Viewers have been left ‘distraught’ at the cancellation of two Amazon Prime Video thriller series after only one season each.
Countdown stars Jensen Ackles as LAPD detective Mark Meachum, who is recruited by a top-secret task force to investigate the murder of a senior member of Homeland Security.
More than a month after its release, and Countdown still occupies Prime Video’s US Top 10, in 10th position.
Meanwhile, former Lost star Daniel Dae Kim headlines Butterfly, a TV thriller about a former US Intelligence operative, targeted by a sinister network of spies.
Both shows premiered to positive word of mouth and strong figures, spending two weeks on the Nielsen Charts (which tracks the most-watched streaming shows in the USA) soon after their release.
Both shows shared a loyal following – but evidently that wasn’t enough for bosses at Amazon MGM Studios, who have cancelled both shows after only one series.
With both shows ending their first (and now only) series on a cliffhanger, news of the shows’ cancellation proved a very cruel cut indeed.
As the axe dropped, fans took to social media to share their dismay.
‘I’m still very disappointed with @PrimeVideo’s decision to cancel #Countdown. Seriously, the show is clearly unfinished; they could have renewed it for at least one more season so Derek Haas could wrap up all the storylines,’ wrote NataRomanovaBW on X.
‘I’m distraught to know #countdown got canceled, and this is the reason i don’t get invested in shows anymore, i’m a reruns after reruns girl, thank you, jensen ackles for mark meachum,,’ said MISSYOUDEAN.
‘Countdown cancelled, you will be missed mark meachum,’ said freshackles.
‘So Butterfly ended in a cliffhanger & then cancelled? See this is why I rarely watch new things,’ said JusticeMUFC.
Both shows debuted to positive reception from both critics and audiences alike.
Butterfly currently sits at 68% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with an even more enthusiastic audience score of 84%.
Meanwhile, Countdown boasts an audience score of 63% – and a legion of fans in devoted acolytes of Supernatural fan favourite Jensen Ackles.
Actor Jensen Ackles has released his own statement via Instagram, describing the situation as a ‘bummer.’
In a lengthy video, he explained: ‘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. I had such a such an amazing time making that show. I had an absolute blast with the cast and the crew.
After thanking show creator and writer Derek Haas, he continued: ‘Thanks to Amazon, for giving us the opportunity, especially Vernon Sanders, for being such a champion for that show.
The Supernatural star continued: ‘But 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.”
He added: ‘So, anyway, that’s the end from Mark Meachum and Oliveras and Finau and Bell and Shepherd and Blythe. But I’m thankful for the experience.
‘I really am, and we’ll see you down the road on something else, I guess. So, have a great weekend.’
In the comments below, screen brother Jared Padelecki joined fans in registering their disappointment at the decision.
‘Their loss brother. You were amazing in it. Which is no surprise to ANYBODY. I’ll still be re-watching. And I can’t wait to see what you do next,’ the Gilmore Girls star said.
Meanwhile, Smallville star Tom Welling wrote: ‘Enjoyed watching bud 🔥’
Jared’s The Boys co-star Jack Quaid chimed in, sharing: ‘Love ya man❤️’
Countdown and Deadline are streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
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