One Chicago Creator, 54, Reveals the Biggest Difference Between Working on Network TV vs. Prime Video [Exclusive]

Derek Haas will always be known for his work creating the One Chicago franchise (Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.), but the writer has a new show out that’s gaining steam. Haas is the creator of Countdown, the thriller series following a secret task force sent to investigate a dangerous murder, only to discover a sinister plot that threatens the lives of millions. The show stars Jensen Ackles, best known for his work in Supernatural and The Boys, and also other stars such as Eric Dane, Jessica Camacho, Bogdan Yasinski, and more. Collider’s Aidan Kelley caught up with Haas for a chat at the world premiere of Countdown, and he asked about the biggest differences in working on shows for streaming services like Prime Video vs. networks like ABC and CBS:

“I don’t know about darker, but it’s definitely a bigger scope than what I had worked with before. Scope even within episodes and with storytelling. Just the fact that I had a little bit more time with one story where you could talk to the antagonist and pivot to the antagonist instead of following one character or one group of characters for fun. So I would say that, more than this is way darker or grittier.”

Collider’s Aidan Kelley also had the chance to chat with Ackles at the premiere of Countdown, and he likened the show to classic movies like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. Ackles also mentioned that working with Derek Haas was the main thing that drew him to the show after getting to know him. Haas has developed a sterling reputation as one of the best long-form writers on TV right now, but he’s also worked on movies such as Overdrive (Scott Eastwood), The Double (Richard Gere), and 3:10 to Yuma (Christian Bale). The first three episodes of Countdown are out now and will be followed by one episode each Wednesday until the season finale airs on September 3. Jonathan Brown, Lisa Robinson, Avi Youabian, and more will direct episodes of the show’s first season.

‘Countdown’s Jensen Ackles Is Returning to ’The Boys’ in Season 5

Jensen Ackles debuted on Prime Video’s superhero series, The Boys, in Season 3. His performance as Soldier Boy set the world on fire, but fans were disappointed when he did not return as a series regular in Season 4. However, the ending of the most recent season sets up his return in Season 5, which will also be the final season of the show. He also had a cameo in Gen V, the spin-off series focusing on a younger generation of supes. Gen V Season 2 is coming later this year, but it’s unclear if Ackles’ Soldier Boy will have another small role to play.

The first three episodes of Countdown are available to watch now on Prime Video. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the series.