While the show awaits a release date, Jensen Ackles reveals thatCountdownhas wrapped filming. Though not his first major role sinceSupernaturalended, the upcoming show marks Ackles' first leading role since its conclusion. The star will play an LAPD officer who is brought into a secret task force to investigate a murder with ties to a much larger scheme.Led byOne Chicagoco-creator Derek Haas, filming officially began in September 2024, withAll Rise’s Jessica Camacho,Euphoria’s Eric Dane,Death and Other Details' Violett Beane, andYoung Rock’s Uli Latukefu joining the cast thereafter.
Some six months after production began on the action show,Acklestook to his Instagram to confirmCountdownhas officially finished filming. While making that announcement, the star offered a new group of behind-the-scenes photos from the Prime Video title, including what looks to be celebrating the final day on set with his crew and co-stars Beane and Latukefu. He also added a caption, sending a message to all potential viewers about his hopes to “see you all for season 2.” Check out Ackles' announcement below:
What Ackles' Post Means For Prime Video
The Prime Video Show Likely Won’t Arrive This Year
With production on the show now complete, the focus turns to speculation about whenCountdownwill premiere on Prime Video. Considering the show took roughly six months to film, it does seem as though the expansive scale of the action series is significant enough that the cast was subject to longer filming periods to ensure a greater emphasis on practical effects, in addition to an extensive post-production process. Depending on how much post-production was done concurrently with the main filming, it could be months more before the show comes even close to airing.
That being said,the streamer certainly has plenty of content, both this year and in 2026, to keep releases coming untilCountdownis ready.Reacherseason 3 is currently airing and is earning ravereviews withScreenRant’s Greg MacArthurcalling it"another high-octane dose of action, comedy, and thrilling suspense." Its spin-off, Neagley, is still deep in the depths of production but could drop sometime in 2026. Other Prime Video exclusives, including theTerminal Listspin-off,Dark Wolf, wrapped filming last year.
Jensen Ackles' New Show Sure Looks Like The Russell Shaw Tracker Spinoff We Need
Jensen Ackles' upcoming Amazon Prime show, Countdown, looks like it could be the spiritual replacement for a Russell Shaw Tracker spinoff.
Regarding Ackles specifically, one of the more interesting takeaways from his heartfelt post is his eagerness to reunite with his cast and crew onCountdownseason 2. Though not the case for all of their titles,Prime Video has ordered early renewals for shows they’ve had confidence in, includingthe Aldis Hodge-ledCross, the Russo Brothers’Citadel, andReacher. With Ackles' show fitting nicely into their programming push of such “dad shows”, which includesReacherandJack Ryan, it could secure an early season 2 order if it tests well.
Ackles Still Has Other Projects In The Works
The Boys Is The Most Popular
Ackles himself isreturning forThe Boysseason 5, which is expected to premiere in 2026 and reunite him with fellowSupernaturalvets, Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins. The actor is likely to begin filming his part in it now that his solo project is complete. Ackles is expected to film alongside Padalecki and Collins, andhe will reportedly begin filming in late March. While his character was placed in a coma, a season 4 post-credits scene sees Homelander (Anthony Starr) uncovering his biological father’s containment pod. His return is now highly anticipated.
Ackles briefly led aSupernaturalspin-off series,The Winchesters, which was canceled after one season.
The Boyswill not be Ackles' only other major show, however, as he is also poised to lead his own spin-off.Vought Risingwill follow Ackles' Soldier Boyand Aya Cash’s Stormfront in a prequel that reportedly already has some of its scripts. The story takes place in the 1950s and will focus on the rise of superheroes in the aftermath of World War II.The filming process has not yet begun, as the writing stage is ongoing. Unfortunately, Ackles has not publicly announced any other roles outside his obligations toThe BoysandCountdown.
Our Take On Countdown’s Filming Wrap & Release Date
A Mid-2026 Window Makes The Most Sense
With the new behind-the-scenes photos keeping much of the show’s plot and action under wraps,Countdownremains a real mystery, which is actually rather refreshing, since much ofAckles' post-Supernaturalworkhas received overwhelming coverage. As a consequence, there have been few surprises when it comes to each of his shows. When it comes to his latest production’s potential release schedule, however, a late 2025 or mid-2026 window makes the most sense, given the post-production efforts.
Even a mid-2026 release forCountdowncould force it to compete with Ackles' much larger productions.
Even so, Prime Video is taking some risks with Ackles in 2026.The Boysseason 5 is primed for a 2026 release as well, and there is no telling whenVought Risingwill be coming. Even a mid-2026 release forCountdowncould force it to compete with Ackles' much larger productions. With so many renowned shows on Amazon’s calendar, it will need to carefully plan out its schedule to ensure thatCountdowngets its moment in the sun.
Countdown
Cast
Countdown, released in 2025, follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum as he joins a secret task force composed of undercover agents from various law enforcement branches. Following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security officer, they uncover a deep conspiracy, igniting a time-sensitive mission to protect millions.
