CBS has officially canceled S.W.A.T.—for the third and seemingly final time—bringing an end to one of its most enduring and frequently resurrected police dramas. After a rollercoaster ride of cancellations and renewals, the network has decided to close the curtain on the show following its upcoming eighth season.
A Tumultuous Journey to the End
Based on the original 1975 TV series and later revitalized by the 2003 film, S.W.A.T. was reimagined in 2017 and quickly gained a loyal following. The series, fronted by Shemar Moore as LAPD Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, combined intense action with timely social commentary, making it a standout among network police dramas.
CBS first canceled the show in 2023 after its sixth season, a decision that sparked considerable backlash from fans. Just days later, in a rare reversal, the network announced a seventh and “final” season. But that wasn’t the end—CBS surprised everyone again by greenlighting an eighth season in May 2024.
However, this time there’s no coming back. CBS has confirmed that S.W.A.T. will officially end after season 8, with no plans to revisit or revive it again.
No Lifeline This Time
What makes this cancellation different from the previous ones is the finality behind it. According to industry sources, CBS has opted not to engage in further negotiations with Sony Pictures Television, the studio behind the show. In past reversals, Sony was able to offer improved financial terms that made a renewal appealing. But this time, CBS appears firm in its decision to move forward.
The network is reportedly making room for new projects, including spinoffs of its other hit shows—Fire Country’s Sheriff Country and Blue Bloods’ Boston Blue. With its primetime schedule evolving, CBS seems to be realigning its focus, and S.W.A.T. simply no longer fits into that vision.
Showrunner Reflects on a Bittersweet Farewell
Series showrunner Andrew Dettmann addressed the news with a heartfelt statement, calling the cancellation “heartbreaking.” He emphasized the dedication and talent of the cast and crew, praising their resilience and commitment through eight challenging seasons.
“It’s been such an immense pleasure working with this cast and crew to put out a show that we’ve always been proud of,” he said. “They are truly an extraordinary group of people… I feel so privileged to have been a part of the S.W.A.T. family.”
What’s Next for the S.W.A.T. Franchise?
While CBS has definitively ended this chapter, fans shouldn't completely rule out the possibility of S.W.A.T. living on in another form. The franchise has proven to be surprisingly resilient, dating back nearly five decades. Long before Shemar Moore stepped into the role of Hondo, the brand was shaped by iconic figures like Steve Forrest and Samuel L. Jackson.
The series has already spawned a pair of direct-to-DVD films and remains a popular intellectual property. Given the enduring appeal of tactical team dramas and the depth of the S.W.A.T. universe, another reboot or continuation on a different platform isn’t out of the question.
Saying Goodbye to a Cultural Staple
*S.W.A.T.* carved out a unique space on television by blending adrenaline-pumping action with socially relevant themes. It tackled issues like police reform, racial tensions, and community relationships in a way few network dramas dared to do. That combination helped it resonate with a broad audience, and its cancellation leaves a noticeable gap in CBS's lineup.
As the show heads into its final season, fans can expect an emotional farewell and, hopefully, a satisfying conclusion for Hondo and his team. While this may be the last chapter for now, the legacy of S.W.A.T. is far from over. In the ever-evolving landscape of television, it’s never truly the end for a story that still has something to say.
Final Season Airs Soon
Season 8 will serve as the show’s swan song, and while details are still under wraps, there’s little doubt the creative team will pull out all the stops to give the series a proper sendoff. For now, loyal viewers will get one last chance to ride along with Hondo and the team that brought justice—and heart—to every mission.
