Season 5 of Fire Country has introduced a fresh face to Edgewater: CJ Ryan, played by Olivia Thirlby. CJ thought she had left firefighting behind, but a renewed sense of purpose—sparked by Bode's unwavering dedication to his community—convinces her to lend a hand with the volunteer crew. Before that can happen, Station 42 and Three Rock must battle a fast-moving wildfire that threatens the town, and it's in the heat of the crisis that CJ rediscovers her calling.
In a recent interview, Thirlby shared her excitement about joining the hit CBS series and bringing a unique energy to the show. "They haven't had a character, especially a female character, like her before, who is a little bit more spunky and a little bit more humorous," she said, crediting the writers for crafting such a fun role. As a self-proclaimed master of sarcasm, Thirlby relishes delivering CJ's zingers, noting that the character's voice stands out in the Fire Country universe.
Joining an established cast can be daunting, but Thirlby found a warm welcome. "Everyone has been so welcoming and so enthusiastic from the start," she said. Being a fan of the show herself, stepping into that world was a thrill. The tight-knit community of artists and creators made the transition smooth, and she quickly found her groove among the familiar faces.
CJ is far from perfect—she's deeply flawed and messy, which makes her a perfect fit for Edgewater. Thirlby believes CJ has a "large capacity for the messiness of human existence," and she respects that in others. This trait becomes crucial as CJ's past catches up with her, and she finds an unexpected confidant in Bode.
In Episode 2, Bode becomes the first person CJ opens up to about the traumatic events at her previous fire station. "He's the first person that she's opened up to about what she is running from because she has a lot of shame," Thirlby explained. This vulnerability marks a turning point for CJ, as she begins to trust again and confront the choices that led her to Edgewater.
The physical demands of the role are not lost on Thirlby. Wearing the heavy fire gear is a challenge that she embraces. "It's quite physically demanding, which is actually something that is very fun," she said. The gear adds a significant weight, making even simple movements tough, but it also gave her a newfound respect for real firefighters. "I have so much respect for people that do this," she added, acknowledging their incredible physical and emotional strength.
As the season progresses, CJ's journey is far from over. Thirlby teased that there are memorable incidents ahead, and viewers can expect to see more of CJ's sarcastic wit and her growing bond with the crew. For fans of the show, this new addition promises to shake things up in Edgewater.
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