There’s something about firehouse television that reaches out and clings to you. Perhaps it’s the adrenaline, the heroism, or the fact that while these are men and women who rush into peril, the rest of us are grabbing for the remote. Whatever it is, firehouse television is full of action, friendship, and yes—more than a few bare-chested rescue scenes. So grab your popcorn (or your pseudo-bunker arsenal) and watch the 10 best fire shows illuminating screens—listed in reverse order, because suspense is better.
10. Fire Country – Redemption Through Flames
Think firefighter shows are all starched heroes? Think again. Fire Country tracks Bode Donovan, a convict who enrolls in a California volunteer fire department to cut his sentence short. In the midst of wildfires and family tragedy, the show delves into redemption in a new way. It’s different and even spawned a spin-off, Sheriff Country. Who knew extinguishing fires could also mean winning forgiveness?
9. 9-1-1: Lone Star – Big Texan Emergencies
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the crises. 9-1-1: Lone Star stars Rob Lowe as Owen Strand, rebuilding a firehouse in Austin while dealing with everything from tornadoes to ice storms. Blending high-octane action with rich ensemble drama, the show’s crossovers with 9-1-1 keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Bonus: Rob Lowe’s hair always stays intact.
8. Fire Force – Supernatural Firefighting
Who says firefighters can’t be superheroes? Set in Tokyo, Fire Force follows pyrokinetic heroes battling demonic infernos and saving humanity from spontaneous combustion. With stunning visuals and epic battles, this anime transforms fire crews into literal superhero teams. If you’ve ever wanted to see firefighters take on demons, this is the series for you.
7. Code Red – Realism and Family Ties
Before firefighter dramas got all shiny, Code Red did it right. Tracking Chief Joe Rorchek and his clan in LA, the series addressed real emergencies and even taught fans about fire safety. It’s a realistic take on family and firefighting melodrama that makes you double-check your smoke alarms.
6. The Smoke – Emotional Firefighting in London
Although it ran for only a season, The Smoke had a lasting legacy. After Kev Allison and the White Watch team, the series looks at personal issues as much as it does at fires. Betrayal, trauma, and emotional difficulties ensure that this British drama is a must-watch for anyone who wants their firefighter drama with a deeper understanding.
5. London’s Burning – Grit, Humor, and Social Issues
The original British firefighter series aired for 14 seasons, tracking the Blue Watch team as they navigated prejudice and life-or-death emergencies—usually with a dash of humor. Real firefighters even popped up in the extras, lending realism to the show. With equal doses of grit and guffaws, this series is still a favorite among fans.
4. Station 19 – Seattle’s Drama-Filled Firehouse
A spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19 quickly forged its own niche. Tracking the firefighters of Station 19, the series commingles emergencies with office romance and leadership squabbles. Crossovers with Grey’s add an element of unpredictability, but the combination of action and emotion makes it binge-watchable.
3. Emergency! – A Show That Changed EMS
Emergency! isn’t television—it’s history. Tracking the work of LA paramedics and firefighters, the series impacted actual paramedic procedures and even showed up in California State Assembly debates. For anyone interested in learning about the origins of current firefighter dramas, this vintage show is must-watch television.
2. 9-1-1 – Hollywood Meets Reality
9-1-1 provides action-packed thrills and remains realistic. Retired Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Bowman consults on the show, guaranteeing authenticity in equipment and emergencies. Real firefighters appear as extras, and plotlines often derive from their experiences. Seeing Buck and Eddie jump from buildings feels more like seeing real heroes in action.
1. Chicago Fire – The Ultimate Firefighter Drama
At 13 seasons and still going, Chicago Fire is the gold standard. It gets the brotherhood, heroism, and daily life of a firehouse right, with actual firefighters like Tony Ferraris and shooting in an actual fire station. Half heart, half humor, and all high-stakes action, it’s the ideal beginning—and probably concluding—point for any firefighter TV binge.
Whether you’re here for the thrills, the drama, or just the romance, these firefighter shows deliver. And one piece of advice: don’t try to recreate the on-screen sprinklers at home—TV exaggerates for effect.