CBS has officially pulled the plug on S.W.A.T. for the second time, marking the end of the police drama after its eighth season. The series, starring Shemar Moore, will wrap up in May, and this time, there are no signs of another last-minute renewal.
This decision may feel like déjà vu for fans, as S.W.A.T. was previously canceled in May 2023 after six seasons, only for CBS to reverse course and order a seventh and final season. However, in a surprising twist, the network renewed the show again for an eighth season in May 2024. Now, CBS has confirmed that the series will not return for another run.
Unlike previous years when Sony Pictures Television, the show’s lead studio, managed to negotiate last-minute renewals, CBS reportedly did not engage in discussions to extend the series this time around. Instead, the network opted to conclude the long-running drama outright. The cancellation of S.W.A.T. comes as part of a broader shake-up at CBS, which also saw FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International axed earlier this week.
CBS Reshapes Its Lineup
The network is making room for new programming, including Sheriff Country, a Fire Country spinoff, and Boston Blue, a new addition to the Blue Bloods universe. CBS is also developing potential spinoffs for FBI and The Equalizer, as well as the drama Einstein, starring Matthew Gray Gubler.
With multiple drama renewals last month, shows like S.W.A.T., FBI: Most Wanted, and The Equalizer were left in limbo. Among them, only The Equalizer remains in talks for a possible sixth season, while midseason entry Watson is showing promise for renewal.
Although S.W.A.T. had been a reliable performer on Friday nights, it had the lowest ratings among the dramas at risk this season. This made it an obvious candidate for cancellation despite its dedicated fan base.
A Tough Goodbye for the Cast and Crew
Executive producer and showrunner Andrew Dettmann expressed his disappointment over the decision, calling it “heartbreaking.” He praised the cast and crew, saying, “It’s been an immense pleasure working with this team to create a show we’ve always been proud of. They are an extraordinary group of people who have worked tirelessly over eight seasons, overcoming countless challenges.”
Former showrunner and executive producer Shawn Ryan also acknowledged the talented crew that will now be out of work. “It’s been an extraordinary privilege to tell the stories of Hondo and 20-Squad,” he said. “I thank our fans, Shemar Moore, our cast, producers, Sony Pictures Television, CBS Studios, and CBS for this opportunity. But my greatest concern right now is for our hardworking crew.”
Ryan had previously voiced concerns about the show’s fate due to corporate changes at CBS. Speaking with Deadline in January, he noted that while S.W.A.T. was well-liked among CBS executives and fans, the pending acquisition of Paramount Global by Skydance added uncertainty to the renewal process. The merger, expected to close in the first half of the year, may have played a role in the network’s decision.
The Legacy of S.W.A.T.
Based on the 1975 television series and the 2003 film of the same name, S.W.A.T. followed LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, played by Shemar Moore, as he led the elite tactical unit known as Twenty Squad. The cast included Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Niko Pepaj, and Annie Ilonzeh.
Over the years, S.W.A.T. stood out as one of the few broadcast dramas filmed in Los Angeles, maintaining a loyal audience despite frequent scheduling challenges. The show’s cancellation marks the end of an era for CBS, leaving fans to bid farewell to Hondo and his team for good.
