Countdown TV Show Review: The Most Insufferable Series of the Year

Streaming services were envisioned as a fresh and exciting alternative to traditional network TV, offering a variety of content to suit every taste. However, as these services have evolved, some shows start to feel a bit too familiar. Prime Video’s new series, Countdown, set to premiere on June 25, seems to fall into this category.

Created by Derek Haas, known for his work on shows like Chicago Fire and FBI International, Countdown follows Nathan Blythe (played by Eric Dane) as he leads a task force to investigate the murder of a Department of Homeland Security agent. Despite the urgency of the situation, the show lacks momentum from the start, with the team chasing down leads that often feel disconnected from the main plot.

The ensemble cast, including Jensen Ackles and Jessica Camacho, does their best with the material they’re given, but the characters feel one-dimensional and the dialogue lacks depth. The show’s villains are equally uninspired, with their motivations and actions failing to create real stakes or tension.

Countdown’s biggest flaw may be its pacing; the 13-episode run feels stretched thin, with the plot unfolding at a sluggish pace that may test even the most patient viewers. Despite attempts at injecting energy with a rock soundtrack, the show struggles to maintain a sense of urgency or excitement.

In the end, Countdown falls short of its promise, offering a generic and uninspired take on the crime thriller genre. While some viewers may find it a passable diversion, those looking for a more engaging and dynamic viewing experience may want to look elsewhere on their streaming queue.