The countdown has come to an unexpected end: Jensen Ackles’ thriller series on Prime Video has been officially cancelled after only one season, according to Deadline. Alongside this, Daniel Dae Kim’s drama Butterfly will also not be returning for further seasons.
Created by Derek Haas, known for his work on #OneChicago and FBI: International, Countdown started with a gripping premise: an officer from the Department of Homeland Security—portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia—was tragically killed in full view of the public. Special Agent in Charge Nathan Blythe, played by Eric Dane from Euphoria, quickly formed an elite team called “Hurricane.” This diverse task force included LAPD detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles from Supernatural), the tough DEA agent Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho from All Rise), DHS intelligence officer Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo from The Chosen), LAPD gangs unit officer Lucas Finau (Uli Latukefu from Young Rock), and FBI agents Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane from The Flash) and Keyonte Bell (Elliot Knight from The Boys).
The first season also featured Bogdan Yasinski (Boch: Legacy) and Jonathan von Mering (The Pitt) in villainous roles as Borys Volchek and his henchman Adrej. Additionally, Jonathan Togo supported as Damon Drew—the right-hand man to Blythe—and Merrick McCartha appeared as District Attorney Grayson Valwell.
What’s surprising—and might shock many fans—is that the central threat of the season, Volchek’s scheme to detonate multiple bombs at an outdoor Los Angeles galleria, was actually resolved by Episode 10 out of 13. This resolution was followed by a notably upbeat conclusion with a time leap, introducing an entirely new storyline focused on an assassination plot targeting the California governor and potentially the President of the United States—a bold narrative pivot that left many viewers intrigued.
Countdown concluded its initial run on September 3 and showed promising engagement, landing on Nielsen’s weekly U.S. streaming originals chart during its second week with an impressive 409 million minutes watched across the first four episodes.
Now, here’s the part many will debate: was the cancellation a result of creative choices, streaming competition, or viewer reception? And with both Countdown and Butterfly ending so abruptly, should networks reconsider how they nurture promising new shows? We'd love to hear your thoughts—are you disappointed these stories ended so soon? Join the discussion and share your opinions in the comments below!
