CBS has officially announced a significant change in the upcoming Season 4 premiere of Fire Country—and it’s tied directly to its highly anticipated spinoff, Sheriff Country. Both shows are expected to reshape Friday night television this fall.
A New Time Slot for a Familiar Favorite
While Fire Country has long held the 9/8c slot on Fridays, Season 4 will launch one hour earlier for its premiere. The first episode airs Friday, October 17, at 8/7c, giving fans an early return to Edgewater. After the premiere, the show will return to its regular 9/8c time slot in the following weeks.
This strategic change aligns with the launch of Sheriff Country, the new spinoff series centered around Sheriff Mickey Fox, played by Morena Baccarin. By moving Fire Country up one hour for the night, CBS is carving out a special block to double down on the Edgewater universe—first the firefighters, then the law enforcement.
What to Expect in Season 4
The upcoming season of Fire Country promises to be the most emotionally charged and unpredictable yet, especially after the devastating death of Vince Leone (Billy Burke) at the end of Season 3. His absence leaves a leadership vacuum and emotional scars for Sharon, Bode, and the entire Cal Fire team.
The earlier start time for the premiere suggests CBS is treating this episode like an event, potentially connecting it directly to the debut of Sheriff Country or using it as a springboard into a shared story universe. Expect big moments, high-stakes rescue sequences, and surprise character appearances that bridge both shows.
Sheriff Country Steps Into the Spotlight
Immediately following Fire Country‘s premiere, Sheriff Country will make its series debut in the 9/8c time slot, taking over the position that Fire Country usually occupies. The spinoff centers on Mickey Fox, a seasoned but deeply moral sheriff navigating criminal activity, small-town politics, and personal demons in Northern California.
Given the shared geography and character history, crossovers between Fire Country and Sheriff Country are not only expected—they’re practically guaranteed. Fans may see characters from Fire Country appear in Sheriff Country and vice versa, further enriching the Edgewater universe.
Why This Shift Matters
CBS’s decision to reshuffle its Friday night lineup shows its growing confidence in the Fire Country franchise. By giving both the original series and its spinoff prime slots on the same night, the network is clearly investing in a connected universe similar to what NBC did with Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
For longtime fans, this means more character depth, more drama, and more content tied to their favorite storyline. And for newcomers tuning into Sheriff Country, Fire Country’s early premiere offers the perfect on-ramp.
With Season 4 of Fire Country arriving Friday, October 17 at 8/7c, followed immediately by the debut of Sheriff Country at 9/8c, fans are in for a night of high-stakes drama, powerful character arcs, and expanded storytelling. This is more than a time change—it’s the launch of a universe.
Mark your calendars—Friday nights in Edgewater are about to become must-watch TV.
