CBS’ crime drama S.W.A.T. may not have reached the same level of popularity as NCIS or Blue Bloods, but its resilience is undeniable—it has survived two cancellations and continues to defy expectations. Between 2023 and 2024, the show found itself in limbo as Sony and CBS struggled to reach an agreement to keep it on the air. After a series of setbacks and unexpected twists, the two companies finally struck a deal—but not without a fair share of controversy along the way.
S.W.A.T.’s Uncertain Future
Premiering in 2017, S.W.A.T. follows LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson as he leads an elite Special Weapons and Tactics unit while bridging the gap between law enforcement and the Black community. A key factor in the show’s appeal is lead actor Shemar Moore, whose dedicated fanbase from Criminal Minds helped establish S.W.A.T. as a steady performer. While it never ranked among the highest-rated network series, it maintained a strong enough viewership to justify multiple renewals—until season seven negotiations took a turn for the worse.
The First Cancellation
Unlike many cancellations driven by declining ratings, S.W.A.T.’s troubles stemmed from a financial dispute. The show, an adaptation of a short-lived 1975 TV series and a 2003 film, was a co-production between CBS and Sony, with CBS paying Sony a licensing fee. That arrangement remained stable until Katherine Pope took over as president of Sony Pictures Television and refused to lower the fee.
CBS, already facing financial strain—especially after asking the Blue Bloods cast to take a 25% pay cut to secure a 14th season—pushed back against Sony’s demands. CBS proposed a compromise: they would accept the higher licensing fee but reduce season seven’s episode count from 22 to 13. Sony rejected the offer, and CBS responded by announcing S.W.A.T.’s cancellation after six seasons.
Backlash and Reversal
The decision sparked outrage from both the cast and fans. Shemar Moore took to Instagram, calling the cancellation senseless, while former showrunner Shawn Ryan voiced his frustration over being left out of negotiations. Ryan also assured executives that he could make a 13-episode season work. The backlash, combined with Ryan’s insistence, led CBS to reverse its decision—renewing the show for a seventh and final season, marking S.W.A.T.’s second cancellation.
A Surprise Renewal
Just when fans thought S.W.A.T. was ending for good, CBS reversed course yet again, renewing the series for an eighth season. The sudden change of heart was reportedly fueled by the show’s increasing success on streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, where it found a new audience. Now in its eighth season with a full 22-episode slate, S.W.A.T. continues to prove its staying power.
What’s Next?
As of now, S.W.A.T.‘s fate beyond season eight remains uncertain. Showrunner Shawn Ryan recently admitted he isn’t sure what the future holds, though he believes the show is “beloved in the executive ranks at CBS.” A final decision may not come until March or April 2025, when Skydance Media finalizes its acquisition of Paramount Global.
For now, fans can catch new episodes of S.W.A.T. every Friday at 10 PM ET on CBS. Whether season eight will be the true end—or if the show will beat the odds yet again—remains to be seen.
