CBS is shaking up its primetime lineup with a surprising move that will see three of its biggest shows—Fire Country, NCIS: Origins, and Matlock—receive significantly shorter seasons. Instead of the usual 20-plus episodes, each series will now produce just 13 episodes for the 2026-2027 season. This isn't a sign of trouble, but rather a strategic shift by the network to pack more scripted programming into its schedule after a record-breaking 2025.
For Fire Country, which has been a ratings powerhouse since its late 2022 debut, the news comes as Season 4 wraps up on May 22. The show has already been renewed for a fifth season, and fans can expect new episodes before the end of 2026. The shorter order might disappoint those used to bingeing 20-plus episodes annually, but the network insists it's about balance, not budget cuts.
Behind the scenes, Fire Country is also undergoing a leadership change. Showrunner Tia Napolitano is stepping down after Season 4, and Eric Guggenheim—known for his work on Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0—will take over. The series, created by and starring Max Thieriot alongside Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, follows former convict Bode Donovan as he joins a firefighting reform program, finding family and redemption along the way.
The same 13-episode cap applies to NCIS: Origins, a prequel exploring the early days of the NCIS universe, and the rebooted Matlock, starring Kathy Bates. Both shows have strong fan bases, and the reduced orders are purely logistical, allowing CBS to introduce new series without overloading its schedule.
This move mirrors a broader industry trend where networks are favoring shorter, more focused seasons to keep audiences engaged and production costs manageable. For fans, it means tighter storytelling and fewer filler episodes—a trade-off that could actually enhance the quality of these beloved shows.
In related news, the Fire Country spinoff Sheriff Country continues to thrive on Paramount+, recently hitting a 100-day streaming streak. Meanwhile, CBS is betting big on its procedural lineup, with NCIS: Origins poised to expand the franchise's lore and Matlock bringing a fresh twist to the classic legal drama.
As the 2026-2027 season approaches, viewers can expect more announcements about new shows and scheduling. For now, the message is clear: CBS is playing the long game, prioritizing variety over volume. And with shows like Fire Country still burning bright, fans have plenty to look forward to.
