Introduction — The Final Chapter of S.W.A.T. Is Here
After seven adrenaline-packed seasons, CBS’s hit police procedural S.W.A.T. is finally approaching its grand finale. And naturally, fans have just one burning question on their minds: Will any of the original characters return for the final send-off?
Spoiler alert: There’s a lot to unpack — and a few pleasant surprises. Let’s break down what we know so far and what it means for longtime viewers.
A Quick Recap of S.W.A.T.’s Journey
Since premiering in 2017, S.W.A.T. has carved out a spot in the elite tier of action-packed TV dramas. Led by Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, the series rebooted the 1975 classic with modern flair, real-world relevance, and an unforgettable ensemble cast.
The Characters That Built the S.W.A.T. Legacy
Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore)
The backbone of the series. Hondo is fearless, loyal, and often the moral compass of the team.
David “Deacon” Kay (Jay Harrington)
The voice of reason — Deacon’s been with S.W.A.T. longer than most, and fans adore his steady presence.
Christina “Chris” Alonso (Lina Esco)
A fan-favorite and a symbol of resilience, Chris left the team in Season 5, but fans have been holding out hope for her return.
Jim Street (Alex Russell)
From hot-headed rookie to seasoned officer, Street’s evolution has been one of the most satisfying character arcs on the show.
Series Finale Confirmed – But Why Now?
CBS announced that S.W.A.T. would conclude with its seventh season, making the current season its last. Originally canceled after Season 6, fan outcry was so overwhelming that the network reversed its decision — but only for a final 13-episode run.
According to producers, this limited season is a “love letter to the fans,” giving closure to stories that deserve proper endings.
Will the Original Cast Return for the Finale?
Teasers Suggest Familiar Faces Are Coming Back
Here’s the big update: Showrunner Andrew Dettmann recently confirmed that discussions were held with several original cast members about returning for the final episode. While he didn’t name names, insiders are strongly hinting that Lina Esco (Chris) and Alex Russell (Street) may appear in cameo or support roles.
“We Want to Give the Fans What They Deserve”
Dettmann added: “We’re working on a finale that honors the past while looking to the future. Expect to see some faces you haven’t seen in a while.”
Yes, that sounds promising.
Who’s Confirmed and Who’s Still a Mystery?
Confirmed to Return
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Shemar Moore (Hondo) – Obviously, he’s the heart of the show and has been vocal about giving fans closure.
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Jay Harrington (Deacon) – Featured heavily in the final season’s marketing.
Possible Returnees
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Lina Esco (Chris) – Left for personal reasons but remains close with cast and crew.
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Alex Russell (Street) – Busy with other projects, but producers remain “hopeful.”
Not Returning
As of now, there’s no official word on return appearances from lesser-seen characters like Luca (Kenny Johnson), though his name has been floated in fan forums.
What Makes These Returns So Important?
Let’s face it: series finales carry emotional weight. For a show like S.W.A.T., which is all about teamwork, loyalty, and family, it’s only fitting that fans get to say goodbye to every family member — not just the ones still on the payroll.
S.W.A.T.’s Ratings Surge Before the End
Interestingly, viewership for S.W.A.T. has surged in anticipation of the final season. Episodes have consistently outperformed expectations, and social media chatter has exploded — especially whenever original cast rumors surface.
Comparing to Other Series Finales
Other CBS shows (NCIS, Criminal Minds) have taken the “fan service” route in their finales, and it’s worked. It’s smart for S.W.A.T. to do the same — bringing back familiar faces ensures emotional resonance and honors long-term viewers.
What Can We Expect in the Final Episode?
While producers are tight-lipped, they’ve promised a “full-circle” story arc that reflects how far the characters have come. Expect action, nostalgia, emotional reunions, and perhaps even some life-changing decisions.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts to Make It Happen
Scheduling returns for former cast members isn’t easy. Some are working on other projects, and contract logistics get messy. But according to industry reports, CBS has pulled out all the stops to reunite as much of the original team as possible.
When Will the Series Finale Air?
The S.W.A.T. series finale is expected to air in November 2025, closing out a 13-episode final run that started in the fall. CBS plans to heavily promote the episode as a “must-see TV event.”
What Fans Want Most From the Finale
Let’s be real — fans want three things:
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A badass final mission.
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Closure for every major character.
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At least one “team dinner” moment to wrap it all up.
If the writers deliver those, this finale could become one of the best in CBS drama history.
Final Thoughts from the Cast
Shemar Moore has been particularly emotional in recent interviews. He said:
“We’ve poured everything into this season. It’s been one hell of a ride, and we want to leave fans proud.”
That right there tells you this finale will be more than just another episode. It’s a goodbye hug — explosive, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Conclusion — The End of an Era
S.W.A.T. has built a powerful legacy over seven seasons, blending high-octane action with heartfelt character development. As the series nears its final mission, fans can look forward to potential reunions, emotional closure, and a celebration of everything that made the show great.
While we wait for the final confirmations about returning cast members, one thing’s clear: S.W.A.T. intends to go out with a bang — and maybe even a few tears.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Will Chris (Lina Esco) return for the S.W.A.T. finale?
While not officially confirmed, producers have hinted at surprise returns, and Chris is among the most likely candidates.
2. Why is S.W.A.T. ending after Season 7?
After initially being canceled, CBS revived it for a shortened final season to wrap up loose ends and honor fan loyalty.
3. Is Hondo leaving the team in the finale?
There’s no confirmation, but showrunners suggest Hondo’s arc will come “full circle,” which could include a leadership shift or retirement.
4. Will the finale feature flashbacks of earlier seasons?
Possibly! Fans are hoping for flashback sequences or even cameo appearances to highlight the journey of each character.
5. Can S.W.A.T. return in the future as a movie or spin-off?
Never say never. With the cast’s popularity and open-ended storytelling, a revival or special could be in the cards down the road.
