CBS blinked again!
The Eye network has reversed course, renewing S.W.A.T. for Season 8 midway through what was previously intended as a 13-episode farewell run. Of note, CBS’ press release does not tout the unexpected eighth season as a “final” one.
Season-to-date, the Shemar Moore-led cop show is averaging 6.1 million total viewers (with Live+7 playback), down just 7% from last season.
“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.,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “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 for next season.”
CBS initially cancelled S.W.A.T. after six seasons, in May 2023 — but less than 72 hours later, the network reversed its decision and renewed the procedural for a seventh, final season.
“It’s a privilege to get to deliver more S.W.A.T. stories to our incredible fans,” executive producer/co-showrunner Shawn Ryan said Thursday. “This Season 8 pickup is a testament to our showrunner Andy Dettmann, Shemar Moore, the rest of our talented cast and our dedicated crew who continue to produce television that resonates with so many people. We’re grateful to CBS, Sony Pictures Television and CBS Studios for the opportunity.”
Added star/EP Moore: “S.W.A.T. IS BACK! BELIEVE IN MIRACLES! I am so proud of this show and the people and variables it has taken to make this show what it is and has become. I am so grateful to the fans around the world who have supported, watched, enjoyed and rooted for S.W.A.T.! It is entirely because of this support that S.W.A.T. will continue to shine!
CBS previously announced renewals for FBI (Seasons 7, 8 and 9), FBI: International (Season 4) and FBI: Most Wanted (Season 6); Fire Country (Season 3); Ghosts (Season 4); NCIS (Season 22) and NCIS: Sydney (Season 2); The Neighborhood (Season 7); and Tracker (Season 2).
Young Sheldon and Bob Hearts Abishola are currently unspooling their farewell runs, while Blue Bloods is airing the first half of a final season that will conclude in the fall.
On the scripted side, that leaves the fates of the NCIS: Hawai’i, The Equalizer, So Help Me Todd, CSI: Vegas and midseason newbie Elsbeth still TBD.
