In a dramatic twist fitting for a TV police procedural, CBS has once again saved S.W.A.T. from cancellation, renewing the fan-favorite show for an eighth season after previously announcing that season 7 would be its last. This marks the second time the network has reversed its decision to axe the series, much to the relief of fans and the show’s cast alike.
The initial cancellation of S.W.A.T. in 2023 came as a result of failed negotiations over licensing fees between CBS and Sony Pictures Television, who co-produce the show. With no deal in place, the show was slated to end after its seventh season, which was reduced to just 13 episodes. However, a surge in ratings and strong fan support led to a dramatic reversal, with CBS bringing the show back for a shortened final season. Now, with season 8 officially confirmed, it’s clear that the S.W.A.T. saga will continue.
Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, expressed her excitement, stating, “Here at CBS, we always ‘stay liquid’ and love a good dramatic twist, especially when it leads to an eighth season of S.W.A.T.! The show continues to resonate with viewers thanks to our talented cast led by Shemar Moore and our amazing writers and producers who keep the show relevant and action-packed. We’re very pleased to renew it again and incredibly grateful to our partners at Sony, CBS Studios, and Shemar for working so closely with us to bring it back.”
S.W.A.T., based on the original series created by Robert Hamner in the 1970s, stars Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, the head of a tactical police unit tasked with handling the toughest law enforcement cases in Los Angeles. The show, which premiered in 2017, has consistently attracted a loyal fanbase thanks to its mix of intense action and emotional storytelling.
Executive producer and co-showrunner Shawn Ryan echoed the excitement for the upcoming season: “It’s a privilege to deliver more S.W.A.T. stories to our incredible fans. This season eight pickup is a testament to our showrunner Andy Dettmann, Shemar Moore, and the rest of our talented cast and crew who continue to produce television that resonates with so many people.”
Season 7, which premiered in February 2024, was originally intended as the show’s swan song. With an average of 8.8 million viewers per episode in multiplatform viewing, the series’ impressive ratings were a key factor in CBS’s decision to renew the show. Co-showrunner Andrew Dettmann credited the fans for helping S.W.A.T. secure another season, stating, “Shemar and I had many conversations throughout season 7, confident that if we continued to tell great stories punctuated by S.W.A.T.’s signature action, our amazing fans would stay with us, giving us a good shot at another season.”
Shemar Moore himself was elated by the news, sharing his enthusiasm with fans. “‘S.W.A.T. IS BACK! BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!” Moore said. “I am so proud of this show and the people who make it happen. Thank you to CBS and Sony for believing in us and giving us this opportunity to shine.”
With its return for season 8, S.W.A.T. continues its legacy as one of CBS’s most enduring procedural dramas. Fans can look forward to more thrilling action, intense storylines, and, of course, the heartwarming camaraderie that has made the series a hit.
