Even though Jared Padalecki’sFire Countryspinoff might not happen anytime soon, his replacement series is great news for CBS’s future.Padalecki had a recurring role as Camden Casey,a firefighter from Southern California who travels to Edgewater to assist in Bode’s cadet training, in season 3 of the CBS action drama series. The formerSupernaturalactor appeared in three episodes before his character returned home. Reports claimed thatPadalecki’sFire Countryarc would lay the groundwork for a spinoffseries revolving around Camden, but recent news suggests otherwise.
CBS officially has oneFire Countryspinoff in development —aSheriff Countryspinoffstarring Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox (which has been confirmed for the 2025–2026 TV season).
According toDeadline, Padalecki is working on a new TV drama for CBS instead of his reportedFire Countryspinoff. The actor previously signed a deal with the network to develop shows. So, the announcement of Padalecki’s new series isn’t completely shocking, but it’s a little bitconcerning regarding Camden’s possibleFire Countryshow. Nevertheless,Padalecki’s upcoming drama is still a smart move for CBSas it solves one of the network’s major programming issues.
Jared Padalecki’s New Medical Drama Fills CBS' Programming Gap
CBS Doesn’t Have A True Medical Show
Jared Padalecki’s upcoming CBS TV seriesisan untitled medical drama set in rural Texas,with the actor starring as the protagonist. Padalecki’s character is a “headstrong” and “devoted” country doctor running a mobile clinic. When the show begins, the experienced and unconventional medical professional takes a younger doctor (who has some secrets of her own) under his wing. All in all, Padalecki’s new series is a medical drama, which is something CBS is missing.
Watsonisn’t technically a proper medical TV show, whereas Padalecki’s upcoming one will be.
CBS has many different kinds of TV shows, from sitcoms to action dramas (likeFire Country). However,the network doesn’t have a true medical series.Watson, an adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories focused on Dr. John Watson, premieres in late January 2025, and while it has a medical component, it’s tied to a famous fictional detective and heavily features crime.Watsonisn’t technically a proper medical TV show, whereas Padalecki’s upcoming one will be.
Both ABC & NBC Have Solidified Their Medical Shows
CBS Needs To Keep Up With The Competition
CBS is succeeding in various ways (e.g. its high ratings), but missing a medical series in its lineup makes it lose some of its positive credit. The network’s direct competitors — ABC and NBC — have established (and new) shows that revolve around the medical world.ABC hasGrey’s AnatomyandDoctor Odyssey, whileNBC hasSt. Denis MedicalandBrilliant Minds.Grey’s Anatomyis in the midst of airing its 21st season, and the new mockumentary sitcomSt. Denis Medicalis already renewed for season 2due to its record-breaking ratings and positive reviews.
St. Denis Medical Is Taking A Page Out Of Abbott Elementary’s Book — With A Twist
Mockumentary sitcoms are alive and thriving, and St. Denis Medical is following in Abbott Elementary’s footsteps but still keeping its story original.
Yes,CBS was the most-watched network of 2024(perVariety), but not by much. With CBS adding Jared Padalecki’s medical drama to its programming, the network might be able to keep up with the likes of ABC’sGrey’s Anatomyor NBC’sSt. Denis Medical. The development of a medical series will make CBS more well-rounded. Hopefully, Padalecki’s upcoming TV show will be a success concerning its ratings and reviews, but it should be, given its star power and CBS’s precedent of triumphant series.
Is Padalecki’s New Medical Drama Better Than Camden Casey’s Fire Country Spinoff
Padalecki’s Upcoming Show Might Put His Fire Country Spinoff On Hold
Of course, with the announcement of Jared Padalecki’s new medical drama comes some disappointment forFire Countryfans. Many believed the actor’s next project would beCamden’s spinoff —Fire Country: Surfside. Instead,Padalecki’s focus will be on the untitled medical drama seriesset in a mobile clinic in rural Texas. However, that might not be a bad thing.
Rafael de la Fuente
Alix West Lefler
Genevieve Maisonette
CBS already has a drama that focuses on the lives of firefighters, but, as mentioned above, it doesn’t have one that centers around the medical world. So, adding one to its lineup is exciting in and of itself. Plus,Padalecki playing a doctor in a starring role is something new for the actor,and it will be intriguing to see him take on a character who is much different than the ones he has portrayed in the past. The good news is that Padalecki’sFire Countryspinoff remains in development despite his new show, meaning fans can be excited for both.
Fire Country
Cast
Fire Country follows Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption by joining a firefighting program in his Northern California hometown. Working alongside elite firefighters, Donovan and fellow inmates strive to control massive wildfires in the region while navigating personal challenges and community dynamics.
