Jensen Ackles’ Supernatural replacement series was inspired by a Chicago P.D. character exit

Jensen Ackles’ resurgence on television with Countdown is more than a mere post-Supernatural pivot—it marks the consequence of a character’s departure from Chicago P.D. and drove the series’ genesis.

At times, a character’s exit from a show can completely alter the story and, to a certain extent, give rise to a different narrative. This is precisely what transpired close to 10 years ago when one of the show Chicago P.D.'s writers and executive producers, Derek Haas, had to write off one of the major characters. This one decision led him to the idea for an entirely new show: Countdown, an action thriller on Prime Video starring Jensen Ackles from Supernatural.

Undoubtedly, the roots of the story are grounded in the fourth season of Chicago P.D. and the exit of Sophia Bush, the actress who portrayed Detective Erin Lindsay. Jensen Ackles stars as Mark Meachum, an L.A.-based detective who works at a covert task force and is investigating an imminent threat against Los Angeles. Bush's exit, prompted by real-life workplace conflicts, forced Haas to rethink and craft a captivating version for her character, and from this creative journey, he was able to devise an idea that was turned into Countdown.

From windy city to a new war zone

When Sophia Bush informed the Chicago P.D. team of her decision to leave the show, Haas needed an appropriate exit for Lindsay that would allow for future use of the character. Haas turned to the series’ technical consultant, who suggested putting Lindsay in a federal task force.

Haas did further research about how real-life task forces function and discovered an intricate system of specialized task forces comprised of FBI, DEA, NSA, and even Coast Guard agents, brought together for the sole purpose of conducting very sensitive operations.

“I found out it’s kind of like an all-star team,” Haas stated, describing how these groups operate.

That research planted a seed. While Lindsay’s story was resolved within Chicago P.D., Haas chose to shelve the task force concept for the time being. In developing Countdown for Prime Video, he had the opportunity to explore it fully, with Jensen Ackles in mind.

Jensen Ackles finds a familiar spirit after Supernatural

To fans who enjoyed Jensen Ackles's role over 15 seasons of Supernatural, Countdown feels like a spinoff. Ahead of the show, Ackles noted that his new role as Meachum will retain the emotional grit and sharp instincts of Dean Winchester. However, unlike in Supernatural, which has a monster-of-the-week format, Countdown anchors its high-stakes drama in danger and political conflict.

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The series centers on Eric Dane’s FBI Agent Nathan Blythe, who forms an unorthodox team to combat corruption within Homeland Security after an officer is murdered. He selectively recruits people from the LAPD, DEA, and FBI, including Jensen Ackles' Meachum, making the assignment unofficial. Every character comes with their own complicated history of personal and professional struggles, but they unite to avert a spectacular assault on Los Angeles.

Countdown will be released on June 25, 2025. Although the comedy may not feature supernatural demons or ghosts, rest assured, there will be backlash and betrayal paired with emotional substance stemming from the show’s prequel, Chicago P.D.

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