S.W.A.T. is coming back!
Despite reports that the show would be coming to an end after Season 7, CBS decided to move forward with a renewal, with Season 8 now on the way.
The series, which has been on the air since 2017, centers around a locally born and bred S.W.A.T. sergeant and his team of highly-trained men and women as they solve crimes in Los Angeles.
CBS has renewed S.W.A.T. for Season 8 despite announcing its seventh season would be its last a year ago.
This is the second time S.W.A.T has been un-cancelled. The original decision to cancel S.W.A.T. reportedly came down to licensing fees. After Sony and CBS were unable to come to a deal in 2023, the show was canceled, but they eventually worked out the deal for a final season with a reduced episode count.
“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, 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.”
“It’s a privilege to get 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, the rest of our talented cast and our dedicated crew who continue to produce television that resonates with so many people,” said executive producer and co-showrunner Shawn Ryan. “We’re grateful to CBS, Sony Pictures Television and CBS Studios for the opportunity.”
Shemar Moore will be returning as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. for Season 8.
“S.W.A.T. IS BACK! BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!” Shemar Moore said in a statement, via Variety.
“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! This is still a dream job for me … I love my S.W.A.T. crew, cast and writers and producers – we have made an incredible, fun, exciting, provocative and heartwarming show for the world to enjoy. Thank you to CBS and Sony for believing in S.W.A.T. and giving us this opportunity to shine!”
Niko Pepaj is getting a promotion to series regular!
Niko Pepaj will not only return as Officer Miguel Alfaro, but he has been upgraded to a series regular, making him a permanent member of 20 Squad!
Annie Ilonzeh will be joining for Season 8!
The new season will welcome Arrow and Person of Interest star Annie Ilonzeh in the role of Devin Gamble in a recurring capacity, Deadline reported.
Kenny Johnson likely won’t be back in Season 8 as Dominique Luca.
Although most of the main cast is expected to return, one likely absence in Season 8 will be Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca.
Dominique had an emotional retirement ceremony in Season 7, which saw him leaving the team. It’s likely that means he’s gone for Season 8, although we don’t know for sure.
Rochelle Aytes as Nichelle Carmichael – DEMOTED FROM SERIES REGULAR TO RECURRING
Rochelle Aytes is no longer a series regular at S.W.A.T.
The actress has been playing Nichelle Carmichael since Season 3, and she was promoted to series regular in Season 6. Unfortunately, he “was not invited back as a series regular but the producers want to keep her in the S.W.A.T. universe” according to a new report.
Rochelle is expected to return in a recurring capacity for the upcoming Season 8.
But she’s also busy with a new CBS gig: she’s staying on the network in a brand new series!
Rochelle has joined the cast of the upcoming medical drama series Watson, starring Morris Chestnut as one of history’s greatest detectives as he turns his attention from solving crimes to solving medical mysteries.
Find out which shows CBS is renewing in 2024!
