There’s just something magnetic about firefighter dramas. Maybe it’s the thrill of high-stakes rescues, the bonds forged in firehouses, or the sheer bravery of people running into danger instead of away from it. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just hunting for your next binge-worthy series, here are 14 of the greatest firefighter shows ever made—counted down in reverse, because, hey, firefighters know how to build suspense.
14. The First Responders (2022–2023)
This Korean drama turns up the heat by combining fire, police, and ambulance plots. Fireman Bong Do-jin serves as both front-line hero and investigator, and clashes—and occasionally teams up with—his police and medical colleagues. It’s an action-packed, high-octane series about camaraderie, competition, and responsibility.
13. Code Red (1981–1982)
Transitory as it was, Code Red has its zealous following. From the perspectives of Battalion Chief Joe Rorchek and his family members, the series combined firehouse fiction with a realistic portrayal of conditions on the fireground. It even ventured as far as offering public-safety lessons along the way. Honest and earnest, it was a show before its time.
12. The Smoke (2014)
This raw British drama tracks White Watch in London under the command of Kev Allison, a man tormented by deception and tragedy. The Smoke doesn’t pull punches in depicting the psychological and emotional cost of the job. Scorching writing and gritty performances in a hidden gem for those who can stomach raw drama.
11. Fire Force (2019– )
Anime fans, here is your selection. Firefighters fight spontaneously combusting individuals that melt into hellfire in Fire Force. With stunning animation, supernatural combat, and a fresh twist on the firefighter genre, the series turns the genre on its head into a visually explosive ride.
10. London’s Burning (1986–2002)
One of the most popular British TV dramas over many years, London’s Burning was on for 14 years, following the lives of the Blue Watch at Blackwall Fire Station. Combining action, comedy, and social problems, it was a success because it was so realistic and even employed real firefighters as extras. It is a much-loved programme even now, long after its last episode.
9. Station 19 (2018–2024)
Serialized in Seattle, Station 19 was quickly forging its own identity. Blending gritty action from the fire department with soap-opera romances and office politics, it was combative, angsty, and binge-watched in a day due to the ethnically diverse cast and regular crossovers with Grey’s Anatomy.
8. 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020– )
Lone Star, set in Austin, Texas, stars Rob Lowe as Captain Owen Strand. The crisis is as vast as the state—ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes—and balances catastrophe on a big scale with catastrophe on a small scale. The crossovers with the parent series 9-1-1 have the thrill.
7. Fire Country (2022– )
This California-set drama delves into the supernatural realm of firemen inmates fighting demon fires. It’s ultimately a tale about redemption, second chances, and friendship. The combination of personal high stakes and adrenaline-pumping fire runs puts a fresh twist on the genre for Fire Country.
6. Emergency! (1972–1977)
Groundbreaking in every sense of the phrase, Emergency! Ground broke with Squad 51 and their association with Rampart General Hospital. Aired on real events, the series had such an impact that it actually started the modern paramedic series in the United States! Art imitates life, one might say!
5. 9-1-1 (2018– )
This ratings-hungry drama stars Los Angeles’ first responders as they navigate family drama and jaw-dropping crises. Earthquakes, plane crashes—9-1-1 is an emotional rollercoaster of action, fueled by stars Angela Bassett and Peter Krause.
4. Tacoma FD (2019–2021)
Not every firehouse tale has to be a bummer. Tacoma FD, which is made by the cast of Super Troopers, is all comedy, telling us what occurs when a firehouse receives fewer calls. So what is the outcome? Slapstick, ridiculous situations, and total commitment to brotherly love.
3. Station 19 (2018–2024)
Actually, it warrants an additional mention. Station 19’s combination of rescue-generating thrills, romantic drama, and social injustices placed it among the top-rated firefighter dramas of the decade. It was not a spin-off—it was ABC’s anchor show.
2. Chicago Fire (2012– )
The jewel of the NBC Chicago franchise, Chicago Fire, chronicles Firehouse 51’s ongoing round-the-clock crises and personal soap opera. Hot topics, over-the-top characters, and crossover episodes with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med make it the crème de la crème of firefighter dramas today.
1. Rescue Me (2004–2011)
Leading the pack is Denis Leary’s Rescue Me. Filmed in post-9/11 New York, it is dark, wry, grimy, and irreverent. Headlining as FDNY firefighter Tommy Gavin, the series deals with loss, addiction, and trauma, and still delivers sharp wit and legendary characters. Few programs have depicted the life of a firefighter so realistically and humanely.
Regardless of whether you like heart, comedies, or rescues with lots of action, these programs show that TV with firefighters has something for everyone. Grab the remote, get cozy, and get ready to get hot with some of TV’s hottest drama.