Fire Country is entering its fifth season with more changes behind the camera and in the cast than at any point in the show’s history. Max Thieriot returns as Bode Leone, but several original stars are gone, a new series regular has joined for the first time, and the show is operating under a new showrunner. The season premieres Friday, October 9, 2026, at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS, with streaming on Paramount+.
Max Thieriot Leads the Returning Cast as Bode Leone
Max Thieriot is back as Bode Leone, the former inmate firefighter at the center of the series. Thieriot also co-created the show and serves as an executive producer. His character spent Season 4 navigating his relationship with Gabriela Perez and his role at Station 42 after earning his freedom.
Diane Farr returns as Sharon Leone, Bode’s mother and a Cal Fire Division Chief. Sharon spent Season 4 grieving the loss of her husband, Vince Leone, and Farr’s character continues to carry that weight into Season 5.
Kevin Alejandro is back as Manny Perez, the battalion chief who has served as a mentor figure to Bode. Manny was released from Three Rock in Season 4, which allowed his character to take on a more prominent role in the series.
Jordan Calloway returns as Jake Crawford, now a captain at Station 42. Jake’s history with Bode includes a complicated past involving Bode’s late sister, Riley.
Jules Latimer is back as Eve Edwards, a firefighter at Station 42 who has also taken on a captain role at Three Rock.
Jeff Fahey returns as Walter Leone, Bode’s grandfather, who has been part of the show’s fabric since the early seasons.
Olivia Thirlby Joins as the First New Series Regular in the Show’s History
Olivia Thirlby joins Season 5 as Cecilia Jade “CJ” Ryan, a new firefighter at Station 42. Her casting marks the first time Fire Country has added a new series regular since its premiere, a notable distinction for a broadcast drama that kept its original main cast intact for three seasons.
Thirlby’s character is described as a “quick-witted, fiercely independent, blue-collar, decorated urban firefighter.” CJ left her previous city and station house for mysterious reasons and spent six months on the road trying to outrun her past. She arrives in Edgewater, where she crosses paths with Bode Leone, who offers her a place at Station 42 despite her lack of experience fighting woodland fires.
Thirlby is known for her roles in Juno, Dredd, Oppenheimer, and The Darkest Hour.
Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila Are Not Returning
Billy Burke exited the series after Season 3. His character, Vince Leone, died during the Season 3 finale building collapse. The departure was part of a major creative shakeup that also saw budget cuts affect the show’s cast.
Stephanie Arcila left her role as Gabriela Perez following Season 3. Unlike Vince, Gabriela was not killed off, leaving the door open for a possible return. Arcila said she was blindsided by the decision and learned about it while filming the Season 3 finale. Her character was written off in the Season 4 premiere after accepting a job traveling the country.
Leven Rambin exited after Season 4. She played Audrey, a character who had a larger arc in Season 4. Rambin revealed in July 2026 that she left to focus on starting a family and because the show’s production schedule required being away for eight to nine months at a time.
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New Showrunner Eric Guggenheim Takes Over
Eric Guggenheim joins as executive producer and showrunner for Season 5, replacing Tia Napolitano, who ran the show for its first four seasons. Guggenheim previously served as showrunner for Magnum P.I. and co-showrunner for Hawaii Five-0.
Max Thieriot spoke about the change in May 2026, saying Guggenheim brings a fresh perspective while respecting what has been built.
“Eric really brings in a lot of experience with all of his previous work and the shows that he’s been involved with. At the same time, he knows what the show is and respects what’s been built. He’s not trying to totally change what this series is. He’s just bringing in a fresh take and fresh look and fresh perspective. It’s helping explore new avenues for the characters.”
Season 5 Is Shorter Than Previous Seasons
Fire Country Season 5 will consist of 13 episodes, down from the 20 episodes that made up Season 4. The shorter order is part of a broader CBS strategy for the 2026-2027 broadcast season, which also affected NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney, and Matlock.
The season premiere is titled “Founders’ Day” and features a sinkhole opening beneath Main Street during Edgewater’s annual festival. The episode also introduces the new character CJ Ryan to the Station 42 team.
Crossover With Sheriff Country Brings Guest Stars
A two-hour crossover event between Fire Country and Sheriff Country is set for Season 5. Max Thieriot, Kevin Alejandro, and Jules Latimer will appear as guest stars in the Sheriff Country episode, while Morena Baccarin, Matt Lauria, Michele Weaver, Amanda Arcuri, and Ian Quinlan will cross over to Fire Country for Episode 5, titled “No Way Out”.
How to Watch Fire Country Season 5 Worldwide
Fire Country Season 5 premieres Friday, October 9, 2026, at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
Viewers in the United States can watch live on CBS or stream live with the Paramount+ Premium plan. Episodes are available for next-day streaming on any Paramount+ plan.
For viewers in Canada, Fire Country airs on Global TV and streams on Paramount+ Canada the day after broadcast.
United Kingdom viewers can stream new episodes on Paramount+ UK, typically arriving the day after the US broadcast.
Australia viewers can watch on Paramount+ Australia with a similar next-day release pattern.
India viewers can stream on Paramount+ India, with episodes usually arriving within 24 hours of the US airing.
Fans in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and other European territories can access the show through Paramount+ in their respective regions, with localized subtitles and next-day availability.
Stay with VvipTimes for more updates on Fire Country Season 5 and the growing Edgewater universe.
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