Max Thieriot's Rise to Television Success

Max Thieriot is experiencing a remarkable moment in his career. He’s the star, co-creator, and executive producer of CBS and Paramount+'s “Fire Country,” and a co-creator and executive producer of the freshman drama “Sheriff Country.” These two shows currently hold the top two spots in Friday night television ratings.

Finding the Connection with Audiences

“It still feels a little surreal, for sure,” Thieriot admits. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with viewers, stating, “I didn’t feel like I was as smart as a lot of other writers, but the thing that I also realized early on is the biggest thing is you just need to connect with people. If you can move people, then you have them.”

The World of Edgewater, California

Both “Fire Country” – the most-watched freshman show of the 2022-23 season, now in its fourth season – and “Sheriff Country” are set in the fictional California town of Edgewater. This rural community is characterized by its close-knit nature, where everyone knows each other’s business. The shows blend compelling storylines, such as office romances, with high-stakes action, like battling wildfires or solving complex crimes.

Grounded Human Stories

“That’s what these shows are — they’re grounded human stories centered in this small, rural community where life is complex, things aren’t black and white, and I think that’s relatable to a lot of people,” Thieriot explains. He aims to portray the nuances of life in a way that resonates with a broad audience.

First-Ever Crossover Event

On Friday, viewers will witness the first crossover event between the two series. The sheriffs and firefighters of Edgewater will unite to search for nine missing teenagers amidst escalating chaos. This two-hour block promises a seamless blend of both shows’ narratives. “I love the episodes and it really plays like one, big, two-part incident,” Thieriot says. “It feels very fluid but we get to dive a little bit into the fun, too, like there’s moments of levity and moments of heart and some great intrigue.”

Inspired by Personal Roots

Thieriot’s upbringing in the Sonoma County town of Occidental, a former logging hub, heavily influenced his work. He observed many friends joining Cal Fire, California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and drew inspiration from their experiences. Before becoming a writer, Thieriot gained acting experience in shows like “Bates Motel” and “SEAL Team.”

Writing What He Knows

“There’s a lot of things that people go through in their own personal life experiences or places they grew up that really could make for great television,” Thieriot reflects. He believes that personal experiences can be a rich source of compelling stories. He recalls being told that his own life sounded like a show waiting to be made.

The Character of Bode Donovan

Thieriot created the character of Bode Donovan, a complex individual given a second chance through Cal Fire. Throughout the series, Bode has faced numerous challenges, including drug dependency, imprisonment, family issues, and heartbreak, all while battling devastating wildfires.

Lessons from Previous Work

Thieriot draws inspiration from shows like one centered on a Texas town and high school football. He notes, “The thing that I loved about that show was you didn’t have to be a fan of football to like it. You saw how football was something in this community that brought everybody together, how life revolved around it.” He hopes audiences will connect with his shows for both the action and the characters.

Creating Jobs and Community

Beyond ratings, Thieriot is proud of the economic impact his shows have created. “One of the most gratifying things is knowing that between both shows there's like 800 people that are getting paid every two weeks.”

Authenticity in Storytelling

Running procedural dramas in a rural setting presents unique challenges. Joan Rater, co-creator of both shows, explains that first responders in Edgewater are likely to know the people they are helping. “There is something different about rolling up on a scene and it’s your friend or your neighbor,” she says. This requires careful character development and long-term storytelling.

A Vision for Connection

Thieriot hopes his fictional community can foster understanding and bridge divides in the real world. He believes in the importance of recognizing shared humanity. “I think it’s important to be reminded that we all live in the same country, we all bleed the same,” he says. “Obviously there’s differences between everybody, but that’s the great thing. It’s understanding those differences that makes us unique and special, not enemies.”

Looking Ahead

Thieriot remains open to future projects. “My wheels are always turning,” he says, laughing. “I’m doing my best to add as much as I can to these two shows, but I’d be lying if I said if I wasn’t thinking about something else.”