Home / Arts and Entertainment / CBS Eyes 'One Chicago' Model for Fire Country Franchise
CBS Eyes 'One Chicago' Model for Fire Country Franchise
23 Apr
Summary
- CBS is developing a potential medical drama spinoff of Fire Country.
- The new series, tentatively called 'Med Country,' is in early development.
- A medical drama could establish a franchise similar to NBC's 'One Chicago'.
CBS is reportedly considering expanding the successful 'Fire Country' franchise with a new medical drama. This potential series, internally nicknamed 'Med Country,' is in the very early stages of development, drawing parallels to NBC's highly successful 'One Chicago' franchise. The strategy aims to create a dominant, interconnected universe of shows focusing on different emergency and public service sectors.
The 'One Chicago' model, which includes 'Chicago Med,' 'Chicago Fire,' and 'Chicago P.D.,' has proven to be a ratings success for NBC for over a decade. CBS appears to be aiming for a similar structure with its 'Country' universe. Currently, 'Fire Country' is in its fourth season, and its spinoff, 'Sheriff Country,' is concluding its first season. The introduction of characters for potential spinoffs, as seen with Sheriff Mickey's debut in 'Fire Country' before 'Sheriff Country' premiered, suggests a similar path for the medical drama.
If this expansion materializes, 'Fire Country,' 'Sheriff Country,' and the new medical series could potentially form a dedicated programming block, possibly on Friday nights, mirroring NBC's Wednesday lineup. This would require schedule adjustments, as 'Fire Country' and 'Sheriff Country' currently occupy two of the three Friday night hours, with the third taken by 'Boston Blue,' a 'Blue Bloods' spinoff. Despite potential scheduling hurdles, the success of the existing 'Country' shows and the established appeal of franchise programming suggest this expansion could be a strategic move for CBS.
