The flames in Edgewater are nowhere near being extinguished. In a move that surprised very few but delighted millions, CBS officially greenlit Fire Country Season 5 in January 2026. This renewal solidifies the series as a cornerstone of the network’s Friday night lineup and ensures that the “Country” universe—now expanding with spin-offs like Sheriff Country—will continue to dominate the ratings. As we look ahead to the next chapter of Bode Leone’s journey, the stakes have never been higher, and the landscape of the show is set for a massive transformation.
Premiere Date and Broadcast Schedule
While Season 4 is currently in the heat of its mid-season run (having recently returned from its 2026 Winter Olympics hiatus), CBS has already slotted Season 5 for the 2026–2027 television season. Fans can expect the premiere to land in its traditional fall window, likely in late September or October 2026.
The show is expected to retain its powerhouse time slot on Fridays at 9/8c, sandwiched between Sheriff Country and Blue Bloods. This “Country” block has proven to be a goldmine for CBS, consistently drawing over 8 million viewers per episode, and the network is unlikely to fix what isn’t broken.
Cast Updates: Who’s Staying and Who’s Gone?
The biggest talking point for Season 5 is the significant shift in the ensemble. The series has faced a period of “creative renewal” that saw the departure of some original heavy hitters.
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The Leads: Max Thieriot is confirmed to return as Bode Leone. His character’s evolution from an inmate seeking redemption to a full-fledged Cal Fire firefighter remains the show’s pulse. Supporting him are series regulars Kevin Alejandro (Manny Perez), Diane Farr (Sharon Leone), Jordan Calloway (Jake Crawford), and Jules Latimer (Eve Edwards).
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The Absences: Season 5 will be the first full season without Billy Burke (Vince Leone), whose tragic death in Season 4 left a massive void in the Leone family and Station 42. Additionally, Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela Perez) exited the main cast during Season 4, though producers have hinted that the door remains “open” for guest appearances.
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New Faces: Alona Tal (as Chloe) and Shawn Hatosy (as Battalion Chief Brett Richards) have become integral to the Season 4 narrative, and their roles are expected to expand or reach critical turning points heading into the fifth installment.
The Search for a New Showrunner
Behind the scenes, Season 5 marks a major transition. Longtime showrunner Tia Napolitano announced her departure at the end of Season 4 to focus on new development projects. Napolitano was instrumental in building the show’s “propulsive” identity. CBS is currently in the process of selecting a successor who can maintain the delicate balance of high-stakes action and small-town soap opera that fans have come to love. This leadership change often brings a fresh visual style or a shift in narrative pacing, making Season 5 a potential “soft reboot” for the franchise.
Plot Details: What Lies Ahead?
While specific plot points are under lock and key, the foundations for Season 5 are being laid right now. The central theme is expected to be Legacy and Leadership. With Vince gone, the power vacuum at Station 42 and the emotional toll on Sharon Leone will be central. Bode is no longer a man “serving time”; he is a man serving his community, and Season 5 will likely explore the weight of that responsibility as he tries to live up to his father’s reputation.
Furthermore, the “universe” expansion means we will see more frequent crossovers with Sheriff Country. Expect storylines involving the Sheriff’s department to bleed into the firehouse drama, creating a more cohesive look at the crime and safety of Edgewater. Romantic tensions will also remain high; with Gabriela out of the picture, the “sweetness and wish fulfillment” of Bode’s connection with Chloe is set to be a major narrative arc.
How to Stay Updated
As production on Season 5 begins in Vancouver later this summer, fans should keep an eye on Max Thieriot’s social media for behind-the-scenes glimpses. Until then, the remainder of Season 4 is delivering the most intense wildfires and personal drama the show has ever seen.
