Seems like nothing can keep Jared Padalecki off network TV. The former Supernatural star spent four seasons on The CW’s Walker before it was struck down. This led him to blast the network, saying, “I think it felt to me like they were looking for really easy, cheap content that they could fill up time with.” according to Variety. But now, he’s getting back into the swing of things with a guest spot on CBS’s Fire Country.
According to Deadline, he’ll be playing Camden, “a SoCal firefighter and maverick with a surfer swagger who is a force to be reckoned with and immediately recognizes Bode’s (Max Thieriot) raw talent.” Thieriot stars as Bode Donovan, “a young convict joins a firefighting program looking for redemption and a shortened prison sentence.” central to the story of Fire Country. But Deadline is reporting that his stint on the show could lead to him headlining the upcoming spin-off Sheriff Country.
This spin-off makes sense when you consider that every network is trying to have their own universe. The CW for the longest time had the Arrowverse, NBC has the Chicago shows, Fox used to have both 9-1-1 series, and then ABC went and had a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy titled Private Practice. And it makes even more sense for CBS to lock in viewers with a universe of shows when they’ve seen so much success with CSI, NCIS, and FBI. Those all have dedicated fanbases and CBS is banking they can do the same with Fire Country
“We are focused on mass-appeal franchises,” CBS President and CEO George Cheeks said in June 2023 to Deadline. “This season’s number one show was Fire Country, which completely lends itself to building out a whole new universe… It became very clear that not only was the show special, it really felt like this could be a great example of us building together a franchise from scratch.”
When news broke, fans were excited for the news.
With some noting how they loved his character description.
And others commenting on his star power.
