CBS Shortens Fire Country Season 5 to 13 Episodes

CBS has ordered a shortened fifth season for its popular drama Fire Country, reducing the episode count to 13 from 20 in Season 4, according to multiple reports. The change, part of a broader strategy to accommodate an expanded scripted lineup for the 2026-2027 television season, also affects NCIS Origins and NCIS Sydney, both now slated for 10 episodes each, and Matlock, set for 13 episodes.

The network announced its fall 2026 schedule this week, confirming Fire Country's return on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET alongside Sheriff Country and Boston Blue. While the series has been a consistent performer since its October 2022 premiere, starring Max Thieriot as inmate-turned-firefighter Bode Donovan, the shorter order surprised some observers given its full-season runs in recent years. Season 2 had 10 episodes, but Seasons 3 and 4 each delivered 20.

CBS executives have not detailed the decision publicly, but industry reports attribute it to scheduling constraints amid new additions like NCIS New York, Cupertino, Eternally Yours, and Einstein. By trimming established series rather than canceling them, the network aims to maintain variety across primetime slots, including Tuesdays...