Fire Country Star Spills Season 5 Secrets for Fan-Favorite CJ

In the fifth season of CBS's hit series 'Fire Country', a vibrant new character, CJ Ryan, played by Olivia Thirlby, makes her debut in Edgewater. CJ arrives as a spunky, sarcastic, and humorous firefighter, quickly adding a fresh dynamic to the established crew. While she initially believed her firefighting days were behind her, joining Station 42 and Three Rock allows her to rediscover her passion for the demanding profession.

Olivia Thirlby has expressed immense enjoyment in portraying CJ, particularly reveling in the character's unique voice. She describes CJ as sassy, salty, and sarcastic, a quality she credits to the show's writers, who have crafted a female character unlike any seen before on 'Fire Country'. Thirlby, a self-proclaimed master of sarcasm from New York, finds it incredibly fun to embody this aspect of CJ, bringing a personal touch to the role.

Joining an already tight-knit cast in its fifth season presented a unique challenge, but Thirlby found the experience incredibly welcoming. As a fan of the show herself, she admired the established community of artists and creators, making her integration seamless and enjoyable. CJ's character is deeply flawed and messy, which, according to Thirlby, makes her a perfect fit for the residents of Edgewater. She possesses a large capacity for understanding and appreciating the messiness of human existence.

A significant part of CJ's arc involves confronting her past and overcoming profound trust issues stemming from a massive betrayal at her previous fire station. Bode (Max Thieriot) becomes the first person CJ feels safe enough to open up to, compelling her to share her secrets and shame. This bond is crucial as CJ grapples with learning to trust people emotionally and physically again, acknowledging that old fears can be easily retriggered in her new community. Throughout the season, a sweet relationship also develops between CJ and Jake (Jordan Calloway), as they recognize and resonate with similar experiences.

Bode's passion and commitment to his community inspire CJ, particularly his desire to launch a volunteer firefighter crew. This initiative appeals to her due to its perceived innocence, lack of politics, and the genuine desire to serve and support. It offers CJ a stepping stone back into firefighting without the immediate pressure of full commitment, allowing her to embrace her enjoyment for the work. The physical demands of the role are not lost on Thirlby, who emphasizes the challenge of wearing heavy fire gear, running, jumping, and climbing during intense stunts, which has given her immense respect for real firefighters' physical and emotional strength.

Looking ahead, CJ's journey will focus on learning to open up, trusting in the truth of her connections with others, and ultimately trusting in herself and her choices. The season promises numerous memorable incidents, including a significant fire incident in Episode 5 that was particularly physically demanding for Thirlby, requiring full turnout gear and climbing in a heatwave. Another challenging rescue also left her bruised and sore, yet happy and eager for more. Thirlby highlights the incredible work of the advisors and stunt team in bringing these sequences to life, underscoring the high-level expertise required for such intense filming.

Viewers can expect to see CJ form sweet relationships and engage in fun social dynamics with both old and new characters throughout the season, often frequenting Smokey’s, the social hub of Edgewater, where she enjoys the burgers and fries. 'Fire Country' continues to air on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+.