CBS Expands 'Fire Country' Universe with Medical Spinoff, Noah Reid Tapped for Lead

CBS is strategically focusing on expanding the universes of its successful existing series rather than developing entirely new concepts each season. Among its most fertile grounds for spin-offs is the 'Fire Country' universe, a popular firefighter drama starring Max Thieriot. Set in the fictional Northern California town of Edgewater, the series has introduced viewers to a community ripe for exploration through various professional lenses.

Previously, several ideas for standalone shows within the 'Fire Country'-verse were considered, including an offshoot centered on Jared Padalecki's character, Camden, who appeared in Season 3. While updates on that concept have yet to materialize, two other spin-off ideas have progressed significantly.

The first successful expansion was 'Sheriff Country,' which delves into the law enforcement side of Edgewater. Starring Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, the series debuted last season after a successful backdoor pilot and has been performing well. For its upcoming season, 'Sheriff Country' remains largely unchanged, with Sheriff Mickey Fox grappling with revelations about her family. Morena Baccarin's husband and 'Gotham' co-star, Ben McKenzie, is set to guest star as Sheriff Wade from a neighboring department in the season premiere.

The second, and latest, spin-off focuses on the medical side of Edgewater, aiming to build a interconnected universe similar to NBC's 'One Chicago' franchise. Tentatively referred to as 'Edge Med,' this new medical drama will introduce Dr. Hudson “Hud” Henshaw, portrayed by 'Schitt's Creek' star Noah Reid. Dr. Henshaw will serve as the chief of emergency medicine at Edgewater Memorial Hospital, affectionately known as “Edge Med.”

Dr. Hud Henshaw is described as charming and quick-witted, yet possessing a rough-around-the-edges demeanor. Born and raised in the outlaw hinterland known as Deadwater, he is the proud son of convicted felons but consciously chose a different path, refusing to use his family's illicit drug money for medical school. He is a passionate doctor who deeply embodies his oath to “first do no harm,” but is not one to shy away from a good bar fight. Despite his deep commitment to the community he grew up in, he remains a restless soul. Noah Reid is slated to guest star in two upcoming episodes of 'Sheriff Country,' which will serve as a backdoor pilot for 'Edge Med.' If the series is greenlit, Reid would potentially become a series regular.

This new medical spin-off will not be led by Camille (Natalie Zea), as was previously speculated after Manny (Kevin Alejandro) from 'Fire Country' began dating a doctor in Season 4. 'Fire Country' co-creator and executive producer Max Thieriot confirmed that the new spin-off would be introduced this season, but with a different lead.

Both 'Fire Country' and 'Sheriff Country' are set to return on October 6. 'Fire Country' will see significant changes this season, with Eric Guggenheim taking over as the new showrunner for its 13-episode fifth season. The show will also introduce a new series regular, CJ (Olivia Thirlby), who viewers will meet in the season premiere following a sinkhole opening on Main Street. Later, on November 6, the two shows will converge in a two-hour crossover event that will track a prison break escalating into a larger crisis, further intertwining the narratives of Edgewater's firefighters and law enforcement.