The countdown to the final season of S.W.A.T. has officially begun! CBS has announced that the beloved series will return for its eighth and last season on Friday, October 18th, at 8:00 PM ET/PT. The premiere episode, titled “Vanished,” promises an emotional and action-packed farewell for Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, portrayed by Shemar Moore. This season comes on the heels of a tumultuous year for the show, which faced cancellation before a passionate fan campaign led to its renewal for this concluding chapter. Alongside the announcement, CBS has released the first images from the final season.
In the premiere, Hondo’s personal and professional lives collide as the team races against time to locate a group of missing students and their bus driver—who happens to be Hondo’s former high school football coach. This case hits close to home, challenging Hondo’s leadership as he navigates his emotional connection to the mission.
The introduction of a new team member, Devin Gamble, played by Annie Ilonzeh, adds tension within the squad. Gamble is a skilled cop with a family background in crime, leading Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit) to question whether she’s the right fit for the 20-Squad.
Who Won’t Be Back for S.W.A.T.‘s Final Season?
Season 8 will be bittersweet for longtime fans, marking the first season without Kenny Johnson (Dominique Luca) and Alex Russell (Jim Street), who departed during the Season 7 finale. Their absence leaves a significant void, heightening the emotional stakes as the series comes to a close. Additionally, Rochelle Aytes, who plays Hondo’s wife, Nichelle Carmichael, will have a limited role this season as she prepares to star in the upcoming CBS drama Watson alongside Morris Chestnut.
Inspired by the classic television show and feature film of the same name, S.W.A.T. has consistently explored the delicate balance between law enforcement and community relations through Hondo’s eyes—a former Marine raised in the very streets he protects. This blend of duty and personal connection remains central to the series’ identity and will shape the final season’s narrative.
As the show prepares to say goodbye, fans can expect S.W.A.T. to deliver its signature intensity, action, and emotional storytelling one last time. Viewers can stream the season premiere and subsequent episodes on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS.
Don’t miss the eighth and final season of S.W.A.T., premiering October 18th on CBS and available on Paramount+.
