[Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Man on Fire Season 1]

Yesterday, Netflix dropped all seven episodes of their Man on Fire series, starring Emmy Award winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The show reimagines A.J. Quinnell’s five-book saga, first adapted to screen with Denzel Washington in 2004, in a way that allows this character to unravel and further explore the complexities that make him an unforgettable action hero beyond a feature-length movie.

The series introduces Special Forces Mercenary John Creasy (Abdul-Mateen II), a man once known for his masterful skills and his expert ability to navigate the most grim situations. When we meet him, Creasy is struggling with intense PTSD after a mission gone wrong, which sets him on a path of redemption in hopes of overcoming his past. Before he can escape his demons, however, Creasy is pulled back into the heat after an act of devastation leaves him with no choice. The show also stars Bobby Cannavale, Alice Braga, Billie Boulet, and Scoot McNairy.

Speaking with Abdul-Mateen II, he tells Collider’s Steven Weintraub that, despite the action set pieces and high stakes, preparation for this role was less a physical one than an internal examination of who Creasy is at this point in the story. He discusses where Creasy’s head is at by the end of the season finale, and hints that Episode 7 does leave the potential for a second season, sharing the surprising side of the character he’d be most interested in tackling if given the opportunity. For all this and his clever evasion of Wonder Man Season 2 questions, check out the video above or the transcript below.

Playing Creasy Wasn’t About Getting in Shape at All

“This was a very heady process.”

Image via Netflix

COLLIDER: For all the things you’ve worked on, what is the smallest detail that you’ve obsessed over for a part of your character?

YAHYA ABDUL-MATEEN II: It’s always…

The shoes? [Laughs]

ABDUL-MATEEN II: Is that what people say?

No, Steven (Cable Jr.) told me to bring up the shoes with you for Creasy.

ABDUL-MATEEN II: It’s always the shoes. Even in my life, I’m always aware of what my feet feel like inside of my shoes. So the wrong pair of shoes will completely throw me off balance, and the right pair of shoes just lets me know that I can manage the situation. It’s a great place to start.

What shoes did you end up with for Creasy?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: You know, after all of that, I don’t even remember. After all of that, I don’t even remember, but I fought hard, and evidently, we got the right pair of shoes.

Yeah, you did, because you punched people in the face very well. There’s a lot of action on this show, and you are going through it, and I’m so curious, what is it like learning all those moves and staying in that kind of shape for the marathon of, like, a four or five-month shoot?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: This one was a little bit different because, you’re right, you do have to prepare the body to be able to undergo the physical asks, but at the same time, I’m playing a character who has let himself go. So this wasn’t about being muscular, being the most fit. This wasn’t about the diet. This was about building a man from the inside out and understanding his personal psychology, his needs, his wants, and his emotional state, setting that aside, and then for myself, building out his physical skills — the boxing, the hand-to-hand combat, the gun training, X, Y, Z — and then marrying the two in a way such that whatever Creasy was going through emotionally, that informed the tactics that he would then use in order to survive.

So this was a very heady process, actually, much more so than some of the other physical things that I’ve done. But on the day, it all comes down to being comfortable, having an intention to, hopefully, making it look realistic while feeling like I’m inside of the choreography. But this was a different type of dance.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Weighs In on Season 2 and What Comes Next

The star reveals a surprising facet of Creasy he’s anxious to explore.

Image via Netflix

Where do you think Creasy’s headspace is at the end of Episode 7? Because for me, it feels like he has recovered a little bit from his PTSD, but not all the way. Where do you see him?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: Well, apparently, he has unfinished business. I always knew that by the end of the season, that Creasy’s problems would not be solved. The type of things that we’re dealing with when we meet him, they don’t just go away by going on a mission and saving the day. He probably could still use a very strong drink at the end of a show. So, we know that Creasy is still dealing with some things, but apparently, he believes in himself enough to potentially throw himself back into the heat. But whether he does or doesn’t, who knows?

After what happened to him in Mexico City, at the end of the season, you have the CIA director offering him to possibly get retribution or find the people that were involved. How much have you been told, “If this is a hit and we get to do another season, this is the arc,” and how much is it sort of like, “I can’t even worry about that until we get picked up?”

ABDUL-MATEEN II: Look, I’ve been around now for 10 years, and starting to be a good little while, and I really know that you think about those things when you’re approached with those things, and that’s how I’m taking this one.

What did you learn making this show and being the number one on the call sheet and everything that went with it that you would take with you for a second season? Are there certain things with the character that you scratched the surface on and you really want to explore those facets of him?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: That’s a great question. I’ll lean toward the second half of the question. Creasy sang — no, seriously. In the first iterations of this, he sang a little Michael Jackson, “P.Y.T.,” and he was a dude who, in his former life before all of the things, enjoyed karaoke, you know?

Do you know what Creasy’s karaoke song is?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: I think it was “P.Y.T.”

As I said it, I realized.

ABDUL-MATEEN II: Yeah. But I’d be looking forward to maybe showing a little bit more of his charm. Episode 5 really opened up the box in that way and let us see a little bit more of his personality and things like that. But, once again, if we’re fortunate enough to be having those conversations, then we have those. But I’m really, really happy that now’s the time to put it out and to give it away to the world and to see how they respond before anything else.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Quietly Teases His Wonder Man Future

The Disney+ series has been renewed for Season 2.

Image via Disney+

Before I run out of time, I’m a huge fan of Wonder Man. I thought you guys did such a great job with it. There hasn’t been a lot of success with Marvel on Disney+, but you’re getting a second season. I’m over the moon. When do you start filming? What can you tell fans about it?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: You know Marvel, man. You know how that goes. [Laughs]

Believe me, I do.

ABDUL-MATEEN II: I know you know better than most, man. Whenever we do and whenever I can talk about those things, man, I’ll be thrilled and delighted to come and share about that. But I am looking forward to it, and I’m very happy to be a part of something that has gotten to Season 2. I’m very happy that Wonder Man landed in the way that it did.

Without telling me or the readers of Collider anything, have they at least told you the arc of the season? Are you informed on what’s coming? Did it make you happy hearing the arc?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: [Silence]

[Laughs] I’ve got to try.

ABDUL-MATEEN II: Well, without telling you anything… You know what I mean? [Laughs] I think I did the job well, I would say.

Last thing for you. I’ve been asking this of everyone: Have you ever asked for someone’s autograph?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: I don’t remember the last time I have, but absolutely. I’m sure. I think that’s pretty cool.

Has it affected when you meet people? How cognizant are you that when you meet a kid, this is probably the first time or one of the first times that they’re asking you for a picture or a selfie, whatever it is?

ABDUL-MATEEN II: No, I don’t really view myself in that way. So, no, it never really crosses my mind.

All seven episodes of Man on Fire Season 1 are streaming now on Netflix.

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Release Date

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April 30, 2026

Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Kyle Killen

Directors

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Steven Caple Jr., Vicente Amorim, Clare Kilner, Michael Cuesta

Writers

Kyle Killen

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Police are investigating a new allegation made about Noah Beck‘s sister Haley Beck.

The Peoria Police Department in Arizona confirmed to Us Weekly on Friday, May 1, that they are “looking into” accusations about a possible inappropriate relationship between Haley, 27, and a second student.

Authorities also stated it’s based on a tip they received from a woman who is “basing it all off a TikTok.” For now, police say “it’s simply allegations” and they “haven’t confirmed anything.” They plan to meet with the tipster next week.

Us Weekly has reached out to Noah’s team for comment.

Related: What to Know About Noah Beck’s Sister Haley’s Grooming Scandal

Baywatch star Noah Beck’s older sister Haley Beck was fired from her teaching job in Arizona after the Peoria Unified School District conducted an investigation, claiming that she groomed a minor student. “After a review of the investigator’s findings, the decision maker found that Ms. Beck groomed a student,” a spokesperson for the school district […]

The developments come after Haley was fired from her teaching job in April after the Peoria Unified School District conducted an investigation, claiming that she groomed a minor student.

“After a review of the investigator’s findings, the decision maker found that Ms. Beck groomed a student,” a spokesperson for the school district said in a March 2026 statement. “[She had] a sexual relationship with that student and therefore [we] recommended her termination.”

Us also obtained an official report filed by the Peoria Police Department, which included numerous overtly sexual text messages allegedly exchanged between Haley and the unnamed student while she was still employed at Centennial High School.

A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office told People on Wednesday, April 29, that Haley’s case was “still under review” after the Peoria Police Department resubmitted its recommendation of a single pandering charge.

Haley was a full-time educator at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona, before she was fired from the district. She was hired in 2020 after graduating from Northern Arizona University with a degree in secondary education, according to LinkedIn.

Although Haley has more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, her page is currently set to private. She has not publicly commented on her firing.

Related: Haley Beck Calls Students Her ‘Best Friends’ in Video Amid Grooming Claims

Noah Beck referenced sister Haley Beck’s alleged relationship with her students in a resurfaced video amid claims the former educator groomed a male teenager. In a resurfaced clip shared via TikTok on Monday, April 6, Noah, 24, and Haley, 27, can be seen participating in the so-called suspect running trend. (The viral trend mimics a […]

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Us also confirmed in April that Noah and Haley’s mom, Amy Beck, was put on administrative leave from the Coyote Hills Elementary School in Peoria, Arizona.

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The Peoria Unified School District confirmed to Us that a message was sent to the parents of students in Amy’s class. The letter explained that Amy’s leave came “out of an abundance of caution,” revealing that an investigation has been launched within the school district. The school noted that “this matter does not impact the safety of our students.”

Noah and his family have not publicly commented on any of the investigations or allegations.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. 

With all the 70-degree days lately, our spring clothes are already feeling too heavy, which means it’s officially time to stock up on spring-to-summer pieces. Our favorite retailers are overflowing with sales this weekend, including major deals on classic denim, billowy dresses, comfy sneakers and everything in between — up to 85% off!

We found the steepest markdowns from Abercrombie & Fitch, Amazon, Free People and Nordstrom to fuel your wardrobe restock. From celeb-inspired flats to boutiquey blouses, you’ll find everything you want (need) on sale below. These chic picks are selling out, so don’t let anything linger in your cart overnight!

Best Weekend Sales: May 1-3, 2026

Abercrombie & Fitch

Our Favorite: Wedding season is here, and this tiered maxi dress is your uniform. Floral, frilly and all sorts of luxe, it looks much more expensive than it is. Better yet, it comes in lengths from petite through tall!

Amazon

Our Favorite: This $9 striped blouse looks like it belongs in a Nantucket boutique. Thousands of Amazon shoppers bought it last month alone, so don’t wait to score your new favorite top. (Psst: It’s super stretchy!)

Free People

Our Favorite: Why settle for one piece when you can have two? This two-piece top and skirt set is equally playful and modest, perfect for picnics, brunches and Sunday shopping trips. We adore the jacquard fabric.

Nordstrom

Our Favorite: Ever since Katie Holmes wore chic double-strap Mary Janes, we’ve been eyeing this pair. It’s sporty and sleek at the same time, and according to shoppers, it’s mega comfortable.

Related: They Said It, Not Us! 13 Wide-Leg Jeans Amazon Shoppers Deem ‘Super Soft‘

It might seem too early to call it, but we’re calling it: wide-leg denim is the ‘it’ look for 2026. Everyone’s rocking the style, including A-listers like Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle and more. To find the pairs worth your hard-earned dollars, we turned to Amazon reviewers, who detail the good, the bad and everything in […]

Another “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star is taking the Broadway stage. Well, off-Broadway stage. That’s right, Connor Leavitt, husband to “Dancing With the Stars” alum Whitney Leavitt, has snagged a role in “11 to Midnight,” the high-energy street-dance show created by viral dance duo Austin and Marideth Telenko (Cost n’ Mayor). Conner’s appearance in the snappy production comes days after his wife wraps her final week in the long-running musical “Chicago.”

According to a press release sent to The Blast, professional Instagram husband and “SLOMW” star Conner is joining the cast of “11 to Midnight” for a limited three-week run.

The former finance professional has taken quite a sharp turn over the last several years, leaning more into his creative side as a performer and magician.

In addition to his online content creation, the father of three specializes in storytelling, dad jokes, and dancing.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Conner explained how excited he was about his latest opportunity, saying, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join the cast of 11 to Midnight and be a part of such a special, unique theater experience here in New York.”

‘SLOMW’ Star Says His Wife Was The ‘Inspiration’ Behind Him Joining Cast Of ’11 to Midnight’

Continuing, Conner praised his wife, Whitney, and cited her ambitious personality and go-getter mindset as the “inspiration” behind his pursuing his dream. He also credited her “experience onstage really helped me find a love and appreciation for the theater.”

The show takes place during one memorable hour at a New Year’s Eve apartment party somewhere in New York City.

“Seven friends – some old, some new, all tangled up in the messy magic of friendship – come together to toast the New Year. Whether it’s 1921 or 2025, the ritual remains the same – we make a wish, promise big, and hopefully score a midnight kiss,” the production’s description reads.

The production, which features street-style dancing and a “genre-hopping soundtrack,” opened on January 28, 2026. The show’s run has been extended through Sunday, May 31.

Cost N’ Mayor Gets Real About Seeing Their Show Come To Life On Stage

The production was created by the viral dancing sensation, Cost n’ Mayor, who rose to fame by sharing flashy dance videos on TikTok. During an interview with The Blast, the pair got real about what it was like to see their dreams finally come true.

“Dancing for live audiences every night and just craving that in person connection between stage and audience, and we were like, we’ve got to get back to New York and do this again. And so we started concepting out shows,” they said. “And the rest is history. We made it in a year, which is crazy to concept it, make it and get it to an off-Broadway stage in a year. It has been the greatest journey ever, and the show is so much fun, and getting to do it in front of an audience in New York every night is unreal.”

‘SLOMW’ Star Talks ‘Manifesting’ Her Best Life

As Conner prepares for his Broadway debut, his wife, Whitney, is wrapping up hers. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, the outspoken reality star got emotional while discussing the moment she learned she booked the role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago.”

“I feel like everything that I’ve been manifesting feels more within reach,” she said. “Like I can see it and it’s there and I’m reaching it and I’m going after it and I’m just so grateful.”

Will Whitney And Conner Leave ‘SLOMW’ In The Future?

Before landing that role, the mother of three booked the lead role in a rom-com film set to air in winter 2026.

With her growing resume and busy schedule, how does Whitney see “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” fitting into her future plans?

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“Well, I’m figuring it out in real time,” she said, according to The Blast. “We’re figuring it out together, but it feels like that’s the trajectory of where it’s going.”

While Whitney acknowledged the role the Hulu series has played in her career, the 32-year-old believes she’s ready for her next adventure.

“… it feels like it’s time to challenge myself in other ways and fulfill these dreams and passions that I’ve been trying to get even before the show,” she said.

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Lauren Burnham is clarifying why she’s not a huge fan of “Call Her Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper.

Posting via her TikTok account on Friday, May 1, The Bachelor alum, 34, said she wanted to “clear the air” and “give you the short and not-so-sweet information” about why she had a strong dislike for Cooper.

Burnham says the beef stems from when the “Call Her Daddy” podcast previously had a recurring segment to make fun of her then-unborn daughter Alessi, 6, whom she shares with husband Arie Luyendyk Jr. (The couple are also parents to 4-year-old twins Senna and Lux and 7-month-old daughter Livvy.)

“They had this regular segment ongoing and they thought it would be funny to make fun of our unborn baby,” Burnham explained.

Related: Alex Cooper Breaks Silence on Alix Earle Feud: ‘Nothing to Hide’

Alex Cooper is finally speaking out about those feud rumors by publicly calling out Alix Earle. Cooper, 31, shared a TikTok video on Monday, April 13, in which she questioned Earle, 25, allegedly insinuating that there was drama between them, saying, “You guys know I don’t usually address this kind of stuff because it feels […]

Burnham said she didn’t care if she and her husband were mocked, but her unborn child was crossing a line.

“Make fun of us, don’t care. But they took it too far. They made a regular segment before she was born and after she was born where they were sexualizing our child and talking very inappropriately and disgustingly about her,” Burnham added.

The reality TV alum said the comments reached the point that she and Luyendyk considered taking legal action against Cooper but ultimately chose not to.

“We thought it would blow over. She just kept going on forever. Eventually she stopped and we kind of forgot about it and now that it’s resurfacing again, it still makes me so furious,” Burnham added. “I just hope that all of this controversy that’s hanging around her right now causes her to rethink the level that she is willing to stoop to to get attention, views, whatever it is that she’s looking for because it’s not okay and that’s all I have to say about that.”

Us Weekly reached out to Cooper’s representative for comment.

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Related: Alix Earle Responds to Alex Cooper’s Request to Air Their Drama Publicly

Alix Earle is ready to share her side of the story amid drama with Alex Cooper. “OK on it!!”, Earle, 25, wrote in the comments section of Cooper’s Monday, April 13, TikTok video where she asked the influencer to publicly address their feud. Hours earlier, Cooper, 31, made headlines when she questioned Earle for allegedly […]

Burnham previously spoke about her fury over the comments during an episode of the “Unplanned” podcast in 2023.

“I was really upset because they would mention her and then make inappropriate comments right after. It was so classless,” she said at the time.

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Burnham continued, “Arie was like, ‘Don’t do anything about it.’ I was about to hire a lawyer. Honestly, they should be in big trouble for doing that. It’s not OK. I never said anything because he felt like if we addressed it publicly, it would only make it bigger. That’s what they want.”

Earlier this week, Burnham declared she was throwing her support behind Alix Earle amid the influencer’s drama with Cooper.

“Team @alixearle all the way,” Burnham wrote via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, April 30. “It’s about time Alex Cooper gets called out. & yes, it’s personal.”

Vanessa Bryant is commemorating her late daughter Gianna’s birthday with a poignant post.

The widow of Kobe Bryant took to Instagram on Friday, May 1, to mark what would have been her daughter’s 20th birthday.

“Happy birthday to my sweet baby angel, Gianna. Words can’t express how much I love and miss you mamacita,” Vanessa, 43, captioned the post, which featured a throwback image of herself kissing her daughter. “Mommy loves you so much! #HappyBirthday #20 💕💕”

Followers flocked to the comments section to share their support. LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, La La Anthony, Kris Jenner, and Gianna’s older sister Natalia were among those who commented on the post with their love.

Kobe and Gianna – along with seven others – were tragically killed in a January 2020 helicopter crash while on the way to his Mamba Sports Academy for a basketball game. Kobe and Gianna were 43 and 13 respectively. (Kobe and Vanessa also shared daughters Natalia, 23, Bianka, 9, and Capri, 6.)

Each year, Vanessa remembers Gianna and Kobe on their respective birthdays.

“Happy birthday, Gigi! Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express. I love you Gianna. ❤️19 ♉️ 5/1 #Mambacita,” posted Vanessa last year.

In 2024, Vanessa reflected on what could have been as she marked what would have been Gianna’s 18th birthday.

“Happy birthday to my gorgeous girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I’m so proud of you,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “2024 was your year. You would’ve been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to. (I would’ve been trying my hardest to convince you to stay close to home).”

Related: Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant: A Timeline of Their Relationship

A lasting love. Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant’s decades-long romance came to a tragic end when the NBA legend died on January 26, 2020. Despite their relationship’s heartbreaking conclusion, their romance was filled with many highs over the years. The love between Kobe and Vanessa began not long after the duo first met in November […]

Meanwhile, Vanessa shared an emotional tribute to Kobe in August 2025 to mark what would have been the NBA star’s 47th birthday.

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“We love and miss you and Gigi so much,” Vanessa wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of the couple sharing a kiss. “Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby. @kobebryant ❤️.”

Vanessa and Kobe first met on the set of Eastsidaz’s “G’d Up” music video in 1999, where Vanessa was working as a backup dancer. They tied the knot in 2001 before welcoming their daughters.

Following Kobe and Gianna’s deaths, Vanessa sued Los Angeles County for invasion of privacy and negligence after Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department employees took and distributed photos of the helicopter crash. In August 2022, she was awarded $16 million in damages. The following year, she settled for nearly $29 million, all of which was donated to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

The fall 2026 lineup is going to look a little different for CBS after some shows went through surprising changes.

CBS announced its schedule on Wednesday, April 15, with viewers noticing some substantial changes. Ghosts, Matlock and NCIS: Sydney received a shakeup by having their premieres moved to 2027 for midseason. They will join the new show Einstein, which is finally premiering in 2027 as well.

Matlock‘s timeslot will be given to Elsbeth to allow Cupertino to premiere on the same night. NCIS: Sydney, meanwhile, is moving to midseason as NCIS: Origins — which received a shorter episode order — takes over to pair off with NCIS: New York. Fire Country also received a smaller episode order.

The network originally announced a spate of early renewals in January, with only Watson and DMV left in limbo. CBS ultimately renewed 12 dramas for its next season, including all four freshman shows: Marshals, CIA, Sheriff Country and Boston Blue. The network also previously picked up two new shows for 2026-27: Robert and Michelle King’s Cupertino and Matthew Gray Gubler‘s Einstein.

In March, Watson and DMV were canceled after Eternally Yours and The Tillbrooks were expected to proceed beyond the pilot stage. The Tillbrooks, however, ultimately didn’t receive a series order.

CBS also found success with new additions such as Yellowstone spinoff Marshals, which was picked up for season 2 after its premiere was watched by 20.6 million viewers within seven days. It marked the most-watched network original series premiere without a football lead-in since 2017.

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Related: Why Did CBS Cancel ‘Watson’ and ‘DMV’? Changes Explained Before Finales

CBS is going through some changes after canceling two shows. News broke on Friday, March 27, that Watson wouldn’t be returning for season 3, while DMV was canceled after one season. Their series finales will air May 3 and May 11, respectively. The update came a week before the network was planning to unveil its […]

“Marshals delivered a breakout performance, capturing a massive audience across platforms and quickly establishing itself as one of TV’s most powerful new series,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “The overwhelming viewer response speaks to the strength of the Yellowstone world, the bold, character-driven storytelling from the creative team and the dynamic cast performances led by Luke Grimes.”

According to a press release, CBS had several wins with Marshals and Justin Hartley‘s Tracker. Both shows came out as the top two most‑watched during their premiere week. The debut of Luke Grimes‘ spinoff, meanwhile, ranked as CBS’ most-streamed episode ever on Paramount+.

Boston Blue and Sheriff Country also scored quick season 2 pickups, with Sheriff Country averaging 7.6 million viewers and Blue Bloods bringing in 8 million viewers and winning “every Friday night in total viewers.”

Fire Country is going through a massive change when it returns for season 5.

The CBS drama received a 13-episode order, which is down from its usual 20 episodes. It is joining NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney — and Matlock — as shows with a reduced episode order. Deadline reported that the change comes after the network expanded its scripted roster for the fall 2026 TV season.

Fire Country, which premiered in 2022, follows inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) as he attempts to shorten his prison sentence by volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. By the third season, Bode is out of prison and determined to prove himself at Cal Fire.

The hit series previously went through a shakeup when news broke in April 2025 that budget cuts led to Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila‘s exits. (Burke has yet to address his departure.)

Related: Which ‘Fire Country’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 5?

Fire Country has experienced cast — and showrunner — departures amid budget cuts, so which cast members are and aren’t returning for season 5? The CBS series, which premiered in 2022, introduced Us to the town of Edgewater after inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) returned home and began volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. By […]

“I had no idea ever. But at the same time, I know that this is the nature of the industry that I’m in, and I have accepted the flow of release and acceptance throughout my journey and knowing that when one door closes, another one always opens,” Arcila exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2025. “We have this beautiful eternal door of revolving desires in what we love in life. I believe that if we put resistance towards that, sometimes it stops us from fulfilling other things that we love.”

Showrunner Tia Napolitano, meanwhile, defended the decision.

“It’s a fire show. Anyone can go at any time,” she told Us in October 2025. “But in terms of losing people, we’re also adding some really fun guest cast. It’s a revolving door of people from Sharon’s past and new faces that are exciting to bring conflict and secrets and twists and turns.”

Napolitano teased how the show will have to balance “really spicing it up” while still walking a “fine line” of paying tribute to the loss.

“What we’ve done is really thread the needle of honoring — especially Vince — because Gabriella is gone, but she’s gone to a happy and successful life. She’s still out there. But we really walk this line of honoring Vince while also finding hope rather quickly,” she noted. “Looking forward, the theme of the season is rising from the ashes and recovery.”

Related: How Many ‘Fire Country’ Stars Have Left the CBS Series Over the Years?

Fire Country has faced numerous surprising cast — and crew — changes over the years. The CBS series, which premiered in 2022, introduced Us to the town of Edgewater after inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) returned home and began volunteering for the California Conservation Camp Program. By season 2, a backdoor pilot set up the world […]

Napolitano continued: “How do you recover from something like this? And we’re really going to see everybody rise to the occasion, in celebration of Vince, of his life and in honoring the sacrifice that he made.”

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Napolitano has since exit the show and won’t be returning for season 5.

“I am beyond proud of the past four seasons of Fire Country,” she said in a January statement. “All of my gratitude to our cast, crew, writers, producers, fans, and of course CBS and CBS Studios. It’s been a beautiful ride!”

Fire Country returns to CBS on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes will be streaming the next day on Paramount+.