Podcast Summary: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present

Episode: Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #10 “Countdown”
Date: October 22, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes

Overview

In this episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes break into their “Deep Cuts Horror Hit List,” spotlighting lesser-known but beloved horror films. At number 10: “Countdown” (2019), a PG-13 supernatural horror flick that divides critics and audiences. The conversation delves into its premise, audience vs. critic reception, why it makes the list, and best ways to enjoy the film, all in their signature, lightly irreverent, conversational style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why "Countdown" Makes the List

[03:23]

• T.J. introduces Countdown as a “tough sell” due to its low Rotten Tomatoes critic score but high audience score.
• Amy explains this dichotomy as a hallmark of the kind of fun, audience-pleasing horror they love, calling it “the perfect combo.”

  “If the critics were looking for something… elevated, but the fans just wanted to have some fun and they loved it, I know that's going to be a certain kind of movie we're going to enjoy.” (Amy, 04:00)

• Both note their belief that audience-love-over-critic-hate almost always predicts fun horror.

Plot, Rating, and Box Office

[04:46–06:37]

• Premise: A nurse downloads an app that predicts her death date; given just three days to live, she tries to cheat fate.
• Surprised to discover it’s PG-13, both hosts agree this rating likely broadened its success but also “held it back” in terms of grit.

  “PG13 held it back, which I agree it probably did. But it helped, I think significantly, at the box office…” (Amy, 05:40)

• Budget: $6.5 million
• Box Office: $48 million worldwide
• Praised for being entertaining despite the lack of gore, allowing for younger horror fans.

Cast & Performances

[06:37–08:12]

• Elizabeth Lail (noted for Netflix’s “You”) stars as the lead.
• Jordan Calloway (“the Nelly look alike” per T.J.) is her co-star, and Talitha Bateman (of “Annabelle: Creation”).

  “I love them together too. I was rooting for them the whole time.” (Amy, 07:09)

Critics vs. Audience: Rotten Tomatoes & Reviews

[08:12–15:17]

• Critic score: 26%, Audience score: 72%
• Critics call it “lacking wit or creativity,” “gimmicky,” relying on jump scares, and featuring “thin characters.”
  • T.J. agrees it’s a “gimmicky concept”—but says that’s part of the fun.

  “I loved this movie because of that… you absolutely would have downloaded that app.” (Amy, 11:24)

• Amy and T.J. discuss how the premise—would you want to know when you die?—sparks real-life debates and adds to viewing fun.
• Audience reviews:
  • Acknowledged as “bubblegum horror.”
  • Praise for comfort, rewatchability, fun final act, and group viewing
  • Criticisms largely for not being gritty or scary enough, held back by PG-13 rating.

Who Is "Countdown" For (and Not For)?

[21:16–24:43]

• “Fun, light, entertaining”—great for families with teens, for group viewing, and as a beginner horror movie.

  “You could watch this with your teenagers and even the people who put out the ratings… agree: PG 13.” (Amy, 22:30)

• Not for those seeking “highbrow horror” or very dark/scary fare.

  “Anyone who is looking for highbrow horror, this is not your movie.” (Amy, 23:54)

• T.J. draws a music analogy: sometimes you want Kendrick Lamar, sometimes the Yin Yang Twins—there’s room for both deep and fun experiences.

Pairings: Food & Setting

[24:40–26:39]

• Ideal for parties, with popcorn, candy, and drinks—“a candy movie.”
• Amy and T.J. debate the merits of Raisinets-in-popcorn (Amy loves it, T.J. skeptical).
• Also works as a “party of one” movie for solo comfort viewing.

Where to Watch

[26:39–27:13]

• Hard to find for purchase; available on Amazon Prime (with ads).
• Amy recommends signing up for watchlists as streaming availability changes.
• Pro Tip: Stay for the credits—there’s a fun post-credit scene, rare in horror.

Notable Segment: The App Question

[15:17–15:56]

• Would you want to know when you’ll die if an app could tell you?

  “Ask yourself right now… Would you download an app that would tell you exactly when you're going to die?... Life is more beautiful because we know this one right here. This could be our last podcast.” (T.J., 15:17–15:47)
  “If you actually know in 2029, I’m going to die, that is terrifying. I don’t want to know that.” (Amy, 15:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Critics vs. Audiences:
  • “Always said that that is almost how you find a horror movie. Critics hate it. Audience loved it. That’s for me.” (T.J., 04:20)
• On the Movie’s Place in Horror:
  • “This is a candy movie. Twizzler. Sitting out some gummy bears and whatever you do...chocolate M&Ms.” (T.J., 25:10)
• Amy’s Reassurance:
  • “It's highly digestible and it's one you can watch over and over and over again.” (Amy, 14:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:23]: Intro of “Countdown” as #10 on the list—explaining its Rotten Tomatoes controversy.
• [04:46–06:37]: Plot, rating, box office, and why the PG-13 rating matters.
• [08:12–10:04]: Critics’ reviews and hosts’ personal responses.
• [11:46–12:38]: Discussion of how the film’s premise would spark real conversations.
• [13:39–14:02]: Audience comfort with “bubblegum horror.”
• [15:17–15:56]: The existential app debate—would you want to know your death date?
• [21:16–24:43]: Who should (and shouldn’t) watch “Countdown.”
• [25:10–25:40]: Humor and debate over snack pairings for the film.
• [26:39–27:13]: Streaming availability and the importance of watching the credits.

Final Thoughts & Tease for Next Episode

• “Countdown” is celebrated as a fun, group-friendly, easily rewatchable horror movie—perfect for light scares and reflective conversations.
• Viewers are encouraged to stay for the end credits, and Amy teases a “complete departure” for the next film on their list: dark, R-rated, highly reviewed, “twisted,” starring “Thor himself.”

In Short:
“Countdown” is championed as the ultimate “bubblegum horror”—a perfect light, fun, rewatchable movie for teens, families, horror newbies, and anyone up for a group movie night. Not for horror snobs, but just right for anyone needing a comfort scare and a playful debate about fate.