Max Thieriot Talks About His Journey From ‘SEAL Team’ to ‘Fire Country’
Max Thieriot, known for his role as Clay Spenser on CBS’ hit military drama SEAL Team, is now channeling his energy into Fire Country, a series he not only stars in but also helped bring to life. In an exclusive interview, Thieriot opened up about the transition from playing a Navy SEAL to portraying a convict-turned-firefighter, and how both roles have shaped his career in unique ways.
1. Bringing ‘Fire Country’ to Life
In Fire Country, Thieriot plays Bode Donovan, a young man trying to redeem himself by fighting wildfires. As the show’s co-creator and executive producer, Thieriot’s investment in the project goes far beyond just his on-screen role.
“Bringing Fire Country to life has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Thieriot shared. “This show holds a very personal connection for me. I’ve always been fascinated by the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters, and I wanted to create a show that truly honors them. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and excited for where the story will go.”
Thieriot noted that the series is rooted in his personal experiences and the real-life struggles of those who work tirelessly to protect their communities. He also pointed out that the show’s focus on redemption and second chances was a theme that resonated with him deeply, both as an actor and as someone invested in telling meaningful stories.
2. Comparing His Roles: Clay Spenser vs. Bode Donovan
Thieriot’s role as Clay Spenser on SEAL Team made him a fan favorite for his portrayal of a tough and skilled Navy SEAL struggling with both external combat and personal demons. In contrast, his character Bode in Fire Country is a man seeking redemption after a troubled past, making him a different kind of hero, one shaped by mistakes but working toward personal growth.
“Playing Clay was all about the physicality, the military discipline, and the intense brotherhood among the SEALs,” Thieriot explained. “It was a lot of combat, adrenaline, and facing extreme challenges head-on. But Bode is a different kind of character. He’s a man who’s been broken by his past and is working hard to rebuild himself, often in the face of very real emotional and physical danger.”
While Clay’s journey in SEAL Team was about overcoming the trauma of war, Bode’s path in Fire Country focuses on redemption and self-forgiveness. Despite their differences, Thieriot sees similarities in both characters’ underlying motivations.
“Both characters are driven by a desire to do the right thing and prove themselves,” Thieriot said. “Clay wants to prove himself on the battlefield, and Bode wants to redeem himself in a way that makes a difference in the world. They both wrestle with their pasts, but the stakes in each world are different.”
3. Moving On From ‘SEAL Team’
After several successful seasons on SEAL Team, Thieriot’s decision to leave the show was a difficult one. However, he felt it was the right time to explore new creative horizons with Fire Country.
“It was bittersweet leaving SEAL Team. Clay had become such an important part of who I was as an actor, and the cast felt like family,” Thieriot shared. “But I knew it was time for me to grow and take on new challenges. Fire Country allowed me to create something from the ground up, and I’m excited about what’s to come.”
4. What’s Next for Max Thieriot?
With his role in Fire Country growing and a CBS Studios deal in place, Thieriot is undoubtedly positioning himself as a major force in television. Fans can expect to see more of his work both in front of and behind the camera, as he continues to produce and shape projects close to his heart.
“Being able to produce and act in Fire Country has been an incredible experience,” he said. “We’re just getting started, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. There’s so much more to explore with Bode, and I look forward to sharing those stories with our audience.”
