Prime Video and Jensen Ackles’ Countdown premiered in the present day, and it is already dividing critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Countdown follows Mark Meachum (Ackles) as he investigates the homicide of a Homeland Safety officer and uncovers an enormous and lethal plot. It has additionally already gained some notoriety, and there is even been dialogue of Countdown season 2 even earlier than season 1 premiered. At this early stage, nonetheless, the critiques for Countdown season 1 are some of the necessary elements within the present’s renewal, they usually’re already divided between critics and audiences.
On the time of writing, Countdown had an approval score of simply 44% amongst 9 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, however it additionally boasts an 87% rating with about 30 viewers. Most of the critics discovered fault with Countdown’s clunky dialog and predictable plot that fails to make good on the promise of a thriller present. Audiences, nonetheless, praised Countdown’s quick tempo, its action-packed episodes, and the stellar performances of the star-studded forged of Countdown, significantly Jensen Ackles. It must also be famous that solely the primary three episodes of Countdown’s 13-episode debut season can be found to stream, so the viewers scores are topic to alter.
What Countdown’s Critics & Viewers Scores Imply For Prime Video’s Present
Countdown Clearly Began Sturdy, However Its Later Episodes Might Not Be As Properly-Acquired
There is a key distinction between the critics and viewers of Countdown: the critics have seen all 13 episodes of the primary season. Meaning the disparity within the crucial and widespread critiques of Countdown season 1 might very nicely get smaller because the sequence continues. A few of Countdown’s reviewers harped on the predictability of its plot. That drawback might worsen because the season continues and Countdown fails to shock viewers who’re anticipating a twisty thriller present. These early viewers critiques additionally skew in direction of viewers who watched all three episodes the day they premiered, which is a bunch of individuals predisposed to provide a extra optimistic score.
After all, there isn’t any assure that the viewers rating will fall to match the crucial reception. If the present pattern of Countdown resonating with audiences whereas failing to entertain critics holds true, that is probably not a nasty signal for the present. Crucial critiques do assist or damage a present discover a wider viewers, however in the long run, it is the viewers that matter. If Countdown actually is a present that audiences adore and critics simply obtained it mistaken, it might simply turn into a powerhouse for Prime Video that lasts a number of seasons. A low crucial rating does not imply a lot if Countdown is drawing in sufficient viewers.
Our Take On Countdown’s Divisive Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Countdown Clearly Is not A Masterpiece, However There’s One thing To Be Stated For How Entertaining It Is
I believe Countdown’s crucial and widespread reception highlights the truth that this present should not be over or underestimated. Countdown clearly is not an on the spot basic or a thriller genre-defining present like 24, however there’s additionally a number of leisure worth there. It looks as if the proper take is that Countdown is an effective however not nice present that is enjoyable if not wholly authentic. Nevertheless, there are additionally loads of TV exhibits that critics underestimated, together with some legends like Recreation of Thrones and Breaking Dangerous. Countdown might simply be a part of that record. If Countdown will get renewed and has an opportunity to seek out its footing, it could turn into one thing particular.
Countdown
8/10
Launch Date
June 25, 2025
Community
Prime Video
Showrunner
Derek Haas
