A key creative force behind CBS‘s popular firefighter drama *Fire Country* is moving on. Showrunner and executive producer Tia Napolitano will step down after four seasons, concluding her run with the current season’s finale [[1]]. Napolitano’s departure allows her to focus on developing new projects under her overall deal with CBS Studios, as the network simultaneously searches for a replacement to lead the flagship series and its burgeoning franchise, including the spinoff *Sheriff Country*.
EXCLUSIVE: Tia Napolitano is stepping down as showrunner of CBS’s hit drama Fire Country after leading the series for four seasons. The move comes at the end of the current season, allowing Napolitano to focus on developing new projects under her overall deal with CBS Studios, the show’s producer. A search for her replacement will begin shortly.
Napolitano joined Fire Country – created by series star Max Thieriot and writers Tony Phelan and Joan Rater – as executive producer and showrunner immediately following the pilot’s completion. She has been the driving force behind the firefighter drama ever since.
When it premiered in the 2022-2023 season, Fire Country quickly became a ratings success, ranking as the No. 1 most-watched new series of the year. CBS executives immediately recognized the show’s potential for expansion, even discussing potential spinoffs early on.
Currently in its fourth season, Fire Country continues to dominate its Friday night timeslot, averaging 8.1 million viewers across platforms to date. The show’s success also paved the way for the spinoff Sheriff Country, which is on track to become the most-watched new series of its own freshman season, mirroring Fire Country’s initial triumph.
“Tia has been instrumental in building and steering Fire Country, which has become a top series and the foundation of a growing universe,” said CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf in a joint statement. “We’re grateful for all her contributions and tireless work, and look forward to collaborating with her on future projects.”
Napolitano’s television career began as a writers assistant on Grey’s Anatomy, working under then-showrunners Phelan and Rater. She was brought on to Fire Country before the pilot was even picked up to series and has guided the show through numerous challenges, including the writers strike, devastating Los Angeles wildfires, and the recent departure of original cast members Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila at the end of last season.
“I am beyond proud of the past four seasons of Fire Country,” Napolitano said. “All of my gratitude to our cast, crew, writers, producers, fans, and of course CBS and CBS Studios. It’s been a beautiful ride!”
Prior to Fire Country, Napolitano served as executive producer and showrunner on Freeform’s Cruel Summer. Her additional writing and producing credits include Grey’s Anatomy and its spinoff, Station 19, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and in-demand television creator.
New episodes of Fire Country Season 4 return February 27.
