As we wrap up the month of July, it’s time to pull out our calendars and figure out what we should start watching from the next crop of Netflix additions. This week, we’re recommending Fire Country, an underrated CBS drama series that’s adding its second season to Netflix next month. This excellent show combines drama, action and great performances — so now’s the best time to get caught up on season 1 and watch season 2 as soon as it drops. Watch With Us breaks down why you should watch Fire Country before the second season comes to Netflix.

While it’s not meant to be a perfectly accurate portrayal, Fire Country is about a group that doesn’t get enough time in the spotlight — California’s inmate firefighters. The lead character, Bode Donovan (Max Thieriot, who also helped create the show) is a convict who signs up to fight fires in Northern California in order to reduce his prison sentence. Much to his surprise, he’s stationed in his old hometown — and his presence there reignites old drama and opens old wounds.

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The inmate firefighter program is a real, voluntary program that is sometimes controversial due to the inmates’ low pay. Whatever you think of the inmate firefighter program, centering a show around them opens a conversation about this practice and gives viewers the opportunity to learn more. And in the wake of California’s devastating wildfires over the past few years, the show feels more relevant than ever before.

The Action Crackles With Fiery Heat

Impressive action radiates throughout Fire Country, which shows the terrifying and destructive power of wildfires to their full effects. Glass shatters from heat while smoke fills the sky. Water drops down from helicopters and forests turn to ash.

Fire Country doesn’t shy away from the real danger that these inmates and firefighters face, but instead embraces it head-on. The daring rescues and heroism of the firefighters — both the Cal Fire professionals and the inmate trainees — make for thrilling TV.

Because Bode ends up stationed in his hometown, the cast of characters is all familiar to him — for better or for worse. Both of his parents work for Cal Fire — his father Vincent “Vince” Leone (Billy Burke) is a fire battalion chief while his mother Sharon Leone (Diane Farr) is a division chief.

Bode’s past is haunted by mysterious circumstances that drove him out of the town of Edgewater, including the death of his younger sister Riley (Jade Pettyjohn) and his complicated relationship with his former best friend, Jake Crawford (Jordan Calloway). Despite its big action set pieces, Fire Country is a small-town show, and has that excellent combination of compelling characters and drama that keeps all of them connected. Not only will it resonate with fans of series like 9-1-1 or Chicago Fire, the setting might make it appeal to fans of shows like Virgin River or even Gilmore Girls.

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