Created and penned by Justin Marks, the first two episodes of the sci-fi thriller will be directed by Morten Tyldum.
"Counterpart," according to the industry website, "tells the story of Howard Silk (Simmons), a lowly cog in a bureaucratic UN agency who is turning the last corner of a life filled with regret, when he discovers the agency he works for is guarding a secret: a crossing to a parallel dimension. Through Howard and his 'Counterpart' on the other side, Prime, the show will navigate themes of identity, idealism, what ifs, and lost love."
Simmons has been seen on Broadway in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Guys and Dolls, Peter Pan and A Change in the Heir.
The actor won this year's Academy Award for his supporting role in the film "Whiplash."