Well, it looks like CBS is finally calling S.W.A.T.‘s bluff. After two previous cancellations and just as many resurrections, the long-running police drama is officially ending with its eighth season. And this time, CBS seems serious about pulling the plug.
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The network confirmed the news Thursday evening, marking the end of an era for the Shemar Moore-led series. While fans have seen S.W.A.T. dodge cancellation bullets before, sources indicate that there won’t be another last-minute save this time around.
Showrunner and executive producer Andrew Dettmann shared his disappointment in a statement:
“It’s heartbreaking news, primarily because it’s been such an immense pleasure working with this cast and crew to put out a show that we’ve always been proud of. They are truly an extraordinary group of people who have all worked so hard and have been so dedicated for all these eight seasons, overcoming countless challenges. I can’t give them enough credit.”
Now, if you’re experiencing déjà vu, you’re not alone. This saga has played out before—twice.
Back in 2023, CBS first canceled S.W.A.T. after its sixth season, only to reverse course days later and renew it for a seventh (which was billed as the “final” season). Then, in April 2024, the network changed its mind yet again, surprising everyone with an eighth-season renewal. At the time, CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach even joked, “Here at CBS, we always ‘stay liquid’ and love a good dramatic twist.”
But despite the last-minute reprieve, S.W.A.T. was already on shaky ground. The show has been a steady performer, but it ranked lower in the ratings compared to other CBS dramas. Plus, with the network prioritizing new series like Sheriff Country (a Fire Country spinoff) and Boston Blue (a Blue Bloods extension), there just wasn’t room for another season of S.W.A.T..
Shawn Ryan, another executive producer on the series, acknowledged the end with gratitude:
“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to work on S.W.A.T. for eight seasons and tell the stories of Hondo and 20-Squad. I thank our fans, Shemar Moore, the rest of our cast, our producers, Sony Pictures Television, CBS Studios and CBS for the opportunity. Most of all, I want to thank our tireless, dedicated crew who made our writers, directors, and cast always look good. My greatest concern right now is for them.”
S.W.A.T. has had a remarkable run, rebooting the classic 1975 series with a modern twist. Led by Moore as LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, the series balanced high-octane action with social commentary. The cast also included Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Niko Pepaj, and Annie Ilonzeh.
But after eight seasons, shifting time slots, and a rollercoaster of renewal drama, it seems S.W.A.T. has finally run out of second chances. The series will wrap up its final mission this May.
So, is this really the end? Given CBS’ track record with S.W.A.T., we wouldn’t blame you for keeping one eyebrow raised. But for now, it looks like Hondo and his team are signing off—for real this time.