By Zachary Moser
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Firefighter shows have always been popular television fare and several series have proven successful with audiences and critics alike over the years. As one of the big three emergency services, along with medical personnel and police, firefighters have always struck a chord with the American viewing public. Those big red fire trucks speeding out of ornately decorated stations with armored citizens ready to save the lives of those in danger is a naturally propulsive scenario. It's not hard to understand why so many children are fascinated by firefighters.
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Unlike cop shows that often have to deal with the sticky issues of policing in America, firefighting shows can simply focus on the problems at hand. The people who choose to do such a dangerous job for little recognition and even tinier compensation are inherently compelling and worth exploring, either from a comedic angle, a dramatic one, or a combination of both. The best firefighter shows, therefore, often end up feeling a little like Westerns, with strapping men and women, out to protect the innocents from the uncaring, harsh dangers of the world.
15 The First Responders (2022-2023)
A South Korean Emergency Services Series
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The First Responders
Drama
- Cast
- Kim Rae-won , Son Ho-jun , Gong Seung-yeon , Son Ji-yoon , Kang Ki-doong , Seo Hyeon-cheol , Ji Woo , Woo Mi-hwa , Jung Jin-woo , Lee Woo-je , Cho Seung-yeon , Lee Do-yeop , Jeon Kuk-hwan , Seo Jae-kyu , Jo Hee-bong , Yang Jong-wook , Lee Hwa-Jung , Oh Eui-sik , Baek Eun-hae , Bae Kang-min , Kang Seo-ha
- Character(s)
- Jin Ho-gae , Bong Do-jin , Song Seol , Yun Hong , Kong Myeong-pil , Baek Cham , Bong An-na , Dokgo Soon , Choi Ki-soo , Ha Dong-woo , Jin Chul-joong , Ma Tae-hwa , Ma Joong-do , Yeom Sang-goo , Yang Chi-young , Cha Jae-hee , Han Soo-jin , Kang Do-ha , Woo Sam-soon , Yang Min-hyuk , Kang Seo-ha
- Release Date
- November 12, 2022
- Seasons
- 2
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Creator(s)
- Min Ji-eun
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The First Responders is a South Korean TV show that follows the joint efforts of the police and firefighters in Taewon. Son Ho-jun co-stars as Bong Do-jin, a firefighter who is also a fire investigator who is often preoccupied with how his fires get started, trying to stem them at the source. It's a thrilling series and the push and pull between the police and the fire department leads to some excellent dramatic tension that weaves through the series.
14 Code Red (1981-1982)
A Family Drama Set In A Fire Station
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Code Red
Drama
- Cast
- Lorne Greene , Andrew Stevens , Sam J. Jones , Martina Deignan , Julie Adams , Adam Rich , Robert Pierce , William Smith , Richard Moll , Steven Marlo , Robert Sampson , Elyssa Davalos , Wendy Oates , Stan Wojno , Lynn Theel
- Character(s)
- Battalion Chief Joe Rorchek , Ted Rorchek , Chris Rorchek , Haley Green , Ann Rorchek , Danny Blake
- Release Date
- September 20, 1981
- Seasons
- 1
- Main Genre
- Drama
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Code Red may have only run for one season, but that season was filled with a realistic, LA-based story that never sacrificed authenticity for drama, developing its tension from real-world scenarios that never felt artificial. The series followed Lorne Greene as Battalion Fire Chief Joe Rorchek, a veteran firefighter who was set to hand off the station to one of his sons. Code Red combined the family drama of a show like Blue Bloods with the action of a firefighter series for an engrossing blend.
13 The Smoke (2014)
A London Fire Chief Deals With His Past
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The Smoke
Drama
- Cast
- Martyn Ellis , Jamie Bamber , Jodie Whittaker , David Walmsley , Gerard Kearns , Taron Egerton , Rhashan Stone , Dorian Lough , Pippa Bennett-Warner , Sam Gittins , Gary Lewis , Elisabeth Hopper
- Character(s)
- Big Al , Kev Allison , Trish Tooley , Rob , Little Al , Dennis Asbo Severs , Mal Milligan , Billy Mince , Ziggy Brown , Gog , Hamish , Zoe
- Release Date
- February 20, 2014
- Seasons
- 1
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Creator(s)
- Lucy Kirkwood
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The British series, The Smoke, was canceled after one season but still introduced audiences to an eclectic group of firefighters who fight blazes in London. White Watch, as the team is known, is led by Kev Allison (Jamie Bamber), a fatherly but traumatized firefighter whose past bad experience during a fire has left him constantly on the lookout. Betrayal and past scars fill up The Smoke and even through the heightened drama, the show remains a watchable and relatable series about a family struggling to come together.
12 Fire Force (2019-Present)
Anime's Take On The Firefighter Genre
Fire Force
TV-14
Action
Animation
Drama
Fire Force is a Japanese animated series that chronicles the lives of special firefighter units combating spontaneous human combustion. The protagonist, Shinra Kusakabe, joins Special Fire Force Company 8, where he and his colleagues battle fierce infernals and uncover a conspiracy threatening humanity. Directed by Yuki Yase and based on the manga by Atsushi Ōkubo, the series blends action, mystery, and supernatural elements in a futuristic Tokyo setting.
- Cast
- Derick Snow , Jeremy Inman , Christopher Wehkamp , Sarah Roach , Alexis Tipton , Eric Vale , Jad Saxton , Ian Sinclair , Jason Liebrecht
- Release Date
- July 6, 2019
- Seasons
- 3
- Creator(s)
- Atsushi Ohkubo
Based on the Japanese manga series from 2015, Fire Force follows a group of young pyrokinetic firefighters who are tasked with countering pyrokinetic monsters who have set the world ablaze. Tokyo is the last bastion of safety and the Fire Force is determined to protect Earth's surviving humans. Similar in style to Bleach, Fire Force is a beautifully animated series that turns firefighters into superheroes and fires into living monsters, which may not be so far from reality for anyone who has had to experience the destructive events.
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11 London's Burning (1986-2002)
A Funny But Serious Look At Prejudice Through The Lens Of Firefighters
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London's Burning
The British series, London's Burning, began with a two-hour TV movie pilot before settling into 14 seasons of dramatic fire-fighting action by emergency responders at the fictional Blackwall fire station in London. The series specifically follows the "Blue Watch", who operate during the most dangerous shift of the day. While often operating as a black comedy, London's Burning was never afraid to contend with serious issues like prejudice and sexism on the job aimed towards the Blue Watch's multicultural staff.
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10 Station 19 (2018-2024)
A Grey's Anatomy Spinoff
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10/10
Station 19
Drama
Action
Romance
Station 19 is a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy that premiered in 2018 on ABC. The series follows the professional and personal lives of the firefighters at Seattle Fire Station 19. Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 sometimes have crossover episodes in which a storyline is depicted on one night throughout both shows.
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- Cast
- Jaina Lee Ortiz , Jason George , Barrett Doss , Jay Hayden , Danielle Savre , Grey Damon , Boris Kodjoe , Okieriete Onaodowan
- Release Date
- March 22, 2018
- Seasons
- 7
- Directors
- Shonda Rhimes
The Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Station 19, is also set in Seattle and follows the personnel who operate out of Seattle Fire Station 19. Just like its parent show, Station 19 is just as concerned with the private lives of its characters as it is with their professional lives. The firefighters have dealt with everything from tiny fires to massive blazes that threaten their own homes. Station 19 struggled to find an identity at first but eventually found its own niche thanks to its explosive action and unique and charming cast of characters.
9 Rescue 8 (1958-1960)
The Blueprint Firefighter Series
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Rescue 8
Drama
Action
Adventure
Crime
- Cast
- Jim Davis , Lang Jeffries , Nancy Rennick , Mary K. Cleary , Tom McKee , Robert Whiting , Robert Cornthwaite , Anne Bellamy , Sydney Smith , Johnny Seven , Barry Cahill , William Boyett , Robin Lory , William Phipps , Paul Frees , Peter Brocco , Ralph Votrian , Jeanne Baird , Ralph Reed , Hugh Sanders , Bill Hale , Irma Hurley , Jean Howell
- Character(s)
- Wes Cameron , Skip Johnson , Patty Johnson , Susan Johnson , Fire Chief Tucker , Interne , Professor Oliver Lawrence , Mary Taggert , Frank Rawlins , Ernie , Hank Carbo , Mathews , Ginny Stark , Don Gordon , Narrator , Manuel , Steve Daggett , Helen Hickey , Broncho , Foreman , Mechanic , Gerta Tannen , Charlotte Ramsey
- Release Date
- September 23, 1958
- Seasons
- 2
- Main Genre
- Drama
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One of the older firefighter-themed TV shows, Rescue 8 follows the number 8 fire department of the LACFD (Los Angeles County Fire Department). One of 26 rescue units, Rescue Squad 8 is headed by veteran rescue man Wes Cameron (Jim Davis). The series only lasted for 2 seasons, but nearly every firefighter show that has come out afterward owes this original series a debt of gratitude for laying the groundwork for what audiences would come to expect from action-packed firefighter TV shows.
8 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020-Present)
Firefighters Working In Austin, Texas
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23 8.8/10
9-1-1: Lone Star
TV-14
Action
Drama
A spin-off series of 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Lone Star is an action-drama series created for Fox. The series follows Rob Lowe as Owen Strand, a firefighter from New York City who, after having rebuilt a team in the aftermath of September 11th's attacks, is brought in to form a new one in Austin, Texas.
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- Cast
- Rob Lowe , Liv Tyler , Ronen Rubinstein , Sierra McClain , Jim Parrack , Natacha Karam , Brian Michael Smith , Rafael L. Silva , Julian Works , Gina Torres
- Release Date
- January 19, 2020
- Seasons
- 4
- Showrunner
- Ryan Murphy , Brad Falchuk , Tim Minear
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A spinoff to 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Lone Star stars Rob Lowe as Captain Owen Strand, a firefighter from New York City diagnosed with lung cancer from his work at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. After rebuilding their department in NYC, he and his son, TK (Ronen Rubenstein), relocate to Austin, Texas to start a new life and fix a middling fire department. The firefighters in Lone Star don't just fight fires, as tornadoes, ice storms, and more threaten the citizens Owen and his son are charged with protecting. It's non-stop action but with plenty of depth in the ensemble cast.
7 Fire Country (2022-Present)
Prisoners Are Rehabilitated By Fighting Forest Fires
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47 9.5/10
Fire Country
TV-14
Action
Drama
Fire Country is an action-drama series created for CBS that follows Bode Donavan, a man in the middle of a five-year stint in prison looking to redeem himself. Given a unique chance to do so, Bode signs on to a unique prison-release program where he'll have the rest of his sentence commuted if he works with firefighters in Northern California. What starts as a chance at redemption becomes a confrontation with his past when Bode is assigned to his hometown - where his life went down the wrong path.
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- Cast
- Max Thieriot , Kevin Alejandro , Jordan Calloway , Stephanie Arcila , Diane Farr , Billy Burke , Jules Latimer
- Release Date
- October 7, 2022
- Seasons
- 3
- Showrunner
- Max Thieriot , Tony Phelan , Joan Rater
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Most firefighter TV shows present the emergency personnel as heroes right out of the gate, but Fire Country attempts to show how the dangers and responsibilities of the job can turn people into heroes. The series stars Max Thieriot as Bode Leon, an inmate who volunteers for the California Conservation Camp Program to shorten his prison sentence. This program is specifically for incarcerated people and Bode is assigned to his old hometown, meaning he has to deal with the dangers of the job and contend with the harm he caused to those closest to him.
6 Emergency! (1972-1977)
The Original Standard For Firefighter TV Shows
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Emergency!
TV-G
Drama
Documentary
Action
- Cast
- Ann Morgan Guilbert , Art Gilmore , Arthur O'Connell , Barbara Bosson , Brendon Boone , Brooke Bundy , Buddy Lester , Cheryl Miller , Christopher S. Nelson , Dick Whittinghill , Dorothy Green , Eric Shea , Gary Clarke , George Brenlin , George Sawaya , Herb Vigran , Jack DeLeon , Jack Kruschen , Jimmy Stathis , John Smith , Julie London , Kathleen Quinlan , Kent McCord , Len Wayland , Martin Milner
- Character(s)
- Woman In Trouble , Uncredited , Mrs. Collins , Wayne (uncredited) , Lyla Caine , Rochelle Kayner , Danny Zimmerman , Mother , Mr. Peters , Mort , Dr. Duncan (uncredited) , Committee Chairman , Billy Zimmer (uncredited) , State Assemblyman Michael Wolski , Capt. Hammer , Dixie McCall , Officer Jim Reed , Police Sergeant at Rampart (uncredited) , Officer Pete Malloy
- Release Date
- January 22, 1972
- Network
- NBC
- Writers
- Harold Jack Bloom , Hannah Louise Shearer , Michael Donovan , Bruce Shelly , Bob Bralver , Fred Freiberger , Jim Carlson , Robert C. Dennis , Robert Hamner
- Directors
- Georg Fenady , Christian I. Nyby II , Dennis Donnelly , Christian Nyby , Joseph Pevney , Lawrence Dobkin , Kevin Tighe , Randolph Mantooth , Cliff Bole , Herschel Daugherty , Jack Webb , Robert A. Cinader , Hollingsworth Morse
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If Rescue 8 created the blueprint for firefighter TV shows, Emergency! improved them and revealed just how successful a series based around a fire station could be. The show stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe as two paramedics and firefighters working in LA. Together, the pair form Squad 51, and work to help those in need in the metropolitan area. The series had a very authentic bent, with many plotlines from the six seasons taken from real-life stories of fire and medical emergencies, making the setting feel like an actual place.
5 9-1-1 (2018-Present)
Ryan Murphy's Take On Emergency Responder Stories
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49 8.7/10
9-1-1
TV-14
Drama
Crime
Action
9-1-1 is a television series that explores the intense experiences of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Premiered in 2018, it follows these emergency responders as they navigate high-pressure situations and attempt to balance their demanding work with personal challenges in their own lives.
Where to Watch
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- Cast
- Angela Bassett , Peter Krause , Oliver Stark , Aisha Hinds , Kenneth Choi , Jennifer Love Hewitt , Ryan Guzman , Gavin McHugh , Corinne Massiah , Marcanthonee Reis , Rockmond Dunbar , Bryan Safi , Tracie Thoms
- Release Date
- January 3, 2018
- Seasons
- 6
- Creator(s)
- Ryan Murphy , Brad Falchuk , Tim Minear
One of Ryan Murphy's most successful shows, 9-1-1 follows the personal and professional lives of first responders living in Los Angeles. The police department, medical services, and fire department are all given equal time throughout the series and often interact with one another to make saves and prevent crimes. The ensemble cast includes some standout performances from the likes of Jennifer Love Hewitt, Peter Krause, and Kenneth Choi. It may not be the most realistic firefighter TV show, but Murphy's electric and titillating style makes for an exciting watch.
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4 Third Watch (1999-2005)
An NYC-Set Emergency Personnel Show
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Third Watch
TV-14
Crime
Drama
- Cast
- Coby Bell , Molly Price , Anthony Ruivivar , Skipp Sudduth , Jason Wiles , Kim Raver , Michael Beach , Eddie Cibrian , Joe Lisi , Bill Walsh , Tia Texada , Amy Carlson , Derek Kelly , Chris Bauer , Nia Long , Bobby Cannavale , Saundra McClain , Bonnie Dennison , Yvonne Jung , John Michael Bolger , Jeremy Bergman
- Character(s)
- Tyrone Davis Jr. , Faith Yokas , Carlos Nieto , John Sullivan , Maurice Boscorelli , Kim Zambrano , Monte Parker , Jimmy Doherty , Lieutenant Swersky , Walsh , Maritza Cruz , Alex Taylor , D.K. , Fred Yokas , Sasha Monroe , Bobby Caffey , Mary Proctor , Emily Yokas , Holly Levine , Lieutenant Johnson , Charlie Yokas
- Release Date
- September 23, 1999
- Seasons
- 6
- Main Genre
- Crime
- Creator(s)
- John Wells , Edward Allen Bernero
Third Watch follows an ensemble cast who make up the members of the NYPD, EMS, and FDNY, all working together in the same precinct from the hours of 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., a time period known as the "third watch". Located on the fictional corner of King Boulevard and Arthur Street, the precinct is known as "Camelot" and numerous action-packed crimes, fires, and emergencies occur there. The third season of the show premiered shortly after 9/11 and had an episode with real emergency personnel talking about the day, a moving tribute to the city the show was shot in.
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3 Tacoma FD (2019-2023)
Comedy And Firefighting Meet In Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma FD
TV-14
Comedy
Tacoma FD is a comedy series created initially for truTV and follows a group of firefighters who work out of a firehouse in Tacoma, Washington. Tacoma, one of the most rain-drenched cities in the United States, leaves these firefighters taking up mundane tasks and attempting to deal with their boredom on their lengthy shifts, often leading to hilarious misadventures.
Where to Watch
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- Cast
- Kevin Heffernan , Steve Lemme , Eugene Cordero , Marcus Henderson , Gabriel Hogan , Hassie Harrison
- Release Date
- March 28, 2019
- Seasons
- 4
- Showrunner
- Kevin Heffernan , Steve Lemme
Comedy and firefighting don't often go hand-in-hand, but the mixing of styles works incredibly effectively in Tacoma FD. The series, which premiered in 2019 and lasted for four seasons, takes place in the fire station of Tacoma, Washington. Due to Tacoma being one of America's wettest cities, there's little need for the department to do their actual jobs. Instead, they end up goofing off and having to deal with the boring administrative work of running a fire department. With Tacoma FD's stellar cast and realistic workplace comedy details, the show is an excellent marriage of firefighting and laughs.
2 Chicago Fire (2012-Present)
Dick Wolf's Foray Into Firefighting
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89 8.5/10
Chicago Fire
Drama
Chicago Fire follows the lives of firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago as they face professional and personal challenges, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and resilience.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
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Not available
*Availability in US
- Cast
- Taylor Kinney , David Eigenberg , Joe Miñoso , Christian Stolte , Eamonn Walker , Randy Flagler , Jesse Spencer , Kara Killmer , Miranda Rae Mayo , Yuriy Sardarov , Monica Raymund , Daniel Kyri , Alberto Rosende , Anthony Ferraris , Hanako Greensmith , Charlie Barnett , Robyn Coffin , Lauren German , Steven R. McQueen , Annie Ilonzeh
- Release Date
- October 10, 2012
- Seasons
- 13
- Creator(s)
- Michael Brandt , Derek Haas
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The first entry in the One Chicago franchise from Dick Wolf, Chicago Fire explores the lives of the firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics who all work for the Chicago Fire Department. The quintessential firefighter show, Chicago Fire, is filled with action set pieces alongside engrossing personal drama that makes every episode a must-watch. The drama is heightened, as in most Wolf productions, but it's more appropriate than ever in Chicago Fire, a series that lives and dies by the high stakes the firefighters face every day.
1 Rescue Me (2004-2011)
Dennis Leary's Intimate Look At What It Means To Be A Firefighter
Rescue Me
TV-MA
Drama
Comedy
Rescue Me follows the personal and professional lives of a group of New York City firefighters after the events of 9/11, led by the emotionally troubled Tommy Gavin, portrayed by Denis Leary. The series explores themes of trauma, addiction, and camaraderie, providing a poignant look at the sacrifices made by first responders.
Where to Watch
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- rent
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Not available
*Availability in US
- Cast
- Denis Leary , Michael Lombardi , Steven Pasquale , Andrea Roth , John Scurti , Daniel Sunjata , Callie Thorne , Natalie Distler
- Release Date
- July 21, 2004
- Seasons
- 7
- Creator(s)
- Denis Leary , Peter Tolan
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The Denis Leary dramedy Rescue Me is unlike any firefighter show that came before it. Starring as NYC firefighter Tommy Gavin, Leary's character struggles to deal with his rupturing family and despondent co-workers in the wake of 9/11 and every other issue the firefighters and their families face. The firefighting is secondary in Rescue Me, choosing to focus on the self-loathing and hypocritical Tommy who is unwilling to deal with his PTSD. This firefighter show is a fascinating, moving, and often hilarious look at the people who firefight for a living.
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