Celebrity Extra: Fire Country
By Dana Jackson
Q: I'm really enjoying the new show "Fire Country." However, I always worry that a show I invest my time in will be canceled. How is this one doing with its ratings? -- U.T.
A: CBS recently ordered full seasons for three of its new series: "East New York," "So Help Me Todd," and "Fire Country," so that should give you a vote of confidence. According to TVLine.com, the network didn't announce specifically what constitutes a "full season" for these particular shows, but I would say it stands a very good chance of being renewed for its second season as well.
Max Thieriot ("Fire Country") Photo Credit: Photo by Jeff Costello & Karla Gotcher
"Fire Country" stars Max Thieriot ("SEAL Team") as a recently released prison inmate fighting brush fires out west. It had the highest-rated season premiere this fall for a network television show. It also airs on Friday nights, which is not an ideal time slot, since people not only have a lot of options for entertainment as the weekend approaches. But with more than 8 million viewers tuning in, I would call it a win for CBS.
Thieriot himself has a lot invested in his new series, as he's not just starring in it, but he also co-created the series with producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Thieriot's interest behind the camera began with directing an episode of "Bates Motel," a series on A&E starring Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore. Thieriot played Dylan, the half-brother of the infamous Norman Bates. He then went on to direct a couple episodes of "SEAL Team."
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Q: Could you give me some information on Gabe Rygaard from "Ax Men" and Darrell Ward from "Ice Road Truckers?" -- S.W.
A: Gabe Rygaard was the owner of Rygaard Logging after his father, Craig, retired at the end of season six of the reality series "Ax Men." Sadly, Rygaard died in a car accident in 2016 in Washington, where he lived. "Ax Men" aired on the History channel for 10 seasons. Rygaard's death occurred after filming was completed for the ninth season. After a three-year hiatus, the show returned for just one more season.
Another tragedy struck the families of the History Channel when Darrell Ward of the "Ice Road Truckers" fame died in a plane crash, also in 2016. He was piloting a single-engine Cessna on the way back from a fan event in Dallas when it crashed in Montana. Ironically, just before his death, he was set to start filming a new documentary series about plane wreckage locations.
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Q: I think Niecy Nash is fantastic in "The Rookie." What else has she been in? -- L.P.
A: Niecy Nash has been acting on screen since the mid-1990s, but it was her hilarious role in the ensemble comedy "Reno 911!" that put her on the map. Since then, she's effortlessly switched from comedy to drama in memorable lead and supporting roles, including two limited series on Netflix: "When They See Us" and "Dahmer -- Monster."
Nash is no doubt thrilled to learn that ABC just renewed "The Rookie: Feds" for a total of 22 episodes this season.
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