Okay SWAT fans you are not having déjà vu. Brace yourselves because it is happening again. CBS has officially canceled SWAT . Yes for a third time. If you are feeling confused you are not alone. This show has had more lives than a cat in a tactical vest.
Canceled Renewed Canceled Again? The Wild Cancellation History of SWAT Explained
Let's rewind a bit. Back in May 2023 CBS dropped a bomb and canceled SWAT after season six. Fans were in an uproar. Then in a surprise twist just days later CBS changed their mind and renewed it for a seventh season even calling it the "final season". Fast forward to May 2024 and BAM another renewal for season eight! It felt like SWAT was invincible.
But alas all good things must come to an end and it seems like this time the cancellation is for real. Deadline reported that CBS and Sony Pictures Television the studio behind SWAT did not even engage in renewal talks this time around. Apparently CBS is serious about ending the show after eight seasons. No miraculous reprieve is expected this time folks.
Why Now? Money Corporate Changes and Shifting Priorities at CBS
So why is CBS pulling the plug now especially after seemingly loving SWAT so much in the past? Financial reasons seem to be the main driver. Sony Pictures Television and CBS could not reach financial terms that worked for both sides. This is not unusual in the TV world these things often come down to dollars and cents.
There's also a bigger picture at play. CBS has a bunch of new dramas coming down the pipeline like the Fire Country spin-off Sheriff Country and a Blue Bloods expansion called Boston Blue. Plus they are considering more FBI and Equalizer spin-offs. Something had to give to make room on the schedule and unfortunately SWAT was one of the shows on the chopping block.
Even though SWAT has a loyal fanbase and does decently well especially on Friday nights it is not the ratings juggernaut that some other CBS dramas are. And with a big corporate change happening at CBS parent company Paramount Global with a potential acquisition by Skydance things are in flux and priorities are shifting. Showrunner Shawn Ryan even hinted at this uncertainty back in January.
"Heartbreaking News" Shemar Moore and Showrunner React to Final SWAT Cancellation
The people behind SWAT are understandably bummed about this latest cancellation. Showrunner Andrew Dettmann called it "heartbreaking news" saying it has been an "immense pleasure" working with the cast and crew. He praised the "extraordinary group of people" who dedicated themselves to the show for eight seasons.
Shawn Ryan another executive producer and former showrunner echoed those sentiments. He thanked the fans cast producers and CBS but his "greatest concern right now is for" the crew who will be out of work. SWAT is one of the few broadcast dramas still filming in Los Angeles so this cancellation impacts a lot of behind-the-scenes professionals in the industry.
Star Shemar Moore took to Instagram to share his reaction with fans. He acknowledged the cancellation news is "sad" and "sucks". But he also pointed out that SWAT "defied the odds" getting un-canceled twice before. He expressed pride in the show and thanked the crew telling them to "be proud" of what they accomplished. Moore even playfully suggested maybe Netflix or another network might pick up SWAT if CBS is truly done.
SWAT Legacy: From 70s TV Show to Modern Action Drama Hit
For those who might not know SWAT is not a new concept. It is actually based on a 1975 TV series of the same name. That original SWAT only lasted two seasons but it gained a cult following and was later adapted into a 2003 movie starring Samuel L. Jackson Colin Farrell and Michelle Rodriguez.
The modern CBS SWAT starring Shemar Moore premiered in 2017 and has now lasted for eight seasons itself. The show focuses on LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and his elite Twenty Squad. Over the years SWAT has been praised for its action-packed storylines and also for tackling relevant social issues like racism and police-community relations as Shemar Moore himself highlighted back in 2017.
Is This Really The End? SWAT's Fate and Possible Future Homes
Is there any chance SWAT could get un-canceled for a third time? Probably not. All indications are that CBS is firm on this decision. However Shemar Moore did jokingly float the idea of another network or streaming service picking up the show. He mentioned Netflix NBC Fox or ABC as possibilities saying SWAT is a "show that’s on autopilot that the world is watching".
While it might be a long shot in the unpredictable world of TV you never know. Stranger things have happened especially with SWAT itself. For now though it seems like fans should prepare to say a final goodbye to 20-Squad when season eight wraps up in May.
Key Takeaways: SWAT Cancellation Breakdown
- SWAT Canceled Again: CBS has canceled SWAT after eight seasons marking the third time the show has faced cancellation.
- Likely Final: This cancellation is believed to be permanent with CBS not engaging in renewal talks.
- Financial Reasons: Failure to reach financially viable terms between CBS and Sony Pictures Television is a primary factor.
- Corporate Changes: Pending acquisition of Paramount Global and shifting priorities at CBS played a role.
- Showrunner & Star Reactions: Andrew Dettmann called it "heartbreaking" Shawn Ryan expressed concern for the crew and Shemar Moore acknowledged the sadness but celebrated the show's run.
- Possible Future? Shemar Moore hinted at the possibility of another network or streaming service picking up SWAT but it is unlikely.
- Series Finale Coming: Season 8 will be the final season with the series wrapping up in May 2025.