Tyler Perry Takes On The First Responder Genre With New Netflix Drama Series Where There's Smoke
Tyler Perry is turning up the heat — literally.
As part of his ongoing creative partnership with Netflix, Perry will write, direct, and produce the all-new firefighter drama series Where There's Smoke. The 16-episode show follows the lives of a group of firefighters as they navigate the intense challenges of their high-stakes profession while grappling with personal struggles, fractured relationships, and the emotional toll of saving lives in a world filled with danger, drama, and heartbreak.
Production is officially underway at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with Angi Bones and Tony Strickland also producing for Tyler Perry Studios.
The ensemble cast is stacked with familiar faces. Tyler Lepley (Ruth & Boaz, Harlem) leads as Owen. Mike Merrill (STRAW, The Black Hamptons) plays Cameron, and Da'Vinchi (BMF, All American) steps into the role of Noah. Eltony Williams (If Loving You Is Wrong, Designated Survivor) plays Jermaine, Brock O'Hurn (The Righteous Gemstones, Euphoria) plays Ethan, and reality TV fan favorite Joe Hunter (Survivor Seasons 48 and 50) takes on the role of Chief Bailey. Karen Obilom (House Party, Chicago PD) plays Laura, Brittany S. Hall plays Angela, Mariah Goodie plays Rhonda, Jordan Rodriguez plays Brent, and Judi Moon plays Darcy.
The series joins an impressive slate of Tyler Perry Studios releases on Netflix, including Beauty in Black Seasons 1 and 2, which have spent a combined 10 weeks in the Global English TV Top 10, reaching number one in 28 countries. Beauty in Black was recently renewed for a third season.
Netflix has a multi-year first-look series deal with Perry, under which he has delivered projects including Miss Governor, Beauty in Black, Mea Culpa, Six Triple Eight, STRAW, and multiple Madea films. Where There's Smoke marks his first dive into the first responder genre — a space dominated by long-running franchise hits — and from the look of this cast, Perry isn't coming to play.
No official release date has been announced. With filming currently underway, viewers can expect to see the series arrive in 2027.