Why SWAT Was Cancelled By CBS (3 Different Times)

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CBS’s SWAT, a reboot of the 1975 show and starring Shemar Moore (known from Criminal Minds), ran for eight seasons despite being canceled by the network three times. Though viewers enjoyed the show, keeping it on the air wasn’t always easy. Moore, who played Hondo, and a talented cast brought the LAPD’s Twenty Squad to life, but even their strong performances couldn’t always guarantee its survival.

While SWAT was on the air, ratings sometimes dropped. Like many TV shows, it experienced normal fluctuations in viewership. However, SWAT, which premiered in 2017, faced extra challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and general uncertainty made it difficult to hold viewers’ attention, even among dedicated fans. The show’s high production costs, due to its many stunts and physical demands, combined with cast changes, led CBS to question whether continuing the series was financially worthwhile.

Even though SWAT faced constant challenges, it remained popular with viewers throughout its run. The show was almost cancelled on multiple occasions, but dedicated fans repeatedly rallied to save it, demonstrating an impressive level of engagement and making its history quite remarkable.

SWAT’s Various Cancellations On CBS Explained

The series SWAT faced some challenges during its run, particularly towards the end. After some cast changes and a sense that the show might be finishing, CBS initially canceled SWAT after six seasons, deciding not to order a seventh. However, despite the departure of a key character, Jim Street (Alex Russell), fans strongly protested, and CBS reversed its decision, renewing SWAT for a seventh season.

It initially seemed like season 7 of SWAT would be the show’s last, as the network brought it back seemingly just for a final farewell. However, to everyone’s surprise – including the cast and fans – SWAT was renewed for an eighth season before season 7 even finished airing. Later, during season 7, CBS announced that season 8 would be the show’s true final season. Ultimately, after season 8 concluded, CBS decided not to continue the series with a ninth season, officially ending SWAT.

Date CBS’ SWAT Decision
May 5, 2023 SWAT canceled by CBS after six seasons
May 8, 2023 SWAT renewed for seventh & final season after cancelation
April 11, 2024 SWAT renewed for eighth season despite “final” season announcement
March 6, 2025 SWAT not picked up for season nine
May 16, 2025 SWAT season 8 finale aired

Is A SWAT Spinoff Still Happening?

Despite facing three cancellations before finally being picked up as a permanent show, there’s hope for more content in the SWAT universe. Series producer and former lead Shemar Moore collaborated with Jason Ning on a potential spinoff called SWAT Exiles. This new series would bring back Hondo, who is called out of retirement to lead a fresh, somewhat chaotic SWAT team. With other familiar faces like Jay Harrington returning as Deacon Kay, SWAT Exiles feels like a logical continuation of the original show.

Despite early interest, the series Exiles hasn’t secured a distribution deal. Filming for the first season finished in February with support from Sony Pictures TV, but it’s still looking for a network or streaming service. There was some discussion earlier this year about Prime Video potentially carrying the show in the US, but nothing has been finalized. As for the SWAT franchise, while more installments may be planned, its long-term future remains uncertain.

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2026-05-30 02:09