CBS officially cancelled S.W.A.T. for the third time in March 2025, bringing its eight-season run to a close. Despite strong ratings and a devoted fanbase, the network cited budget constraints and licensing issues as key factors in its decision. But Shemar Moore, who stars as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, isn’t done yet—and he’s launching a campaign to revive the show.Reddit+15UPI+15Parade+15Reddit+1Parade+1RedditChange.orgChange.org+10People.com+10Decider+10
📉 Why CBS Pulled the Plug—Again
Financial and Corporate Pressures
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Although S.W.A.T. maintained stable rating numbers, CBS and Sony reportedly struggled over licensing fees and production budget overhead.UPINypost
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CBS strategically chose to allocate resources to other franchise series like NCIS and FBI, deeming S.W.A.T. too costly in comparison.UPIThe Sun
Incoming Changes in Network Priorities
This cancellation follows two previous reversals, indicating the network’s shifting appetite for legacy procedurals—even those delivering consistent performances.Women’s Health+15The Sun+15People.com+15
💥 Shemar Moore’s Reaction: Fighting Back
Straight Talk to CBS
Moore took to Instagram, calling the cancellation a “f—ing mistake.” He lamented the lack of foresight, despite S.W.A.T.consistently being one of CBS’s top Friday night performers.Wikipedia+15People.com+15Parade+15
Advocacy for Diversity & Crew
He emphasized that S.W.A.T. was likely “the most diverse show on CBS,” and raised concerns for the 200+ crew members losing work due to the cancellation.People.comEW.com
A Plea to Other Platforms
Moore publicly invited streaming giants—Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Paramount+, even NBC and ABC—to continue the series, pointing to the show’s consistent Netflix rankings as proof of demand.Reddit+15People.com+15Change.org+15
🧾 Community Efforts: Petitions, Reddit, fan support
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A Change.org petition titled “Save S.W.A.T.” gained thousands of signatures, urging platforms like Netflix or Amazon to pick up the series.EW.com+15Change.org+15Change.org+15
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Fan-driven petitions like “Keep it on CBS on Friday nights” and “Pick up on any network” spread across social platforms.Change.orgChange.orgParade
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Reddit threads such as r/swattv echoed user pleas: “We fought to save it once—we can do it again.” The community praised Moore’s efforts and urged continued support.People.com+10Reddit+10Reddit+10
📺 Season 9 Revival: Could It Work?
Precedent for Revival Exists
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S.W.A.T. was uncancelled twice before—in 2023 and again for Season 8. This history strengthens the case for a potential revival via streaming.Change.org+9The Sun+9Decider+9
Streaming Platforms Are Watching
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With S.W.A.T. reaching #1 on Netflix’s U.S. rankings, Moore’s pitch to the platform carries weight. Viewership data suggests a revival could attract global audiences.ParadeDeciderReddit
Negotiations Could Be Easier Post-Cancellation
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Moore noted CBS didn’t engage in renewal talks with Sony this time—meaning negotiations with a new platform might be straightforward.People.com+2Parade+2Nypost+2
🤝 Will the Campaign Work Again?
What Fans Want vs. What Streaming Can Offer
Fans want character continuity, closure, and the return of the original squad. Streaming services may offer shorter seasons, global reach, and creative freedom—ideal conditions for a revival or limited-run final season.
Moore as Executive Face of the Campaign
With Moore spearheading the effort, the campaign has both visibility and credibility. His outreach has mobilized fans and made a strong case for continued production—regardless of network.Parade+15Decider+15Reddit+15
📊 Summary Table
| Key Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Cause | Financial, licensing, and strategic programming decisions |
| Moore’s Response | Condemned the decision, fought for diversity, and protected crew livelihoods |
| Fan Mobilization | Change.org petitions, Reddit campaigns, and fan petitions across networks |
| Revival Precedent | Show revived twice before; fans hope for same outcome again |
| Streaming Potential | Netflix, Paramount+, Amazon prime identified as viable saviors |
| Likelihood of Success | Moderate—depends on platform interest, negotiations, and sustained fan pressure |
✅ Final Thoughts
Even though S.W.A.T. ended after eight seasons on CBS, the campaign led by Shemar Moore shows the story isn’t over. With strong fan support, proven demand on streaming, and Moore’s unwavering advocacy, a revival—especially via Netflix or Paramount+—remains possible. But it will take continued momentum, platform interest, and strategic negotiations to bring Hondo and the squad back.
❓ FAQs
1. Why did CBS cancel S.W.A.T. if ratings were decent?
High production costs and licensing disputes outweighed consistent viewership. CBS chose to prioritize newer, cheaper franchises.Change.orgReddit+7Change.org+7Change.org+7Just Jared+9People.com+9Decider+9
2. What actions has Shemar Moore taken to save it?
He posted a passionate Instagram appeal, called CBS’s decision a “mistake”, thanked the crew, and petitioned streaming platforms to revive the series.People.comParadeDecider
3. How are fans showing support?
Through Change.org petitions, social media campaigns, and Reddit forums such as r/swattv calling for renewal and broader platform awareness.Reddit+8Reddit+8Reddit+8
4. Has S.W.A.T. been revived before?
Yes—cancelled twice previously, CBS reinstated it for seasons 7 and 8 after fan backlash and Moore’s advocacy.Decider+6The Sun+6Change.org+6
5. Is there a chance the show gets revived on streaming?
Absolutely—Moore specifically targeted platforms like Netflix, where the show hit #1, and executives from Sony signal willingness to engage.ParadeDeciderParade
Custom Message:
Thank you for reading this breakdown of Shemar Moore’s campaign and the ongoing fight to save S.W.A.T.. If you’re committed to bringing the show back, sign the petitions, share your voice, and let’s prove that fans still believe in squad 20. Stay vocal, stay liquid—Hondo isn’t done yet.
