What the Countdown Cast Revealed About Season 2 During Eric Dane’s ALS Battle
Prime Video’s Countdown might make a return for season 2 — but will Eric Dane reprise his role as he battles ALS?
The series, which debuted in June 2025, centers on an LAPD detective (played by Jensen Ackles) who is recruited into a covert task force consisting of undercover agents from various law enforcement agencies after a Department of Homeland Security officer is murdered in broad daylight. The team must track down the killer while uncovering a deeper conspiracy that threatens Los Angeles.
Alongside Ackles and Dane, Countdown features Jessica Camacho, Violett Beane, Uli Latukefu, and Elliot Knight. This project marked one of Dane’s latest endeavors following his ALS diagnosis.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” Dane stated in April 2025. “I am thankful for my loving family as we navigate this new chapter. I feel fortunate to continue working and I look forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week. I kindly request privacy for my family during this period.”
After the premiere of Countdown, Dane shared how his neurologist, a leading ALS researcher, has given him hope for slowing the disease’s progression.
“I expected to be the kind of person who hides under the sheets, but that hasn’t been the case,” Dane explained to Extra in July 2025 regarding Dr. Merit Cudkowicz. “My outlook and spirit remain quite buoyant. Not every day is perfect but overall, I have a pretty good life.”
As of now, Prime Video has not renewed Countdown for a second season. While waiting for news, Ackles and fellow cast members have shown eagerness to return and have expressed their support for Dane during his health challenges.
“Clearly, he’s facing a tough situation. I’ve been checking in with him frequently, letting him know that I’m here for anything he may need,” Ackles told Men’s Health in July 2025. “He’s appreciative, but he already has the right support system around him, which is crucial at a time like this.”
Keep scrolling for what the cast and crew hinted about season 2 amidst Dane’s ALS journey:
Keeping Eric Involved
Creator Derek Haas shared insights regarding potential plans for a second season.
“My feeling is that I’ll take any Eric Dane that I can get,” Haas mentioned in Parade in July 2025. “I completely admire him and his character. If he’s willing to do X, I’ll make X happen. The decision ultimately lies with him, and I’m open to anything he wants [to pursue].”
Not Ruling It Out
In the following month, Haas expressed uncertainty about Countdown‘s future, telling Collider, “Fortunately, my focus is on creating shows and not on how upper management makes their scheduling decisions. They juggle various strategies, relationships, data, experience, and sometimes old-fashioned risk-taking… they are smart individuals, and I try to stay out of it!”
He further stated, “I mentioned this before regarding [my show] Chicago Fire way back when. I said, ‘As long as people keep watching, we’ll keep making it.’ Now, did I think that would last for 14 years? I had no idea. So I’ll say the same for this: As long as people keep tuning in and enjoying it, we’ll continue to produce it.”
Holding Out Hope
Ackles expressed to Men’s Health in July 2025 that he’s “absolutely advocating” for a return.
“I had one of the best experiences working on a set during this show,” he recalled while praising Dane’s performance. “Eric’s a true professional and a television icon. When I first met him, I extended my hand, and he surprised me with a hug instead. From that moment, I felt, ‘This could be something special.’ I aimed to earn his respect. He was the leading figure on the set, and my goal wasn’t to outshine him. There was space for both of us.”
