Countdown season 2 possibilities broken down by Jensen Ackles after finale twist

*Warning - this article contains major spoilers for the first season of Countdown.*

The gripping finale of Prime Video's action thriller series Countdown has left viewers on the edge of their seats, with the season concluding on a massive cliffhanger.

Starring Supernatural icon Jensen Ackles as Detective Mark Meachum, the series wrapped up its first season with a bang, sparking intense speculation among fans about the possibility of a second season.

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While the fate of Jessica Camacho's character Amber Oliveras hangs in the balance, showrunner Derek Haas hasn't yet confirmed a second season, leaving fans in suspense, reports the Express.

Nonetheless, leading man Ackles has teased what could be in store for Season 2 of the popular crime drama in an exclusive interview withVariety.

He delved into the surprising conclusion of Countdown's debut season, which featured a 10-month jump forward and set the stage for a new investigation involving the President and California's governor.

"I think it was a smart writer choice to kind of wrap up the Season 1 storyline with three episodes to go," said Ackles.

He added: "It gave [series creator Derek Haas] an opportunity to start building towards a next big case and a next big sendoff, and it obviously leaves Season 1 ending on a huge cliffhanger."

In a hopeful tone, he added: "I think it was designed to lead into Season 2, so fingers crossed Amazon is still liking what they're seeing, and the audience participation and the critics talking about it give us enough firepower to continue that story and see where this goes. Obviously, it would suck if it just ends there!"

Ackles also hinted at potential plot developments in Countdown, discussing the possibility of exploring the unseen 10-month period between investigations.

"Derek and I have talked about whether or not we're going to get an opportunity to shed light on that void and see the things that he was doing," he revealed.

"But I think for the most part, he had a drive to get back on his feet, get back to work, and get back to doing the thing that he loves doing, and it was probably a struggle for him. But what that looked like, we haven't discussed in-depth, but I feel like there might be some cool things that we can reveal if given the opportunity."

Series creator Haas also weighed in on the finale and the potential for a second series during a chat with TV Insider.

Discussing Grant Harvey's character Todd's decision to target Oliveras, he explained: "Well, he does see her at the bar, and he thinks, 'That's the most vulnerable member I could pick off,' not knowing what she's capable of, but as a hunter, sometimes you go for the member you think you can take down of the flock with the least resistance.

"You find out that he's pinning all of this on someone else. So I think that's part of his plan, but that part of the plan might be his undoing."

Speaking mysteriously about Todd's motives, the showrunner teased: "He's going to shoot her. That's the plan. Will he? We're going to wait and see.

"If the dog was a test run and we, the audience, don't know the end result to that, even though we talked about it, then this is not good for Oliveras' future."

Haas appears to be keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the series' renewal, merely advising fans to "stay tuned".

Nevertheless, he'd previously expressed optimism about the programme's performance, revealing: "It feels like we continue to pick up viewers every week and so that gets me all excited."

The official description for Countdown states: "When an officer with the Department of Homeland Security is murdered in broad daylight, LAPD detective Mark Meachum, portrayed by Ackles, is recruited to a secret task force, alongside undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement, to investigate.

"But the hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions."

Countdown season 1 is available to stream now on Prime Video.