Matt Lauria Joins Morena Baccarin in CBS's 'Sheriff Country' Spinoff

CBS is expanding its successful "Fire Country" universe with the upcoming spinoff series "Sheriff Country," and the cast is taking shape with some notable additions. Actor Matt Lauria, known for his work on "CSI: Vegas," has been cast as the male lead opposite Morena Baccarin.

Lauria will play the character Boone, who serves as deputy to Baccarin's Sheriff Mickey Fox. This casting marks a significant step forward in the development of the new drama series, which is scheduled to premiere this fall.

"Sheriff Country" continues CBS's strategy of building on the success of "Fire Country," which is preparing for its fourth season amid some cast changes. The original series has seen the departures of Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela) and Billy Burke (Vince), with the latter's character expected to be a fatality following the Season 3 finale.

The new spinoff represents an expansion of the "Fire Country" universe as CBS develops related storylines within the same fictional setting.