CBS is doubling down on its hit franchises, and the Fire Country universe is expanding in a big way. The network has officially greenlit a medical spinoff, and it's bringing in a familiar face from Schitt's Creek to lead the charge. Noah Reid, known for his role as Patrick Brewer, is set to headline the new series, which is currently being referred to as Edge Med.
Reid will play Dr. Hudson “Hud” Henshaw, the Chief of Emergency Medicine at Edgewater Memorial. Described as "charming and quick-witted, but rough-around-the-edges," Hud is a complex character who grew up in Deadwater, a town with a dark side. Unlike his parents, who ended up as convicted felons, Hud chose a different path, dedicating his life to saving others. His backstory is sure to add depth to the already rich world of Edgewater.
The announcement comes as no surprise to fans who have been following the franchise's expansion. Earlier this year, Sheriff Country debuted to strong ratings, and CBS has been eager to build a universe similar to NBC's One Chicago. The medical spinoff is the third attempt to expand the Fire Country world, following the success of Sheriff Country and the earlier speculation about a spinoff centered on Jared Padalecki's character, Camden.
While the network had considered focusing the medical show on Camille, the doctor played by Natalie Zea, who has been dating Manny from Fire Country, the decision was made to go in a different direction. Instead, the new series will introduce a fresh lead in Dr. Henshaw, and Reid will appear in two upcoming episodes of Sheriff Country to test the waters. If all goes well, he'll get his own show.
This isn't the only big news for the Fire Country universe. Season 5 of the original series is set to be shorter, with only 13 episodes, and will feature a new showrunner, Eric Guggenheim. The season premiere will introduce a new series regular, CJ, played by Olivia Thirlby, who will be caught up in a sinkhole crisis on Main Street. Meanwhile, Sheriff Country will continue to explore Mickey's family drama, with Ben McKenzie guest starring as a neighboring sheriff.
Fans can also look forward to a major crossover event on November 6, when Fire Country and Sheriff Country will join forces for a two-hour special centered on a prison break that spirals out of control. This event is sure to be a highlight of the season, and with the addition of Edge Med, the Fire Country universe is becoming one of the most expansive on television.
For more on the Fire Country universe, check out our coverage of Bode's new partner and the upcoming crossover event. And if you're a fan of Sheriff Country, you might be interested in how it's beating Yellowstone on Paramount+.
Stay tuned for more updates on Edge Med and the rest of the Fire Country universe as the new seasons premiere on October 6.
