9 Best Firefighter Shows, Ranked: ‘9-1-1,’ ‘Chicago Fire’ & More
With firefighter shows, it’s a draw on what we love more: the dramatic emergencies that put our favorite characters’ lives on the line or the passionate relationships that burn off (and sometimes on) the clock.
Whatever it may be, we can’t stop watching, and each has something different to offer. From the long-running Chicago Fire that launched the One Chicago universe (that includes two other current shows and one that ended) to 9-1-1 with its memorable emergencies to Fire Country that shows a different side of the job to even the comedic Tacoma FD.
Below, we take a look at the nine best scripted firefighter shows. Take a look, then head to the comments section to let us know your picks.
Tacoma FD
This may be the only comedic offering on this list and have taken place in a city where the firefighters weren’t needed that often, but it still is a great show to look at all sides of the job. Plus, as creator, writer, executive producer, and star Kevin Heffernan told TV Insider, their goal was to be authentic, and that includes the hijinks around the station.
Emergency!
Before shows like ER and Chicago Fire were on NBC, the network had this first responder series, focusing on firefighters (at Fire Station 51—in Los Angeles, not the Windy City!), paramedics, and doctors tackling the same kinds of emergencies we’re used to seeing on shows today. It, like 9-1-1, showed the firefighters and paramedics during downtime in the house, as well as the major rescues.
Station 19
Take what we love about first responder shows, add in the drama and fiery hot romances of Grey’s Anatomy, and you’ve got the medical drama’s spinoff. The crossovers were great, the characters and their relationships complicated (to say the least), and the series went out with a major emergency, a wildfire that put pretty much everyone in danger.
9-1-1: Lone Star
Considering the success of 9-1-1 already when this spinoff premiered, is it any wonder that it just takes the formula everyone already knows works (there’s a reason the original is high up on our list) and makes it fit the location? Plus, it delves deep into the characters’ lives, gives us relationships we’ve been rooting for from the beginning (like fan-favorite Tarlos), and of course features notable emergencies.
Third Watch
This NBC series features the heart-racing action found in first responder dramas for firefighters, paramedics, and cops alike, all working the 3-11 p.m. shift. And like on all these kinds of shows, the first responders end up in dangerous situations and the show follows their recovery back to work. Plus, there were crossovers with ER and Medical Investigation.
Fire Country
Like other first responder dramas, this one—the newest on the list—is just as much about the characters and relationships as it is about the big emergencies. It’s a series about redemption, not just for Bode (Max Thieriot) but also for everyone else in Edgewater, including both the inmates at Three Rock fire camp and the firefighters at Cal Fire, amidst the wildfires, firenado, and character-related drama.
Rescue Me
This FX drama does a great job of highlighting the realities of the effects of the job on firefighters, specifically 9/11, with first responders in New York City. Tommy (Denis Leary, who co-created the series) and others dealt with the trauma that resulted and the losses they suffered, including PTSD and survivor’s remorse, from that day as well as day-to-day on the job.
9-1-1
“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” Anything can come after that. There have been some very memorable calls over the seven seasons and counting (we’ll never forget the motorcycle accident of the Season 1 finale)—and every member of the 118 has had their fair share of trauma. To name a few: Bobby’s (Peter Krause) tragic past and history nearly repeating itself with his and Athena’s (Angela Bassett) house set on fire; Chimney’s (Kenneth Choi) rebar through the head; Hen’s (Aisha Hinds) fall during an earthquake; Buck (Oliver Stark) getting struck by lightning; Eddie (Ryan Guzman) getting shot; Athena fighting for her life against a rapist while Bobby could only listen over the radio; and Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) versus her abusive ex-husband Doug (Brian Hallisay). Moments like that, as well as seeing how close these characters are, keep us tuning in.
Chicago Fire
For 12 seasons and counting, we’ve watched the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 rush to calls and, in some cases, give up their lives to save others. (There are some deaths we’re still not over—RIP Shay and Otis.) So many shows say their teams and characters have each other’s backs, but we’ve seen time and time again how true that is in this case, especially when an external force comes after one of their own. There have been quite a few cast changes over the years, but one thing that remains the same is a consistent mix of action-packed emergencies and heartfelt, character- and relationship-driven moments.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services
Conversation25 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
Fellaway
Randolph Mantooth. Enough reason right there to watch Emergency.
OliveGrapes
Can't get enough of 911! When not watching new, I'm watching reruns!!!
BlueSword
EMERGENCY! TV program is what started modern EMS in the US. Before the series there only a few paramedic units in the country in a few major cities. Most of all ambulances were funeral home based without any kind of real care other than basic first aid and oxygen. EMGERGENCY brought Fire Fighters and Paramedics to the TV screen which had many city leaders saying why haven't we got this, and that was the beginning of EMS as we know it. EMERGENCY was a more accurate for the time and based on real fire and paramedic reports and logs. Some of the shows now are not very accurate on fire fighting tactics and EMS care. Chicago Fire is probally the most accurate of the modern shows. I was a volunteer firefighter, and a fulltime Paramedic for 28 years and was inspired by EMERGENCY. My total time in EMS was 32 years.
OrangeController
Love Chicago Fire, such a great show. Covers a multitude of scenarios, love the cast. A shame some of them have left but I still can't wait for each series. Agree with it being at number 1! Only watched 911 a few times but prefer Chicago Fire. Third Watch was good too.
PurpleCocktail
I'm sorry but Emergency should be number one and third watch number two, they are the only shows on the list that really follow firefighting strategies and were the closest to real life!
OliveBandAid
Chicago Fire as gotten much better at that then it did the first few seasons.
BlueProcessor
I never said this but I 100% agree with this list👏
PurpleRing
I am obsessed with 911. Can't get enough of it. I watch reruns on Hulu without the commercials!
CyanFish
I LOE Fire Country, OK, I love Bode. But it's a good show! I also loved Station 19, never saw the other show.s
GreenApple
Love Chicago Fire! I watch not only the new shows but all the reruns. My favorite show of the week!
GreenPretzel
I love Chicago Fire as #1, and Fire Country should be #2. Like both of those shows. I watch both every week. Looking forward to the new season.
OrangePumpkin
Absolutely love Chicago fire that's number 1 for me, but closely followed by fire county love the different dimension of this keep them coming please.
Kaye
How did someone arrive at the decision to put Rescue Me ahead of Fire Country? I watched all of Rescue Me and have watched every episode of Fire Country. Fire Country should have been before Rescue Me by a long shot. Emergency should have beat out Rescue Me. Who makes these rankings? Are the people/watchers polled for these rankings? Get it together please.
GreenSeahorse
Chicago Fire No. 1! Also loved Third Watch, but disliked Station 19!
Olive8Ball
I love Chicago Fire! I miss some of the original cast members; Chief Boden & Otis. Taylor Kenny is one of my favorites too.
KIM L.
Chicago Fire No. 1! I also liked station 19 and Third Watch.
Triciacam
Love Chicago Fire is #1 for me
RedBowtie
Me parece que entre Chicago fire y 9-1-1 lone Star es mejor 9-1-1 a pesar de ser muy corta en temporadas muestra realidades mejor que en Chicago fire
Carol elston
I really love fire country better than Chicago fire
Carol elston
I agree with you I really love fire country Chicago fire should be right.
PurplePopsicle
Emergency! 2. 9-1-1 3. Chicago Fire
RedFlask
Damon
RedCupcake
I love 9-1-1 with Angela Bassett! That is my favorite show. I love it because there are several emergencies in one show. Not just one. So the show is NEVER boring. There is always something going on. I love the whole cast also. Besides Angela Bassett, Ryan Guzman is a favorite also…
GreenGoggles
I myself would have included the show Code Red instead of Tacoma FD being I've never watched This show. I would also have put Emergency in the top 5.
GoldRing
Give Tacoma FD a shot, very funny show! I miss it!