Prime Video has decided not to renew Jensen Ackles' Countdown and Daniel Dae Kim's Butterfly, bringing both action series to an end after just one season each.
Prime Video Ends Runs for Two Major Action ThrillersPrime Video has officially canceled two of its recently debuted action series, Countdown and Butterfly. Both shows, which premiered earlier this year, will not be returning for second seasons, as first reported by Deadline on October 10, 2025.
This news comes as a significant shift for the streaming giant, which has often been seen as a home for "dad action" thrillers, a genre that previously delivered massive hits like Reacher and Jack Ryan.
Jensen Ackles returns to our screens with the Amazon Prime Video series Countdown, playing an LAPD detective with familiar feelings and high-stakes action.
Examining the Reasons Behind Prime Video's Cancellation Decisions
Despite appearing on Nielsen's Top 10 Streaming Originals charts, Countdown and Butterfly ultimately did not meet Prime Video's internal metrics for renewal. For Countdown, the decision reportedly came down to its total global viewership, which was not deemed strong enough.
Critically, Countdown, starring Jensen Ackles, received a divided response, landing a 35% "rotten" score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were more favorable, giving it a 63% approval rating. Butterfly, led by Daniel Dae Kim, had a warmer reception with a 68% critic score and an 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it still faced the axe.
Find out what makes Prime Video's "Countdown" series so special. To really understand this exciting program, read about the plot, the characters, the cast, and fan theories. This is where your full guide starts.
Jensen Ackles Reacts to Countdown's Unexpected Cancellation News
Jensen Ackles, who played LAPD detective Mark Meachum in Countdown, publicly addressed the cancellation, expressing his disappointment. "Well, as some of you may have seen already, Countdown did not get picked up for another season. Amazon's gonna let it go, and it's a bummer," Ackles shared in a video across his social media platforms.
He added, "I had such an amazing time making that show. I had an absolute blast with the cast and the crew." Ackles also thanked creator Derek Haas and Amazon for the opportunity, acknowledging that "sometimes you can set out to do your best and check all those boxes, and ultimately, it's out of your hands. That's the way it goes in this industry."
SPOILER ADVISORY: Details about Countdown's Season 1 ending follow.
Countdown left fans on a significant cliffhanger, with Jessica Camacho's character, Oliveras, kidnapped and facing an uncertain fate. Creator Derek Haas quickly took to social media to offer closure, confirming, "Pssst... Oliveras lived."
Haas had previously defended his decision to end the season on a cliffhanger, stating his preference for keeping audiences in suspense. He noted that the show was designed for a weekly format, which enhances the impact of such dramatic endings.
The series, which premiered on June 25, 2025, followed a task force investigating the murder of a Homeland Security officer, later pivoting to a storyline involving domestic terrorism. Ackles' character, Meachum, was expected to "lose his s and go a bit ballistic" in a potential second season, according to the actor.
Fans will no longer see the resolution of the slow-burn romance between Meachum and Oliveras or the expanded family storylines Haas had envisioned for characters like Eric Dane's Blythe. Jensen Ackles is set to appear in Prime Video's upcoming The Boys spinoff series, Vought Rising, and also guest-starred in CBS drama Tracker.
Jensen Ackles ignites Prime Video's Countdown with high-octane energy, emotional depth, and a brotherhood vibe that echoes Supernatural's best moments.
Butterfly's Praised Storyline and Surprising Conclusion
Butterfly, which debuted on August 13, 2025, centered on Daniel Dae Kim's David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence operative living in South Korea. His life is upended when his past decisions resurface, leading to him being pursued by a deadly assassin, who turns out to be his estranged daughter, Rebecca.
The series, based on an Arash Amel graphic novel from Boom! Studios, was lauded for its character-driven spy thriller narrative and exploration of complex family dynamics. It was filmed on location in South Korea and praised for its authentic cultural representation, moving beyond typical Western settings for an Asian-American lead.
Despite its positive critical and audience reception, Butterfly, like Countdown, was part of a larger slate reevaluation by Amazon MGM Studios. The series showcased a strong cast including Reina Hardesty, Piper Perabo, and Louis Landau, with Kitao Sakurai directing the first two episodes.
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A Broader Strategic Reevaluation at Amazon MGM Studios
The cancellations of Countdown and Butterfly are part of a series of decisions made by Prime Video regarding its freshman scripted series launched between May and August. While some titles were renewed, others were not as fortunate.
Among the renewed series were the YA titles We Were Liars and Overcompensating. In the crime and thriller genre, the Bosch spinoff Ballard received a second season order. However, Motorheads was also canceled after one season, alongside Countdown and Butterfly.
These decisions align with a changing of the guard at Amazon MGM Studios. Vernon Sanders, who served as head of television for seven years, exited his role in September. Peter Friedlander, a former Netflix executive known for his work on hits like Stranger Things and Bridgerton, has since been announced as his successor.
Jensen Ackles discusses his daughter's love of The Rookie, his stunt work on Countdown, and his thoughts on how television shows are produced today.
The Future of Prime Video Originals Under New Leadership
The arrival of Peter Friedlander signals a new era for Prime Video originals, prompting discussions about the streamer's brand identity. While Amazon boasts mega-budget productions like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and popular "middle-of-the-road" fare such as Reacher, some critics have noted a perceived lack of a cohesive brand identity compared to competitors like Netflix or Disney+.
With cost-cutting measures impacting the streaming industry and Prime Video looking to realign its vision under Friedlander's leadership, the cancellations of Countdown and Butterfly could indicate a "cleaning house" approach. This strategic shift may prioritize specific types of content or performance metrics as the streamer moves forward.
What this new era will ultimately mean for the pipeline of Prime Video originals remains to be seen. However, the early decisions suggest a renewed focus and perhaps a more selective approach to content investment.
Series Overview
| Series Title | Starring | Premiere Date | Cancellation Date | Rotten Tomatoes (Critics/Audience) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countdown | Jensen Ackles | June 25, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | 35% / 63% |
| Butterfly | Daniel Dae Kim | August 13, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | 68% / 84% |