Filming for the CBS series S.W.A.T. experienced another pause. This interruption is attributed to the Hughes Fire. production had just restarted a week prior after a shutdown related to the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Hughes Wildfire Causes Evacuations and Halts S.W.A.T. Filming Near Santa Clarita
The Hughes wildfire started around 10:30 AM on Wednesday close to Castaic Lake. This location is near Santa Clarita where S.W.A.T. is filmed. The police action series features Shemar Moore. By 5 PM the fire had expanded to 9400 acres. This situation led to the evacuation of 31000 individuals. A section of the 5 freeway was also closed for several hours because of the fire.
S.W.A.T. is a production by Sony Pictures Television and CBS Studios. Filming was stopped on Wednesday January 22nd and remained paused on Thursday January 23rd.
S.W.A.T. Approaching Season Eight Winter Premiere Amidst Renewal Questions
The CBS TV series S.W.A.T. is preparing for its eighth season. It stands as the second longest running scripted show currently airing on the network. As Season 8 approaches its winter premiere on January 31 executive producer Shawn Ryan discussed the chances for a ninth season. CBS has not promoted season eight as the final season for S.W.A.T.
Ryan mentioned in an interview with Deadline that the show has faced cancellation rumors for the past few seasons. He was referring to the series starring Shemar Moore Jay Harrington David Lim and Patrick St. Esprit. There were talks that the previous two seasons might be the last ones.
CBS is currently developing a new spinoff series for FBI.
S.W.A.T.'s History of Surviving Cancellation and Maintaining Audience Appeal
S.W.A.T. faced cancellation in May 2023 and again in 2024. However CBS reversed these decisions shortly after each announcement. In May 2023 the network stated that season seven would be the show's conclusion. In a surprising move CBS renewed S.W.A.T. for an eighth season in May 2024.
Ryan stated that the show is well liked by CBS executives and the audience. He also expressed satisfaction with the show's consistent creative quality. Ryan credited Andy Dettman who took over as showrunner in the seventh season. Dettman succeeded Ryan who was the showrunner up until that point.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future Seasons of S.W.A.T. Due to Corporate Changes
Ryan acknowledged ongoing corporate changes. David Ellison's Skydance is in the process of acquiring Paramount Global the parent company of CBS. Ryan mentioned knowing Ellison from a past movie project. He expressed uncertainty about the future plans and renewal criteria under the new corporate structure. He suggested that renewal decisions might differ significantly from previous years. Deadline reported that many renewal decisions are expected after the Skydance deal concludes around March or April.
Ryan considered the production arrangement where Sony Pictures Television an external studio co produces the show with CBS Studios. He was unsure if this is beneficial or detrimental this year. He speculated that financial factors will be important in renewal considerations. Despite the uncertainty the focus remains on producing a high quality show that resonates with the audience. Ryan emphasized pride in the show's history and ongoing efforts to maintain its quality.
Sony Pictures Television co produces S.W.A.T. with CBS Studios. The involvement of an external studio has been a factor in past renewal negotiations. In 2023 reports indicated that Sony TV played a role in presenting proposals that convinced CBS to continue the show and keep production in Los Angeles. Currently discussions between Sony TV and CBS are yet to commence.
Tracker another CBS series will return in 2025 for the second part of its second season.
Shemar Moore Expresses Desire for S.W.A.T. to Reach Season Thirteen
In November 2024 Shemar Moore told People about his wish to continue playing Sergeant Hondo beyond season eight. Moore stated that everyone involved with S.W.A.T. hopes for season 13. He humorously noted the show's two cancellations and subsequent un cancellations attributing the reversals partly to his social media advocacy. Moore acknowledged that nothing lasts indefinitely but affirmed his commitment to fight for the show's continuation.
S.W.A.T.'s winter premiere is scheduled for January 31 on CBS.