‘Fire Country’ Showrunner Tia Napolitano Exits After Season 4
Tia Napolitano will step down as showrunner of the popular CBS drama series Fire Country after its fourth season. She will officially leave her position at the end of the current season to concentrate on her own projects under her overall deal with CBS Studios, which develops the show.
Transition in Leadership
A search for a new showrunner will commence shortly after Napolitano’s departure. She joined Fire Country as executive producer and showrunner immediately following the pilot, guiding the series from its inception.
Show’s Success and Impact
Fire Country, which debuted in the 2022-2023 season, quickly became the top new series that year. It consistently ranks first in its Friday time slot, attracting an average of 8.1 million Live+35 multi-platform viewers. CBS identified it as a series with significant franchise potential, leading to the creation of the spinoff titled Sheriff Country, which also aims to secure similar success.
Achievements and Challenges
- Joined Fire Country in its early stages as executive producer and showrunner.
- Helped navigate industry challenges, including the writers’ strike and the exit of original cast members Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila.
- Oversaw the show’s transition into a potential larger franchise.
In a statement, CBS executives expressed their gratitude, noting, “Tia has been instrumental in building and steering Fire Country. We appreciate her contributions and look forward to future collaborations.”
Napolitano’s Background
Before her work on Fire Country, Napolitano was known for her role as executive producer and showrunner on Freeform’s Cruel Summer. Her writing credits also include notable projects such as Grey’s Anatomy and its spinoff Station 19.
Future Plans
On her departure, Napolitano shared, “I am beyond proud of the past four seasons of Fire Country. Thank you to everyone involved, including the cast, crew, fans, and CBS.” The series is set to return with new episodes on February 27.
