Is ‘Countdown’ the New Must-Watch Action Series on Prime Video?

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Amazon is undeniably aiming to replicate the success of its hit action thriller series Reacher, with each new action-packed series they release on their streaming platform. Luckily, the latest genre show that’s been released seems to be doing well, as it has climbed the rankings rapidly and currently holds the top spot.

The series titled “Countdown” was developed by Derek Haas, known for his work on “FBI: International” and “Chicago P.D.”. In this gripping storyline, a daring LAPD detective, played by an actor who has previously starred in “The Boys” and “Supernatural”, is on a mission to expose a deadly conspiracy that could lead to the loss of millions of lives. The ensemble cast also includes Eric Dane (“Grey’s Anatomy”, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”), Jessica Camacho (“Watchmen”), Violett Beane (“Death and Other Details”), Elliot Knight (“The Boys”), and Uli Latukefu (“Young Rock”). For more details about the plot of “Countdown”, take a look at the synopsis provided below.

In broad daylight, a Homeland Security officer is brutally murdered. Detective Mark Meachum from the LAPD is then called upon to join a covert investigative team composed of agents from various law enforcement agencies. Initially, they aim to find the killer, but as their investigation unfolds, they stumble upon a much darker and more ominous plot that threatens the safety of a city with a population of millions. This sets off an urgent race against time to prevent the sinister plan from coming to fruition.

So, Is ‘Countdown’ the Next Reacher?

In the U.S., the series “Countdown” currently ranks number one on Prime Video, while globally it’s in second place, just behind “We Were Liars.” This show has sparked a lot of debate, as evidenced by its Rotten Tomatoes score: 36% from critics and 72% from viewers.

Instead of most streaming shows that are designed for binge-watching, Countdown follows a different approach and airs weekly. After resuming on June 25th, it will conclude its first season on September 3rd. However, unlike the highly anticipated Reacher series, as suggested by Christine Persaud from MovieWeb, Countdown isn’t the next big thing in that regard. Instead, critics have compared it more to a popular Netflix action show.

In essence, ‘Countdown’ shares similarities with ‘Netflix’s The Night Agent,’ rather than Jack Reacher. Both series offer intense action sequences featuring chase and combat scenes, undercover missions, and a supporting cast that functions as a pseudo-team for the main character. A common thread between them is their exploration of a villain perpetrating terrible crimes against civilians, with the aim to thwart such actions. In certain aspects, ‘Countdown’ can be likened to an extended episode of a series like ‘The Blacklist,’ which revolves around a covert (and clandestine) FBI task force collaborating with a criminal to apprehend some of the globe’s most notorious fugitives.

Speaking about Jack Reacher specifically, Prime Video has enjoyed great popularity with their portrayal of his thrilling escapades, featuring him as a nomadic vigilante. Played by an actor, he was initially a U.S. Army military police officer turned equalizer in the books penned by author Lee Child. The world of Reacher is poised to broaden past Season 3, with the core series already confirmed for Season 4. Additionally, a spin-off revolving around Sten’s Frances Neagley, a private investigator associated with Jack Reacher, has also started development.

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2025-07-04 17:32