Fire Country is heating back up — literally and figuratively — as the CBS hit returns from its March Madness break with a brand-new episode on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Titled “Dirty Money,” this marks Episode 16 of Fire Country Season 3, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most pivotal episodes of the season so far.
The drama series, which quickly became one of CBS’s highest-rated freshman shows when it debuted in 2022, centers around Bode Leone (played by Max Thieriot), a convicted felon who finds a second chance — and a dangerous calling — by joining a prison-release firefighting program in Northern California. Season 3 has already pushed Bode through emotional reunions, intense fires, and moral crossroads — but Episode 16 is about to turn the heat up in more ways than one.
What to Expect from “Dirty Money”
In this episode, Morena Baccarin guest stars as Sheriff Mickey Fox, reprising her role from earlier in the season. The plot revolves around an attempted murder involving her estranged father, Wes Fox, played by W. Earl Brown. Sheriff Fox enlists her nephew Bode’s help to dig into the mystery — but this isn’t just another one-off storyline.
This episode serves as a backdoor pilot for CBS’s upcoming spinoff, Sheriff Country, a new series centered on Mickey Fox’s life in law enforcement in the fictional Edgewater County. The spinoff is expected to debut in the 2025–2026 TV season, continuing the Fire Country universe expansion in the same way NCIS and FBI built franchises out of standalone procedurals.
So, if you’re wondering whether this episode will be essential viewing for Fire Country fans and newcomers alike — the answer is a resounding yes.
Why the Delay?
Fire Country’s brief hiatus is the result of CBS’s annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament coverage, which took over Friday primetime slots in March. This isn’t unusual; the same happened in previous years with other CBS dramas like Blue Bloods and SWAT. But the network has confirmed that Fire Country will return strong in April — and it’s already made headlines by announcing the show’s Season 4 renewal on Instagram back on February 20, 2025.
That’s good news for fans, especially since the show continues to pull in millions of live viewers and remains one of CBS’s top-performing dramas in the 18-49 demographic.
Fire Country Season 3 Release Schedule (So Far)
To help you catch up or revisit the season’s biggest moments, here’s the full list of episodes aired and scheduled for Season 3:
- Ep 1 – What the Bride Said (Oct 18, 2024): Gabriela and Diego’s wedding is interrupted by a helicopter crash.
- Ep 2 – Firing Squad (Oct 25, 2024): Bode is offered a chance to change the course of his future.
- Ep 3 – Welcome to the Cult (Nov 1, 2024): Secrets between Bode and Gabriela come to the surface.
- Ep 4 – Keep Your Cool (Nov 8, 2024): A scorching heatwave triggers a tense elevator rescue.
- Ep 5 – Edgewater’s About to Get Real Cozy (Nov 15, 2024): A surprise plane landing puts the team on edge.
- Ep 6 – Not Without My Birds (Nov 22, 2024): A wildfire threatens protected eagle nests.
- Ep 7 – False Alarm (Dec 6, 2024): A routine call spirals into a hostage situation.
- Ep 8 – Promise Me (Dec 13, 2024): Zombie fires and emotional family reunions take center stage.
- Ep 9 – Coming In Hot (Jan 31, 2025): Bode and Audrey face off with a raging wildfire in Chezem Valley.
- Ep 10 – The Leone Way (Feb 7, 2025): A fishing trip turns into a daring rescue mission.
- Ep 11 – Fare Thee Well (Feb 14, 2025): Fireworks go awry at a renaissance fair.
- Ep 12 – I’m the One Who Just Goes Away (Feb 21, 2025): An avalanche threatens Bode and Jake during a forest assessment.
- Ep 13 – My Team (Feb 28, 2025): A fire in the dugout leads to personal and professional tension.
- Ep 14 – Death Trap (Mar 7, 2025): A wellness check becomes a life-threatening house fire.
- Ep 15 – One Last Time (Mar 14, 2025): A lighthouse rescue becomes a full-on maritime emergency.
- Ep 16 – Dirty Money (Apr 4, 2025): Bode and Sheriff Mickey investigate an attempted murder tied to her past.
How to Watch
Fire Country airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Episodes are also available to stream the next day on Paramount+ for subscribers. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming, and Season 1 is available on Netflix, helping new fans catch up.
With its emotionally charged storylines, high-stakes rescues, and now an expanding universe, Fire Country is no longer just a show — it’s turning into a full-fledged franchise. April 4 can’t come soon enough.
Key Takeaways
- Fire Country returns with a new episode on April 4, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS after a brief hiatus.
- The series has already been renewed for a fourth season as part of CBS’s 2025-2026 programming schedule.
- Episode 16 of Season 3, titled “Dirty Money,” will be an important installment featuring a special guest appearance.
Latest Developments in Fire Country Season 3
Season 3 of Fire Country continues to captivate audiences with intense storylines, character growth, and production changes. The show has maintained its momentum while introducing new elements that keep viewers engaged.
Cast and Character Dynamics
Bode Leone remains the central focus this season, with his redemption journey taking unexpected turns. His relationship with his parents, Sharon and Vince Leone, has evolved as they navigate complex family dynamics within the firefighting community.
Sheriff Mickey Fox, Bode’s aunt, has become more prominent in recent episodes. In the upcoming Episode 16, she and Bode will investigate an attempted murder case, showing a new side to their relationship.
The ensemble cast continues to shine, with Billy Burke, Diane Farr, and Morena Baccarin delivering strong performances. Jordan Calloway and Stephanie Arcila’s characters have seen significant development this season, adding depth to the Three Rock firefighting team.
New tensions between the Edgewater crew and Three Rock have created compelling storylines that highlight the hierarchies within firefighting programs.
Plot Evolutions and Thematic Elements
Season 3 has expanded beyond traditional firefighting scenarios to explore deeper themes. The show continues to address redemption, with Bode’s journey at the forefront, but has added layers involving community responsibility and institutional challenges.
The wildfire backdrop of Northern California remains crucial, but the narrative has moved toward personal conflicts and moral dilemmas. Recent episodes have introduced more complex criminal elements, as suggested by the upcoming “Dirty Money” episode.
The Chezem Valley Fire Department faces new challenges this season, testing loyalties and professional ethics. The show balances action-packed fire rescues with emotional character development, maintaining its signature mix of danger and drama.
The thematic focus on second chances continues to resonate while introducing questions about justice and sacrifice within the firefighting community.
Production and Release Information
Fire Country is currently on a brief hiatus due to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. CBS has paused the show for March 21 and March 28, 2025, with the next new episode scheduled for April 4, 2025.
Episode 16, titled “Dirty Money,” will air at 9 p.m. ET and promises to deliver more excitement as Bode and Sheriff Mickey Fox investigate an attempted murder case.
Viewers can watch Fire Country through multiple platforms:
- Live on CBS
- Streaming on Paramount+
- Other services like DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, and Sling TV
Season 3 has maintained steady ratings despite the competitive television landscape. Production quality remains high, with impressive visual effects for the wildfire scenes and on-location shooting that captures Northern California’s diverse terrain.
Viewing Options and Accessibility
Fire Country fans have multiple ways to watch the popular firefighter drama starring Max Thieriot. The show offers flexibility across several platforms with features designed to enhance the viewing experience.
Streaming Services and Live TV Platforms
Fire Country is available on numerous streaming services, giving viewers plenty of options. Paramount+ serves as the primary streaming home for the series, offering all episodes including the upcoming April 4, 2025 episode of Season 3. Netflix currently carries Season 1, making it accessible for new viewers looking to catch up.
For those preferring live TV options, several platforms broadcast the show. CBS airs new episodes on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET. Cord-cutters can access Fire Country through live TV streaming services like DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, and Sling TV.
PlutoTV, Amazon, and CBS.com also provide access to the series. This wide availability ensures fans don’t miss Bode Leone’s journey in the prison release firefighting program in Northern California.
Additional Features for Enhanced Viewing Experience
Many streaming platforms offer features that improve the Fire Country viewing experience. Cloud DVR capabilities on services like fuboTV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV Stream allow viewers to record episodes and watch them later at their convenience.
Most platforms provide on-demand access, enabling fans to catch up on previous episodes or rewatch favorite moments from earlier seasons. This feature is particularly useful for following the complex character arcs and storylines.
Mobile viewing options let fans watch Fire Country on smartphones and tablets, perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Many services also offer customizable subtitle options and multiple device streaming, making the show accessible to more viewers.
The varying video quality options across platforms ensure viewers can adjust their streaming quality based on their internet connection speed and preferences.
Fans of Fire Country have many questions about the popular CBS drama. Here are answers to the most common queries about the show’s scheduling, cast, and future episodes.
What is the release date for Season 3 of Fire Country?
Fire Country season 3 is currently airing. The next new episode will return on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
This comes after a brief scheduling break in March 2025. Episode 16, titled “Dirty Money,” will be the next installment to air.
Who are the new cast members in Fire Country Season 4?
Information about cast members for a potential fourth season has not been officially announced. CBS is currently focused on the ongoing third season.
The main cast of the current season includes Max Thieriot, Kevin Alejandro, Jordan Calloway, and other returning favorites.
How many episodes can viewers expect in the second season of Fire Country?
The second season of Fire Country has already aired. The show is currently in its third season.
Season lengths typically range from 18-22 episodes for CBS dramas, though the exact number for the current third season has not been confirmed in the available information.
Has Fire Country been renewed for a fourth season?
CBS has not yet made an official announcement about renewing Fire Country for a fourth season.
These renewal decisions typically happen in the spring, so viewers may hear news about the show’s future in the coming months.
What time and network will air the new episodes of Fire Country?
New episodes of Fire Country air on CBS at 9 p.m. ET on Friday nights. This is the show’s regular time slot for the third season.
Viewers can also stream episodes on Paramount+ after they air on the network.
What are the reasons for the delay in the latest episode of Fire Country?
The current break in new episodes is a regular scheduling decision by CBS. Networks often space out new episodes throughout a season.
This scheduling strategy helps extend the season and avoid running out of new content too quickly. Fire Country will return with new episodes on April 4, 2025.