After multiple cancellations, CBS’s beloved action drama S.W.A.T. is facing what appears to be its definitive farewell following the upcoming two-hour, two-part finale of its eighth season. With a history of near-extinction, this time the show’s conclusion feels more permanent, leaving fans anxious yet eager for one last adrenaline-pumping mission with Shemar Moore and the elite Twenty Squad.
The anticipation for the finale has been mounting ever since Season 8, Episode 20, titled “Devil Dog,” aired. In that episode, the tension escalated as Hondo (Shemar Moore), Deacon (Jay Harrington), and Hondo’s father, Daniel Sr. (Obba Babatundé), raced to a marine base to locate Hondo’s cousin Andre (Freddy D. Ramsey Jr.), who had gone AWOL. The promo for the finale, though brief, has been enough to set pulses racing, promising an intense and explosive conclusion that perfectly encapsulates the show’s core mission: “Let’s go save this city.”
The first part of the finale, Episode 21, “Ride or Die,” plunges the team into chaos after a high-speed hijacking involving an auto carrier truck. Hondo confronts a ghost from his past, while Gamble faces personal turmoil when her brother becomes entangled in the investigation. The stakes are high, blending emotional depth with high-octane action that has been a signature of the series.
Episode 22, “Return to Base,” raises the stakes even further. The SWAT team faces its most dangerous challenge yet as a ruthless group of ex-pat Russian mercenaries takes Los Angeles hostage. These mercenaries have planted hundreds of hidden explosives across the city, leveraging the threat to force the release of their brutal leader, Dmitri Rykov. This finale mission pushes the team to their limits, underscoring the urgency and gravity that will mark the series’ final chapter.
The build-up to this concluding double episode carries a bittersweet tone, reflecting the show’s enduring popularity and critical praise. What began as a straightforward procedural action series has evolved into a deeply engaging narrative with complex characters, and the finale promises to honor that growth with a storyline that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Reassuring fans worried about how the series will wrap up, cast members Anna Enger Ritch and Annie Ilonzeh have spoken candidly about the finale’s impact. Ritch shared that the episodes will leave viewers wanting more, emphasizing the rich storytelling and unresolved possibilities that remain: “It will make you not want this show to end. You’ll want to keep watching what happens. There are so many avenues and directions to go, so many stories to tell, so many personal things.” Ilonzeh echoed this sentiment, highlighting the open-ended nature of the finale: “You go, ‘Oh my gosh, that just happened!’ And, ‘Wait, I need more!’ We definitely don’t button anything up. We leave you guessing and very curious for more.”
This final mission not only delivers the explosive action fans expect but also leaves the door open to countless untold stories, hinting at what could have been future seasons or spin-offs. The chemistry of the cast, combined with high-stakes drama and heartfelt character arcs, ensures the finale will resonate well beyond its closing scenes.
The S.W.A.T. series finale is scheduled to air on CBS on Friday, May 16, 2025. This two-part event marks the end of an era for one of the network’s most dynamic and engaging procedural dramas. As the city’s fate hangs in the balance, viewers can expect a thrilling send-off packed with intensity, emotional moments, and the relentless spirit of teamwork.
For fans of S.W.A.T. and those who appreciate gripping police dramas, this finale is a must-watch. It promises to honor the show’s legacy while delivering unforgettable action and suspense, ensuring the series will be remembered as a high-water mark for procedural storytelling on television.
Stay tuned as the Twenty Squad embarks on their final mission to save their city — and close the chapter on a series that has captured hearts and adrenaline for eight unforgettable seasons.
