A New Era of Television Franchising?
As Fire Country continues to dominate CBS’s primetime schedule, fans and insiders are beginning to speculate: could this hit drama become the next great television franchise? With a compelling story world, loyal audience, and a creative powerhouse like Max Thieriot at the helm, the groundwork is already being laid for an interconnected universe akin to Chicago Fire or NCIS.
Max Thieriot, who not only stars as Bode Donovan but also co-created the series, is reportedly in talks with CBS about expanding the Fire Country world. Insiders suggest that new spinoffs are being considered—one focusing on the Sheriff Country unit recently teased in the Season 2 finale, and another possibly centered around a federal fire investigation team. Each spinoff would retain the gritty realism and emotional complexity of the original series while offering fresh perspectives and new characters.
Thieriot’s Deep Creative Involvement
What sets Fire Country apart from many other network dramas is the authenticity and emotional depth that Max brings to the story. Having grown up in Northern California, where the show is set, Thieriot infuses the characters and settings with lived experience. This commitment resonates deeply with viewers and gives the show its distinctive tone—grounded yet emotionally charged.
In recent interviews, Max revealed that the creative team is “already thinking five steps ahead,” hinting at long-term world-building and multi-series storytelling. He’s been spotted on multiple CBS backlots recently—not only in front of the camera but actively participating in writers’ room sessions, producing meetings, and location scouting. Clearly, Max is not just an actor in this world—he’s its architect.
The Potential for a Fire Country Universe
Here’s what we know so far:
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Sheriff Country, the newly announced spinoff starring Morena Baccarin, will be the first official extension of the Fire Country universe. The pilot aired as a backdoor episode in Season 2 and has reportedly received strong internal feedback at CBS.
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A second, unnamed project is rumored to be in early development, possibly exploring the lives of federal arson investigators who occasionally collaborate with local fire crews.
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Talks are underway to develop a streaming-exclusive miniseries that would follow Three Rock alumni adapting to life after incarceration—showing how fire reform has impacted their lives long-term.
This expansion would make Fire Country the first fire-centric universe on broadcast TV to rival the interconnected police and medical dramas dominating other networks.
Balancing the Present With the Future
While building this ambitious storytelling empire, Thieriot has remained deeply committed to his original character, Bode. Season 3 of Fire Country, currently in pre-production, will explore Bode’s reintegration into civilian fire service while coping with the emotional aftermath of Vince Leone’s death.
Max has emphasized in recent interviews that the emotional heart of Fire Country will not be lost in its expansion. “This story started as something personal, and it’s still personal. We’re not trading that for spectacle,” he said at a recent panel.
Behind the scenes, Max is working closely with his longtime collaborators Tony Phelan and Joan Rater to ensure that any new spinoff maintains the same narrative quality and emotional resonance.
A Vision for Legacy Storytelling
As 2025 unfolds, Max Thieriot is doing something few actor-creators have managed—building a franchise not just for ratings, but for storytelling integrity. With his roots deeply planted in Fire Country, he’s shaping a universe that remains authentic, relevant, and emotionally driven.
If all goes according to plan, Fire Country might soon become more than just a show—it could be the core of a legacy television empire, and Max Thieriot would be remembered not just as Bode Donovan, but as the visionary who brought the fire to primetime.
