Why ‘S.W.A.T.’ Is Ending After 7 Seasons
CBS hit show S.W.A.T. is ending after seven seasons. What is the reason behind the shocking cancellation, and can the show be saved? Keep reading for all the latest details.
S.W.A.T. Ending With Season 7
Friday night timeslots are often the kiss of death for TV shows. But the police drama S.W.A.T. was always among the top ratings draw for its 8 PM timeslot. So, fans were taken aback when the network abruptly canceled the show in 2023 after six seasons.
Actor Shemar Moore is among the core cast who have been on the show since the beginning. He publicly denounced the decision, speaking out on social media and during television appearances. With his support and fan outrage, the network reversed the cancellation just days later. But there was a catch.
Yes, the show would return for Season 7, but it would be the final season. Furthermore, the network cut the episode count in half. Previous seasons had between 18 and 22 episodes. But Season 7 was given just 13 episodes to wrap things up for the cast and viewers.
Season 7 kicked off on February 16 and will conclude in May. The next episode won’t air until April 5 due to March Madness college basketball.
Star Speaks Out To Save Popular Show
Shemar Moore does not want S.W.A.T. to end. The Young & The Restless alum recently took to Instagram to encourage fans to let the network know they want the show saved again. He also reminded viewers to tune in because ratings matter to the show’s fate.
The actor also addressed the possible death of a long-time character. Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson) was shot during the final moments of the last episode. While viewers don’t know if Luca lives or dies, Shemar Moore said that “NOBODY DIES” on the show. Did he spoil Luca’s fate? Not really. He meant that the character could be brought back. “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” if the show is renewed, he wrote.
Why Was It Canceled?
The March 15 episode was Kenny Johnson’s first appearance during Season 7 and possibly his last. He was among the actors brought back in a reduced role for the final season. Alex Russell briefly returned earlier in the season to wrap up Jim Street’s storyline. The character left the Los Angeles S.W.A.T. team to head up the Long Beach team.
Thanks for watching last night, SWAT fam! 👊 I can promise that you will NOT WANT TO MISS our next episode on APRIL 5TH! 💥 #SWAT pic.twitter.com/JWNsAi5Bdn
— SWAT Writers Room (@SWATWritersRoom) March 16, 2024
Monsters & Critics cited budget constraints as the reason behind the two actors having minor appearances in the final season. At the time of its original cancellation in 2023, the network did cite financial reasons for the decision, as reported by Deadline.
Is the show done for real this time? It’s unlikely that CBS would change course a second time and renew the show for Season 8. However, there is a chance it could be picked up by another streamer.
If you want to rewatch earlier seasons, you can watch all the previous six seasons on Netflix or Paramount+. Hulu has Season 1-3.
Do you think CBS made a mistake canceling S.W.A.T.? Sound off in the comments.
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You are making a big mistake cancelling SWAT. It is my favorite Friday night show. You should keep it going for two more seasons, not one. And work around the actors that are off. Think abbout it. Keep it on,
How can you cancel SWAT and then keep some of the other garbage shows on? That is NOT RIGHT!!!!