S.W.A.T., the popular action series featuring Shemar Moore as Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, has defied expectations once again by securing a surprise renewal for its eighth season. Originally not planned after the seventh season, the show has remarkably survived cancellation twice, demonstrating its resilience and strong fanbase.
In an interview with TV Insider, Moore expressed his excitement and disbelief over the renewal, calling it “kind of a miracle.” He reflected on how he had prepared for the possibility of saying goodbye to his character but is now thrilled about the show’s return. Moore stated, “We won this fight. Let’s go out swinging. Let’s just make 13 incredible episodes. If it is over, we can feel proud of what we’ve accomplished, but if we do it well, maybe we can give them something to think about.”
Moore emphasized that the season 7 finale was designed to serve as both a farewell and a potential new beginning. He shared, “When you get up to the finale, you’ll see it was our way of saying goodbye, but it was also our way of saying we could still keep going.”
The Road to Renewal: Understanding the Cancellation Drama
S.W.A.T. has consistently delivered strong ratings, averaging over 8 million viewers per episode—an 11% increase from the previous year. However, its journey has not been without hurdles. The initial cancellation was primarily due to the show being a co-production between CBS and Sony, which complicates financial negotiations.
When discussions for season 7 began, Sony’s inability to lower its licensing fees led to CBS considering cancellation. Despite CBS’s later offer to increase the licensing fee for a reduced 13-episode season, Sony initially declined. Following widespread criticism of the cancellation on social media, series creator Shawn Ryan—unaware of Sony’s prior offer—accepted the shorter season, leading to the show’s revival.
The Future of S.W.A.T.
The recent renewal for season 8 comes after weeks of negotiations, underscoring the show’s strong ratings and dedicated audience. The series not only performs well in the U.S. but also has a solid international presence, making it a valuable asset for Sony.
As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, Moore and the cast are ready to deliver more high-stakes action and compelling storytelling, proving once again that S.W.A.T. is here to stay.
