Jensen Ackles to Star in Crime Thriller ‘Rules of Prey’

Jensen Ackles is getting back into crime solving after the one-season Countdown.

MGM+ has greenlit Rules of Prey, based on John Sandford’s book series, with Ackles starring in and executive producing the drama.

“Jensen Ackles’ classic leading man charisma, combined with Bruce Terris’ skillful adaptation of John Sandford’s enduringly popular Prey series is an excellent fit for MGM+,” said Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, in a statement. “The series delves into the psychological depth and suspense that made Sandford’s novels unmissable reading and continues MGM+’s commitment to bringing classic Hollywood storytelling to modern audiences.”

Read on for everything we know so far about it, which book it’s adapting, and much more.

When does Rules of Prey premiere?

That has yet to be announced. So far, we know production begins on the eight-episode season this month in Toronto, so the earliest it could premiere would be in 2027.

What is Rules of Prey about?

According to MGM+, it “follows Lucas Davenport, formerly a detective in the Minneapolis Police Department, drawn out of seclusion back into law enforcement to investigate a series of confounding murders designed to send a message specifically to him. When an ingenious serial killer begins murdering Minneapolis citizens, Davenport, a brilliant polymath and unconventional investigator, takes the case, sparking an intense psychological duel with an equally intelligent adversary. As Davenport deciphers the killer’s twisted moral code and personal vendetta, he must match wits with a predator operating by his own rules of justice, risking everything to stop a killer who sees their conflict as the ultimate game.”

Who stars in Rules of Prey?

So far, Jensen Ackles has been the only one cast. He takes on the lead role of Lucas Davenport, described as “a righteous avenging angel whose sharp mind, unconventional approach, and unwillingness to let the law get in the way of justice forced him out of the Minneapolis Police Department.”

Rules of Prey was created by Bruce Terris. He also serves as showrunner and executive produces with Ackles, Charles Gogolak, and Matt Leipzig (Modern Literary Arts), Howard Braunstein, Michael Jaffe, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, and John Weber. John Sandford serves as co-producer. Daniel Sackheim directs the pilot and Episode 2 and serves as executive producer. The series is produced by MGM Television and Take 5 Productions.

Is Rules of Prey based on a book?

Yes, the series is based on the first novel in John Sandford’s Prey series.

Is there a Rules of Prey trailer?

Not yet.