In a world where fame and fire collide, one man dares to do it all — Max Thieriot, the face behind CBS’s blazing hit Fire Country, returns to The Late Show with charisma, candor, and unexpected tales of country chaos. The actor-turned-creator, now also launching the spin-off Sheriff Country, steps into the studio to chat about life on- and off-screen. What unfolds is more than a promotional appearance — it’s a cinematic dive into a life lived between red carpets and red barns.
The scene opens with warm applause as Max is introduced by host Stephen Colbert, who jokingly dubs him “Mr. CBS” — a nod to Thieriot’s triple threat success with Seal Team, Fire Country, and now Sheriff Country. Dressed down but brimming with charm, Max walks onstage to share his journey from a small-town boy in Northern California to an executive producer of primetime fire and law enforcement dramas.
But behind every fire line is a spark — and for Max, it started young. In a reveal that feels almost scripted for a feel-good biopic, he recalls modeling at age 13 and his breakout role in The Pacifier alongside Vin Diesel. The story deepens when he talks about how acting wasn’t even on the radar in his tiny hometown — until an after-school improv class and a persuasive “manager” led him into the industry. With self-deprecating humor, Max reenacts his very first audition line — for a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cereal commercial. His mock reading, “You had candy for breakfast?” gets laughs, but it’s clear this was the humble start to something huge.
The plot thickens as the conversation shifts to Fire Country, the gritty CBS drama inspired by Max’s real-life roots. Growing up surrounded by friends who trained as firefighters, he admits to feeling a bit jealous watching them get called out of class for drills while he stayed behind. Though he never joined them on the firelines, their stories became the foundation for the show — a tribute to small-town bravery and community.
But just as viewers settle into the familiar tale of Hollywood hustle, Max delivers a twist: his current life is less studio backlots and more Green Acres. He reveals that he now lives on a sprawling 50-acre property in Washington State, surrounded by animals both welcome and wild. With a sheepish grin, he confesses that the property is “farmish,” complete with pigs named Dolly and Hank. The segment reaches comedic gold as Max recounts a near-catastrophic encounter with the boar, Hank.
In a moment that could double as a slapstick scene in a rural comedy, Max describes how Hank — a 300-pound behemoth — got frisky while Max was trying to feed him. The actor explains how the boar wedged himself between Max’s legs, shook his head like a wrecking ball, and sent the star flying flat onto his back. “I was huffing for air,” Max admits, reliving the moment with animated energy, “I was pissed — ready to fight!” The audience erupts in laughter as Colbert deadpans that the only clean thing in a pig pen is “not actually dirt.”
Between the hilarity, Max shares a surprising knowledge of wine — another byproduct of his vineyard upbringing. He claims he can tell the difference between a $100 bottle and a $20 one, even as he praises the occasional boxed wine with flair. His deep roots in the countryside clearly shaped his humble but adventurous spirit, a trait that’s driven both his storytelling on television and his daily life off-screen.
As the segment wraps, Colbert jokingly wonders if Max will one day pitch “Vacation Country” — an idea Max embraces with laughter, envisioning himself in Cabo with a margarita. But even with his growing CBS universe and country life unfolding simultaneously, Max remains grounded. Whether battling boars, building franchises, or performing dramatic roles, he exudes a rare mix of Hollywood ambition and hometown heart.
The credits roll with a plug for Fire Country, airing Fridays at 9 p.m. on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. But this appearance wasn’t just about marketing — it was a window into the multi-dimensional life of a man who’s as comfortable in cowboy boots as he is calling the shots on set.
Final Scene:
Fade out on Max chuckling, “That’s a lot of sausage,” as he talks about Hank. Somewhere in the distance, a pig grunts. Cue laughter, applause, and theme music — because in Max Thieriot’s life, the fire never goes out, and neither does the fun. 🔥🐷🎬
