Chicago Fire co-creator teaming up with Jensen Ackles for new drama

Less than two years after bidding farewell to the franchise he helped build, Chicago Fire co-creator Derek Haas is preparing to return to TV with an exciting new drama that One Chicago fans are sure to enjoy! 

As part of his new deal with Amazon MGM Studios, Haas is teaming up with actor Jensen Ackles on his new drama Countdown which will be a bit of a departure from the One Chicago franchises yet still gives shades of blue. 

This new series will center around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (Ackles) whose life is turned upside down after he’s recruited to join a secret task force of undercover agents comprised of members from every branch of the field of law enforcement. Much like the characters within the One Chicago universe, Meachum and the task force members will look to protect and serve as they work to save a city of millions from a deadly threat. 

“I am thrilled to be working again with Jen Salke and Vernon Sanders and all the excellent people they’ve assembled at Prime Video,” Haas said. “I love making shows that keep you on the edge of your seat with nonstop action, drama, surprises, and suspense, and I can’t wait to work with Jensen and for everyone to see Countdown.”

We definitely are intrigued by the show and know that Haas has a proven track record for creating hits! Not only did Haas co-create Chicago Fire during his time with Wolf Entertainment, but he also played a role in the development of both Chicago PD and Chicago Med and co-created CBS’s FBI: International – the latter of which he was a showrunner. 

While Ackles is currently the only confirmed member of the cast, it’s going to be interesting to see if Haas manages to pull in any One Chicago actors for the new show. It’s not uncommon for veteran creators and showrunners such as Haas to team up with actors they’ve worked with in the past so the odds of seeing a familiar face or two from the One Chicago shows seem high. 

Regardless of whether any member of the One Chicago cast ends up joining Countdown, we here at One Chicago Center are definitely going to be checking the show out! After all, Haas helped launch the One Chicago universe which we’ve fallen in love with and we can’t wait to see what he’s cooking up with his new Amazon series!