In a surprising turn of events, CBS has officially renewed S.W.A.T. for the 2024-25 season, marking a remarkable second chance for the beloved action drama. Shemar Moore will continue his role as both star and executive producer, with Season 8 expected to feature 22 episodes.
This renewal comes just a year after the series faced cancellation, only to be revived days later for a seventh and final season. Unlike last time, CBS has opted not to label Season 8 as the series’ last, leaving the door open for more adventures with the S.W.A.T. team.
The news of the renewal coincides with the production wrap-up of Season 7. Moore teased fans on social media, posting set photos with the promise that the Season 7 finale would be explosive—hinting that it wouldn’t necessarily be the series finale.
Sources indicate that the finale was written to serve as both a satisfying conclusion and a potential setup for the upcoming season. This foresight means that no last-minute changes to the script are required following the renewal announcement.
Discussions about Season 8 reportedly began earlier this week, as CBS sought a license fee reduction from Sony Pictures Television, the show’s producer. In a typical industry move, this adjustment was intended to align with current economic realities. Previous negotiations had also involved CBS increasing the license fee, which ultimately led to the show’s initial cancellation before the two parties reached an agreement for a 13-episode seventh season.
S.W.A.T.’s renewal was largely influenced by its strong performance in both traditional and streaming ratings. The series has consistently ranked among the top 20 broadcast dramas, averaging 6.1 million viewers, with total viewership climbing to 8.8 million when considering multi-platform viewing.
“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.!” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “The show continues to resonate with viewers thanks to our talented cast led by Shemar Moore and our amazing writers and producers.”
Katherine Pope, president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, expressed similar enthusiasm, thanking CBS for its continued support and highlighting the passionate fanbase that has driven the show’s revival.
The cast, led by Moore alongside Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Rochelle Aytes, and Anna Enger Ritch, will be back for the next chapter. Executive producers Shawn Ryan and Andrew Dettmann also shared their excitement about the renewal, emphasizing the team’s dedication to storytelling that resonates with audiences.
With the drama set to return for an eighth season, S.W.A.T. joins a lineup of other renewed CBS dramas, including NCIS, FBI, and Fire Country. As the series embarks on its next adventure, fans can look forward to even more action-packed episodes filled with the heart and intensity they’ve come to love.
