CBS has renewed its popular drama series “S.W.A.T.” for a seventh and final season, reversing a decision made just last week to cancel the show after six seasons. The announcement came just days after the network revealed that the upcoming episode on May 19th would be the series finale. If they stuck to their original decision, SWAT would likely have gone down as the most watched network show to get the axe this season.
READ: 50+ TV Shows Canceled or Ending in 2023
The news of the cancellation had immediately sparked backlash from fans, who had rallied behind the show. In response, CBS resumed renewal conversations with S.W.A.T.’s lead studio, Sony Pictures Television, over the weekend and into Monday. It was ultimately decided that a final season of 13 episodes would be produced to air during the 2023-2024 broadcast year.
The president of CBS Entertainment, Amy Reisenbach, and the president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, Katherine Pope, released a joint statement acknowledging the fans’ passion for the show and the “devoted following” that it had garnered over its six-season run. They expressed their pleasure in finding a way to bring the show back and give closure to the storylines and characters, which audiences deserve.
READ: 20 and Counting Movies and Shows Affected By WGA Strike
“S.W.A.T.” has been a valuable asset to CBS’s Friday drama lineup, contributing to its ratings resurgence with its double-digit linear viewership increases year-to-year. The series stars Shemar Moore as a locally born and bred S.W.A.T. sergeant who is tasked with running a specialized tactical unit tasked with protecting the citizens of Los Angeles. The show has also been praised for its diversity and representation of marginalized communities, particularly people of color.
The cancellation reversal of “S.W.A.T.” is a rare occurrence in the TV industry, with networks typically standing firm on their initial decisions. However, it’s not the first time Sony TV series have been involved in such a reversal. Other shows that have been saved by a reversal of a cancellation decision include “Timeless” on NBC, “Drop Dead Diva” on Lifetime, and “Breaking In” on Fox.
The final season of “S.W.A.T.” is expected to bring closure to the show’s storylines and characters while continuing to entertain its loyal fanbase.
Message From the Founder (Me):
As a one-person team working hard to create quality content and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black culture, I rely on the support of people like you. If you believe in what Blex Media stands for and enjoy the content I produce, please consider donating a cup of coffee. Your contribution helps me keep the site running will enable me to expand my team and improve Blex’s platform. Thank you for being a part of the Blex community!
-Sharifa