Amazon Prime Video has announced the cancellation of two original dramas, “Countdown” and “Butterfly,” after just one season each. Both series debuted earlier this year and were produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Despite their initial popularity, they failed to secure renewals.
Overview of Canceled Series
“Countdown” starred Jensen Ackles, while “Butterfly” featured Daniel Dae Kim. Both programs managed to make an appearance on Nielsen’s top 10 streaming originals chart.
Countdown Details
Created by Derek Haas, “Countdown” followed an LAPD detective involved in a covert task force that sought to apprehend the murderer of a Department of Homeland Security officer. The investigation unveiled a dark conspiracy and sparked a race against time to protect Los Angeles.
After the season finale, Ackles expressed hope for a second season, stating the show was intended to continue its story. He emphasized the importance of audience and critic feedback in influencing Amazon’s decision.
Critical Reception
Despite its premise, “Countdown” received mixed reviews. Aramide Tinubu, a chief TV critic for Variety, labeled it as “monotonous” and criticized its lack of compelling characters. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reflects this sentiment, showing a 35% “rotten” score among critics.
Butterfly Overview
“Butterfly,” crafted by Steph Cha and Ken Woodruff, revolved around a former U.S. intelligence agent whose past actions threaten his family. The series, while featuring elements of a thriller, also fell short of expectations.
Tinubu’s reviews of “Butterfly” echoed her sentiments about “Countdown.” She remarked that it had the necessary components for a riveting thriller but lacked depth and character development.
Recent Developments at Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video’s recent decisions also include the renewal of “We Were Liars” and “Overcompensating,” as well as the cancellation of “Motorheads.” Additionally, the crime thriller “Ballard,” a spinoff of “Bosch,” has been renewed.
These changes reflect the platform’s ongoing strategy to navigate viewer preferences and critical feedback.
