Tyler Perry brings the heat with 'Harlem' star for a new Netflix firefighter series 'Where There's Smoke'
Tyler Perry is set to work with Netflix again, this time bringing in the heat in the form of a firefighter series, 'Where There's Smoke.' The 16-episode firefighting drama was written, directed, and produced for the streamer. The series marks Netflix's first attempt at a procedural focused on emergency services. The official logline describes the show as 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."
The series has also announced a stacked cast starring 'Ruth & Boaz' star Tyler Lepley as Owen. Mike Merrill as Cameron; Mike Merrill ('STRAW') as Cameron; Da’Vinchi ('BMF') as Noah; Eltony Williams ('Designated Survivor') as Jermaine; Brock O’Hurn ('Euphoria') as Ethan; Joe Hunter ('Survivor' Seasons 48 and 50) as Chief Bailey; Karen Obilom ('Doom Patrol') as Laura; Brittany S. Hall ('Ballers') as Angela; Mariah Goodie ('Be Someone') as Rhonda; Jordan Rodriguez ('Jane the Virgin') as Brent; and Judi Moon ('Last Love') as Darcy. Lepley has worked with Perry on 'Ruth & Boaz' as well as a mystery thriller, 'Duplicity'. At the time of writing, production has begun in Atlanta. Perry serves as the EP alongside Angi Bones and Tony Strickland, and the series follows his hit Netflix drama, 'Beauty in Black'.
The first two seasons have combined for 10 weeks on the streamer's global English TV Top 10. The drama was recently renewed for a third season. Perry's other major projects for Netflix include another three-pronged role as writer, director, and producer of a WW2 period film, 'Six Triple Eight' starring Kerry Washington. This was followed by a legal drama, 'Mea Culpa'. 'A Jazzman’s Blues', 'A Fall From Grace', and 'A Madea Homecoming'. With the show still filming, neither Perry nor Netflix has provided an official release date. Speculations are rife that the series might drop sometime in late 2026 or early next year.
For now, the show is looked at as a limited series with no mention of a second season. The firefighting series is expected to have quintessential Perry flavor, with an ensemble cast and a theatrical feel. Perry is best known as the creator and performer of Mabel 'Madea' Simmons, a tough-as-nails elderly woman, and also plays her brother, Joe, and nephew, Brian Simmons. Madea's first appearance was in 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself' (1999), staged in the Windy City.
