspense, offering a gripping narrative filled with twists, political intrigue, and moral gray zones. Dive below for the full breakdown: plot, cast, episode schedule, streaming details, and more.
Plot Overview:
When a Department of Homeland Security officer is murdered in plain sight, LAPD Detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) is drafted onto an elite, multi-agency task force led by Special Agent Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane). Their mission: track the killer—and soon, they discover a sprawling conspiracy threatening millions in Los Angeles. As layers peel back, the team must contend with experimental tech, shadowy government secrets, and impossible ethical choices. The clock is always ticking.
Cast & Characters of Countdown:
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Jensen Ackles as Mark Meachum – A seasoned LAPD detective pulled into a high-stakes federal operation.
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Eric Dane as Nathan Blythe – The tough, enigmatic lead of the task force, bringing military precision.
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Jessica Camacho as Amber Oliveras – A savvy DEA agent essential to decoding the task force’s findings.
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Violett Beane as Evan Shepherd – An ambitious FBI recruit testing her mettle.
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Uli Latukefu as Lucas Finau – LAPD liaison whose street-level insight is vital.
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Elliot Knight as Keyonte Bell – A fellow FBI agent navigating the covert team’s turbulence.
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All Episode Release Schedule of Countdown:
Season 1 runs for 13 episodes, beginning with a three-episode premiere on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, followed by weekly drops every Wednesday. The finale lands on September 3, 2025.
Ep. | Title (TBA) | Release Date | Day |
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1-3 | — | June 25, 2025 | Wednesday |
4 | — | July 2, 2025 | Wednesday |
5 | — | July 9, 2025 | Wednesday |
6 | — | July 16, 2025 | Wednesday |
7 | — | July 23, 2025 | Wednesday |
8 | — | July 30, 2025 | Wednesday |
9 | — | August 6, 2025 | Wednesday |
10 | — | August 13, 2025 | Wednesday |
11 | — | August 20, 2025 | Wednesday |
12 | — | August 27, 2025 | Wednesday |
13 | “Final Hour” (assumed) | September 3, 2025 | Wednesday |
Where to Watch Countdown?
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Prime Video (Worldwide): Exclusive streaming on Prime Video. Requires subscription.
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Streaming Format: Season premiere drops all three of its first episodes on June 25, followed by one new episode each Wednesday through early September.
Production & Behind the Scenes:
Created and showrun by Derek Haas, Countdown is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. The series was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, concluding production in March 2025. Jensen Ackles underwent firearms and tactical training to realistically portray a homicide detective.
Trailer:
The official trailer, released in late May, combines gritty gunfight footage, encrypted briefings, ticking-clock voiceovers, and hero shots of Ackles and Dane. It sets a relentless tone, underscoring the high-stakes nature of each episode.
Cast Insights & Buzz:
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At the June 18 premiere, Jensen Ackles praised co-star Eric Dane, who recently shared his ALS diagnosis, calling him a “total stud” and applauding his leadership on set.
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Ackles also mentioned his 12-year-old daughter was “fired up” to see her dad in action in a serious detective role.