It was a tough week for scripted dramas on CBS. First, the Eye network canceled the FBI spinoffs FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Then CBS swung the proverbial axe on veteran S.W.A.T., which is actually nothing new. In May 2023, CBS canceled the series after six seasons. A few days later, the decision was reversed and a final seventh season was ordered. Then CBS changed its mind about the seventh season being the last season days after announcing a series finale date.
Outspoken S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moore, who plays Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, is already lobbying for another reprieve.
“Hey, Netflix, how you doing?” Moore said in an Instagram video. “Let me just remind you that in a very short period of time, once upon a time ago, not too long ago, it only took us about two weeks to go from No. 15, No. 12, to No. 1. Hey, I said it. And then we stayed in your top 10, top 15 for about six months, nine months, maybe a year. So, Netflix, if you’re interested in a show that is on autopilot that the world is watching, we’d love to come play.”
“NBC, Fox, ABC: Hey, you want to come flirt with me? You’re invited to the barbecue. Pick your favorite restaurant. I will pay the bill,” he continued.
The fans, meanwhile, have organized a campaign to save S.W.A.T., which follows in the footsteps of the fan outpouring to save canceled legal dramedy So Help Me Todd last May, which was not revived despite garnering close to 43,000 signatures.
VANCOUVER – Pictured: Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret and Skylar Astin as Todd on CBS dramedy “So Help … [+]
CBS VIA GETTY IMAGES
Is S.W.A.T. Worth Saving Again?
If Shemar Moore and the fans have their way, this reboot of the original series (which originally ran for only two seasons on ABC from 1975 to 1976) would be back for a ninth season. But Moore was overly optimistic with the facts he provided. S.W.A.T. is a respectable performer for CBS, actually finishing last season with its highest overall ranking to-date: #27. This season, however, the average 4.9 million viewers watching S.W.A.T. is down in the vicinity of approximately 20 percent year-to-year, according to Nielsen.
Following in Blue Bloods’ footsteps, Boston Blue is a likely candidate for the Friday 10 p.m. ET hour, which is where S.W.A.T. currently airs. Sheriff Country, meanwhile, could also end up on the evening, which is currently anchored by benchwarmer NCIS: Sydney at 8 p.m. ET. So, there may not be room on CBS for another reprieve.
NBC, of course, came to the rescue when CBS canceled the reboot of Magnum, P.I. in May 2022, granting it two additional seasons. ABC and Fox are also not without time periods in need of repair. And streaming partner Paramount+ ultimately became the new home for former CBS dramas Evil and SEAL Team.
Eight seasons, however, was a healthy run for S.W.A.T., and escalating costs for any long-running scripted series makes another return from the dead more of a longshot for the action drama. But never overlook a devoted fan, or Shemar Moore. And if S.W.A.T. finds a way to return, it will make the history books.
