Jensen Ackles' New Crime Thriller Finally Makes Up For Amazon's 13-Part Series Canceled Too Soon

Published Sep 23, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT Alexandria is a British-Canadian writer with a passion for network TV. She has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Aston University, Birmingham. After initially working as a software tester, she rekindled a passion for writing and has written for blogs and publications like Hidden Remote, Make a Living Writing, and The Daily Voice. She has interviewed various actors and showrunners, with her most memorably being Tony Shalhoub and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. When Amazon canceled Countdown after just one season, fans were shocked and angry. The series had wrapped up its first case, but it left its second wide open. It was the biggest mistake the streamer could make in 2025, but there is now a chance to make up for it with a new project being developed for MGM+. This project will feature Mark Meachum actor Jensen Ackles as its lead character. He'll take on the role of police detective Lucas Davenport in Amazon MGM's adaptation of John Sandford's novel Rules of Prey, putting him back at the forefront of another law enforcement mission. At the same time, his new character has secrets to hide, and would prefer to work alone rather than with a team constantly asking him questions. As MGM+ is a brand within the Amazon framework, it offers the company that canceled Countdown a chance to fix a mistake. The downside is that Rules of Prey's casting of Ackles still won't deliver answers about the end of the 13-episode series, but it brings another fast-paced story to screens. There's even the twisty serial killer who pulled many viewers into the actor's most recent Prime Video series, offering a deeper dive into his psyche. This high-stakes thriller is set to bring everything that made Countdown captivating: high-energy cases, dark secrets, and a brooding lead. On top of that, Amazon is treating Ackles fans to more of his skilled acting. While The Boys and Gen V have come to an end, the universe itself is still going, with Vought Rising in the works. Ackles will headline that with Aya Cash, bringing another high-octane show to Prime Video. MGM+'s Rules Of Prey Can Replace Countdown After Its Quick Cancelation As MGM+ announced its new project with Ackles in the lead, it was hard not to compare it with Countdown on Prime Video. The 13-episode series was abruptly canceled, leaving storylines on cliffhangers, but making it clear that Ackles deserves to be in a leading role again. He commanded the screen, wasn't afraid to jump into action, and created a brooding cop with a heart he was trying to protect. There's no question that Rules of Prey is set to bring similar vibes to Countdown. The synopsis shared by MGM+ reveals that Ackles will play Lucas Davenport, a former Minneapolis detective, who has chosen to live a quiet life of seclusion. He's pulled out of that when a serial killer creates clues that speak directly to him, and that means a gruff and annoyed detective who now has to handle working with other people again. It sets the stage for plenty of secrets, as Davenport attempts to hold back from those who are searching for answers as to why this serial killer specifically wanted him on the case. This mirrors Ackles' character on Countdown, who was hiding the fact that he had a terminal tumor growing in his brain, and he refused to open up to anyone on the team for as long as possible. Throw in twists and turns, high-energy chases, and a season-long cat-and-mouse game, and Rules of Prey will be the perfect way to replace the intense thrill ride that Countdown offered. Jensen Ackles Has Another Upcoming TV Show With Amazon Amazon is certainly helping to keep Ackles hard at work. As well as the new MGM+ series, he has another TV show on Prime Video coming up. Vought Rising is the prequel series to The Boys, set in the 1950s and telling the story of how Vought International got its start. The storyline has been touched on in a minor way during the parent show, highlighting that Stormfront was Ava Vought, the world's first Supe. Fan-favorite character Soldier Boy was also one of the original Supes, receiving the first type of Compound-V, giving him immortality as well as superpowers. He was joined by a small group of other people who became test subjects for Vought ushering in a new world of heroes for the American people. Vought Rising promises to show how the testing came about, how it was promoted to the American people, and the type of experiments they were forced to go through. At the same time, it's packed with graphic-heavy fights, intense standoffs, and the need for viewers to pick a side. Filming wrapped on The Boys spinoff series in March 2026, and while no release date is set yet, there is hope it will arrive in 2027. As for Rules of Prey, the project has only just been announced, and there is no premiere date in mind. It's likely slated for the 2028 schedule. Countdown 8/10 Release Date 2025 - 2025-00-00 Network Prime Video Countdown is a 2025 thriller focused on LAPD detective Mark Meachum, who joins a secret task force to investigate the daylight murder of a Homeland Security officer. As Meachum and undercover agents uncover a complex plot, they must race to prevent a catastrophic threat to a city of millions. Rules of Prey Network MGM+ Directors Daniel Sackheim Cast Former Minneapolis detective Lucas Davenport is drawn out of seclusion after a series of baffling murders appear designed specifically to provoke him. His return to law enforcement thus enters him into an intense psychological battle against this ingenious serial killer. Vought Rising Network Prime Video Directors Philip Sgriccia, Shana Stein, Sam Miller Cast Elizabeth Posey Private Angel Vought Rising is a prequel to The Boys set in the 1950s, following the early years of Vought International as Soldier Boy and Stormfront help shape the corporation into a powerful force built on propaganda, celebrity, and hidden violence. Set decades before the events of the main series, the show explores how the company’s public image was constructed and how its corruption became deeply tied to American culture and politics.