Rochelle Aytes is leaving her series regular role on CBS’s “S.W.A.T.” to join Morris Chestnut in the network’s upcoming medical drama, “Watson.” This change follows CBS’s unexpected renewal of “S.W.A.T.” for an eighth season after initially canceling the show post its sixth season.
Aytes, who portrayed Nichelle Carmichael on “S.W.A.T.,” was not extended an invitation to return as a series regular for the eighth season. Despite this, producers are eager to keep her character within the show’s universe as Hondo’s (Shemar Moore) wife and the mother of their child, with hopes she will recur next season.
Soon after Aytes became available, she was approached for a prominent role on “Watson,” produced by CBS Studios. This rapid turnaround exemplifies the classic adage, “when one door closes, another opens.”
“Watson,” created by Craig Sweeny, is a medical drama with an investigative twist, featuring a modern rendition of the legendary detective. Morris Chestnut stars as Dr. John Watson, shifting his focus from criminal cases to unraveling medical mysteries.
Aytes will play Dr. Mary Morstan, a top-tier surgeon and the Medical Director of the hospital. She is equally adept at being a voice of reason for and serving reality checks to her ex-husband, Dr. Watson (Chestnut). She has great respect for Watson and, while she appreciates his sleuthing when it comes to medical mysteries, she can also become irritated by his unorthodox approach to the business of medicine. Her character is a crucial counterpart to Watson, providing both support and critical reality checks.
This announcement comes as CBS continues to diversify its scripted content for the 2024-25 season. “Watson,” set to debut in midseason 2024, will join other new series such as “Matlock” and the comedy “Poppa’s House.” Production for “Watson” begins next week in Canada, contrasting with “S.W.A.T.,” which films in California.
Craig Sweeny, known for his work on “Elementary,” serves as the showrunner and has penned the pilot. Executive producers include Shäron Moalem MD, PhD, Aaron Kaplan, Brian Morewitz for Kapital Entertainment, and Larry Teng, who will also direct the pilot.
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach expressed her enthusiasm for the series, highlighting Sweeny’s innovative vision for the character of Dr. Watson.