S.W.A.T. may not have been CBS’s flagship series, but it carved out a respectable niche for itself over the years. Centered around the daily operations of a S.W.A.T. team in Los Angeles, the show consistently delivered solid ratings thanks to its fast-paced storytelling and a strong cast led by Shemar Moore. While it didn’t run as long as CBS staples like NCIS and Blue Bloods, it became one of the network’s most popular offerings, even seeing a resurgence when it was moved from Thursday to Friday nights.
So, it came as a shock when CBS announced the cancellation of S.W.A.T. after six seasons. Fortunately, the network later reversed this decision, opting to proceed with a seventh season. Initially believed to be the last, S.W.A.T. was eventually renewed for an eighth season, leaving many to wonder why the show was almost axed in the first place.
About the Show
S.W.A.T. follows a specialized tactical unit within the Los Angeles Police Department, led by Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The series tackles high-stakes crimes while addressing deeper themes of race, loyalty, and justice, known for its intense action sequences and the personal challenges faced by its team members.
Release Date: November 2, 2017
Main Cast: Shemar Moore, Alex Russell, Kenny Johnson, Jay Harrington, Stephanie Sigman, Rochelle Aytes, Patrick St. Esprit
Genres: Action, Crime, Adventure
Creators: Shawn Ryan, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas
Network: CBS
Directors: Billy Gierhart
Showrunners: Shawn Ryan, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas
The Origins of S.W.A.T.
The allure of S.W.A.T. has intrigued Hollywood for decades. In the 1970s, Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg produced a S.W.A.T. series that lasted just one season but inspired a 2003 film featuring stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell. A few years later, Sony approached Shawn Ryan, the Emmy-winning creator of The Shield, to revamp S.W.A.T. as a television series. With Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and director Justin Lin on board, they successfully pitched the show to CBS, even securing a penalty clause in case the network decided not to air it.
A Time Slot Change Breeds New Life
When S.W.A.T. premiered in 2017, CBS quickly recognized it as a hit. The pilot episode directed by Lin attracted an impressive 6.82 million viewers, and its Live+7 ratings reached 10.52 million—highest for its time slot. Shemar Moore, already a well-known name from Criminal Minds, played a crucial role in the show’s success, with Ryan calling him the “secret sauce.”
Throughout its first season, S.W.A.T. faced tough competition from other established CBS crime dramas. Despite not matching the ratings of NCIS or Blue Bloods, it maintained an average viewership of 5.89 million, enough to secure a second season. However, as CBS grappled with declining ratings across the board due to the rise of streaming services, S.W.A.T. experienced a dip in viewership in its second season.
To revitalize the show, CBS moved S.W.A.T. to a Friday night slot alongside Blue Bloods and Magnum P.I. This shift proved successful, as Season 5 ratings soared by 35%, averaging 4.28 million viewers. The following season saw another 17% increase, averaging around 5.01 million per episode, demonstrating that the move had rekindled viewer interest.
Cancellation Despite Renewed Ratings
After the promising results of Season 6, many fans expected S.W.A.T. to be renewed for another season. However, behind the scenes, tensions were brewing. Broadcast networks struggled to adapt to the streaming era, leading to potential salary cuts for shows. For example, Blue Bloods agreed to a 25% salary reduction to continue, while NCIS: Los Angeles was canceled after 14 seasons.
For S.W.A.T., complications arose when Sony’s Katherine Pope informed CBS that it couldn’t offer a lower license fee for Season 6. CBS countered with a higher licensing fee but proposed a reduced episode count of 13. This offer didn’t sit well with Sony, leading to CBS’s decision to cancel the show. The cancellation announcement sparked strong reactions from fans and cast members, with co-creator Ryan later revealing he wasn’t informed of the counteroffer.
After a backlash, CBS reversed the cancellation, bringing S.W.A.T. back for what was initially thought to be its final season. However, the show has since been renewed for an eighth season. While its future beyond the 2024-2025 season remains uncertain, S.W.A.T. has already secured a deal with Netflix, ensuring its legacy continues beyond broadcast television.
