Prime Video and Jensen Ackles’Countdownpremiered today, and it’s already dividing critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.Countdownfollows Mark Meachum (Ackles) as he investigates the murder of a Homeland Security officer and uncovers a massive and deadly plot. It has also already gained some notoriety, and there’s even beendiscussion ofCountdownseason 2even before season 1 premiered. At this early stage, however, thereviews forCountdownseason 1are one of the most important factors in the show’s renewal, and they’re already divided between critics and audiences.
At the time of writing,Countdownhad an approval rating of just 44% among nine critics onRotten Tomatoes, but it also boasts an 87% score with about 30 viewers. Many of the critics found fault withCountdown’s clunky dialog and predictable plot that fails to make good on the promise of a thriller show. Audiences, however, praisedCountdown’s fast pace, its action-packed episodes, and the stellar performances of thestar-studded cast ofCountdown, particularly Jensen Ackles. It should also be noted that only the first three episodes ofCountdown’s 13-episode debut season are available to stream, so the audience scores are subject to change.
What Countdown’s Critics & Audience Scores Mean For Prime Video’s Show
Countdown Clearly Started Strong, But Its Later Episodes May Not Be As Well-Received
There’s a key difference between the critics and viewers ofCountdown: the critics have seen all 13 episodes of the first season.That means the disparity in the critical and popular reviews ofCountdownseason 1 could very well get smaller as the series continues. Some ofCountdown’s reviewers harped on the predictability of its plot. That problem could get worse as the season continues andCountdownfails to surprise viewers who are expecting a twisty thriller show. These early audience reviews also skew towards viewers who watched all three episodes the day they premiered, which is a group of people predisposed to give a more positive rating.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that the audience score will fall to match the critical reception. If the current trend ofCountdownresonating with audiences while failing to entertain critics holds true, that may not be a bad sign for the show. Critical reviews do help or hurt a show find a wider audience, but in the end, it’s the viewers that matter.IfCountdownreally is a show that audiences adore and critics just got it wrong, it could easily become a powerhouse for Prime Video that lasts multiple seasons. A low critical score doesn’t mean much ifCountdownis drawing in enough viewers.
Our Take On Countdown’s Divisive Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Countdown Clearly Isn’t A Masterpiece, But There’s Something To Be Said For How Entertaining It Is
I thinkCountdown’s critical and popular reception highlights the fact that this show shouldn’t be over or underestimated.Countdownclearly isn’t an instant classic or a thriller genre-defining show like24, but there’s also a lot of entertainment value there. It seems like the right take is thatCountdownis a good but not great show that’s fun if not wholly original. However, there are also plenty ofTV shows that critics underestimated, including some legends likeGame of ThronesandBreaking Bad.Countdowncould easily join that list. IfCountdowngets renewed and has a chance to find its footing, it may become something special.
