All Your Burning Questions About 'Fire Country' Season 2
A second season of Fire Country is coming to CBS. The hit action-drama was co-created by Max Thieriot, who also leads the series as troubled convict Bode Donovan. The character is partway through his sentence for armed robbery when he signs up for California’s inmate firefighter program—and is surprisingly assigned to his hometown. With a premise that's rich with drama, the show's second season is sure to be just as blazing hot as its first.
Here is a guide to what we know so far about Fire Country Season 2.
Will there be a Season 2 of Fire Country?
Fire Country fans can cool their jets—the series was renewed for a second season way back at the beginning of January. The show immediately lit a fire with audiences as it became the most-viewed new series on broadcast television of the 2022-2023 season. In fact, the show was awarded a full season order less than two weeks after its Oct. 7, 2022 debut.
Related: Kane Brown Makes Acting Debut on Fire Country
Is Fire Country based on a true story?
While the plot of the CBS series Fire Country is completely original, it was inspired by a real-life firefighting program, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). Thieriot was inspired by his experiences growing up in the fire country of Northern California when he began creating the idea for the series.
Related: Is Fire Country Based on a True Story?
Unfortunately, the real life CalFire program seems to be less than thrilled with the series. In May 2022, CalFire Chief Joe Tyler released the following statement, “This television series is a misrepresentation of the professional all-hazards fire department and resource protection agency that Cal Fire is. The dramatization of inmate firefighters fighting members of Cal Fire is a poor reflection of the value of our Camps Program and the incredible work and leadership of our Fire Captains who supervise our hand crews.”
What happens in Season 1 of Fire Country?
The plot of Fire Country Season 1 revolves around Bode Donovan (Thieriot), a young convict serving a sentence for armed robbery. Donovan, who has been rejected for parole, volunteers for the California Conservation Camp Program, a program in which prisoners assist the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as a way to shorten his sentence—and redeem himself. However, things take a dramatic turn for the inmate when he is assigned to his hometown by the program, forcing him to confront his past as well as old friends—all while working alongside his fellow inmates and real firefighters.
When is the Season 1 finale of Fire Country?
The Season 1 finale of Fire Country will air on Friday, May 19, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on CBS. It will be available for streaming on the CBS website as well as on Paramount+ the next day.
Related: ABC and CBS Set Finale Dates for 2022-2023 Broadcast Season
Who is cast in Season 2 of Fire Country?
Not much is known about the next season just yet. However, we do know some candidates who are likely to appear in the second season:
Max Thieriot (Bode Donovan)
Bode Donovan is the main character of Fire Country. He is a young convicted-felon serving time for armed robbery. After being rejected for parole, he signs up for the California Conservation Camp Program, a program in which prisoners assist the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as a way to shorten his sentence and to redeem himself. It's likely we'll see Donovan continue to grow into a leadership position within CalFire—while continuing to confront his past—in Season 2.
Billy Burke (Vince Leone)
Twilight actor Billy Burke plays third-generation CalFire-fighter Vince Leone, who has no ambitions to move further up in the organization, like his wife, Sharon, and brother Luke have. We've seen Vince battle with the memory of his daughter’s death, which will likely continue to influence his arc. His relationship with Sharon, his wife and boss, will likely continue to create drama in the second season as well.
Diane Farr (Sharon Leone)
Division Chief Sharon Leone has to make the tough calls when it comes to the CalFire team, which doesn’t always make her popular. Her no-nonsense approach puts her at odds with others in the department, including her husband Vince Leone.
Kevin Alejandro (Manny Perez)
As the captain leading the Edgewater inmate firefighter crew, Manny mentors his team and helps them make the most of their second chances. His relationship with the firefighters, especially Jake Crawford, is complicated when Crawford begins dating his daughter Gabriela.
Jules Latimer (Eve Edwards)
We saw Eve move on from the loss of her close friend in the first season, as she continued to prove herself as a skilled firefighter. Being native to the Edgewater area, she had her own opinions about Donovan. She is best friends with fellow firefighter Jake Crawford, which creates an interesting dynamic on the team.
Jordan Calloway (Jake Crawford)
Jake Crawford has lived in Edgewater since he was a teenager and is best friends with fellow firefighter Eve Edwards. Crawford creates an interesting dynamic with the CalFire crew, especially Manny, when he begins a relationship with Manny’s daughter Gabriela. We'll likely see how Crawford’s interpersonal relationships continue to cause drama in the second season.
Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela Perez)
Gabriela, an Olympic diver and Manny Perez’s daughter, makes a big impression in town—especially when she starts a relationship with firefighter Jake Crawford. We will likely see in the second season how her relationship with Crawford and her father evolves.
What is the release date for Season 2 of Fire Country?
The release date for season 2 of Fire Country has yet to be announced. However, given the fact that the show premiered on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, it is likely the Season 2 premiere will air at a similar time, potentially during the first week of October.
One possible wrinkle? The ongoing WGA writers' strike. Depending on how long the strike lasts, scripts and production could be delayed.
Related: All About the 2023 Writers' Strike
How many episodes are in Season 2 of Fire Country?
We do not know for sure how many episodes will feature in Season 2. The first season had 23 episodes, so it's likely the second season will have a similar amount.
How to watch Season 2 of Fire Country
Viewers can watch the series on CBS. It's currently airing on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET, with episodes available to stream the next day on the CBS website and Paramount+. In addition, episodes are available for purchase the day after they air on services like Apple iTunes, Amazon's Prime Video, Google Play and more.
Next, Find Out If Your Favorite Show Is Coming Back or Canceled with Our Fall TV 2023 Guide