Jared Padalecki returns to broadcast TV with a role in Fire Country

It seems Jared Padalecki isn’t ready to leave broadcast TV behind just yet. Despite the cancellation of *Walker*, the actor will be returning to the small screen this television season. TVLine reports that Padalecki will appear in a three-episode guest arc in *Fire Country* season 3. This is an exciting development for the CBS franchise, especially now that Bode has been released from prison and is navigating his next steps. Based on the character details for Padalecki’s role, he seems poised to be a significant part of Bode’s journey, possibly even staying within the show’s universe.

Padalecki will portray Camden, described as a “SoCal firefighter and maverick with a surfer swagger who is a force to be reckoned with and immediately recognizes Bode’s raw talent.” Camden’s acknowledgment of Bode’s firefighting abilities is crucial. The second season ended with Bode feeling dejected due to pushback from the Cal Fire union about hiring previously incarcerated individuals. Bode was determined to claim his family legacy, but that dream seemed unattainable.

In the finale, Bode asked his uncle Luke for assistance in tackling this issue. Luke is currently the Division Chief in Charge, though Bode’s mom, Sharon, is vying for her job back and warned her brother-in-law that she’s coming for it. Whether this will interfere with Luke’s ability to help Bode remains to be seen. Having Camden, a seasoned firefighter not related to Bode, in his corner could prove beneficial as Bode argues his case to join Cal Fire. Camden might play a key role here.

Reportedly, Padalecki’s casting is intended as a guest role, but CBS is exploring ways to expand the *Fire Country* franchise. In the 2025-2026 television season, the Morena Baccarin-led *Sheriff Country* is set to debut. She plays Deputy Sheriff Mickey Fox, Sharon’s stepsister, who we met in season 2 when an inmate at Three Rock Fire Camp escaped. This series will also be set in Edgewater, like the flagship show. Padalecki’s role could open the door for a possible spin-off in a different setting.

According to Deadline, it should be noted that the concept of a Padalecki-led series is still in its early stages and might not come to fruition. However, if it does, it will likely differ from its predecessors. Padalecki has previously stated that he is cautious about leading another broadcast TV series after spending decades in such roles.

“If a job on a TV show comes up, like I’ve talked to Kripke about *The Boys* stuff, like, ‘Yeah, I’ll come play with you for a month. Yeah, I’ll come play with you for two months, for six weeks, or whatever,’ or, ‘Yeah, I’ll come pop in a week out of every month for the next three months,’” Padalecki expressed.

His upcoming stint on *Fire Country* aligns with his vision for his career post-*Walker* cancellation. Padalecki has mentioned that the long duration of network TV seasons and the frequent filming in Vancouver have made him reconsider his place in the industry and how his career choices impact his ability to spend time with his family.

However, Padalecki noted potential conditions that would make him return as a lead TV actor: “If it was in Austin, and I was the executive producer that could be involved in knowing the show and making sure the cast and crew all did it in as efficient a way as possible.”

Padalecki appears to have a good relationship with CBS Studios. If the right story emerges and CBS is willing to set a *Fire Country* spin-off in Austin, we might see something like *Texas Fire Country* on our screens soon, perhaps on a streaming platform. The *NCIS* franchise, for instance, has a Paramount+ original in production with *NCIS: Tony & Ziva*, making it conceivable for *Fire Country* to follow suit. This would also allow for a shorter production window, as streaming shows typically consist of 8-10 episodes.

Stay tuned as more updates become available.

Source: TVLine, Deadline