Prime Video has canceled the thriller series Countdown and Butterfly after just one season each, leaving fans and viewers on major cliffhangers. Released earlier this year, the shows starred Jensen Ackles and Daniel Dae Kim, respectively, and both ranked on Nielsen’s Top 10 Streaming Originals chart.
While the reason for the cancellations remains unclear, Deadline reports that the decision to cancel Countdown primarily came down to total global viewership. The move is part of Prime Video’s ongoing effort to shape its future lineup, as the streamer has renewed and canceled several shows over the past month.
Recently, Prime Video also canceled Motorheads after a single season, while renewing series such as We Were Liars, Overcompensating, and the Bosch spinoff Ballard.
Jensen Ackles’ Reaction to Prime Video Canceling Countdown After One Season
Jensen Ackles has shared his reaction to the cancellation of Countdown, expressing his love and gratitude to everyone who watched and supported the crime drama.
“Well, as some of you may have seen already, Countdown did not get picked up for another season,”
He continued,
I had such a such an amazing time making that show. I had an absolute blast with the cast and the crew. Thank you to Derek [Haas] for making the show and writing those characters. Thanks to Amazon for giving us the opportunity, especially Vernon Sanders, for being such a champion for that show.
Ackles went on to reflect on the unpredictable nature of the industry, saying, “But sometimes you can set out to do your best and check all those boxes, and ultimately, it’s out of your hands.” He also shared a heartfelt farewell to Mark Meachum and other characters of the show.
Following his post, Ackles received support from his former Supernatural co-star Jared Padalecki, who commented, “Their loss, brother.” Padalecki also praised Ackles’ performance in the series and said he would continue streaming the show while looking forward to his upcoming projects.
Although Countdown has come to an end, Ackles remains connected to Prime Video through several upcoming projects, including The Boys Season 5 and its spin-off, Vought Uprising.
Daniel Dae Kim Had Exciting Plans for the Potential Butterfly Season 2
Though both Countdown and Butterfly have been canceled unexpectedly, the stars of both series, Jensen Ackles and Daniel Dae Kim, had expressed anticipation for a potential Season 2.
Kim reflected on the possibility in an August 2025 interview with US Weekly. “I have some idea of what has happened but I don’t want to put the cart before the horse because we don’t have a renewal yet,” he shared.
He also shared that “there are certain twists and turns that I’d like to see put into place,” if the series continues beyond the first season.
The six-episode spy thriller created by Steph Cha and Ken Woodruff left viewers on a cliffhanger after David finds his wife, Eunju, bleeding in a restaurant bathroom, while his daughter, Rebecca, is nowhere to be found.
Ackles similarly revealed in a previous interview that Countdown “was designed to lead into Season 2,” (Variety) before its cancellation, leaving fans to wonder what might have been next for the characters and story.
What are your thoughts on Prime Video canceling Countdown and Butterfly? Share with us.
Both Butterfly and Countdown are available to watch on Prime Video.
