The crime drama S.W.A.T., which premiered in 2017, has been one of the most intriguing shows in recent years, featuring a team of highly trained men and women who appeal to a wide range of audiences. While the show has certainly lost its steam, it is still one of the most entertaining and action-packed series on the air right now. Having said that, the show was on the verge of being canceled twice, but it made it through and is now renewed for another season.
Even though CBS's announcement was positive news for the fans of S.W.A.T., it also resulted in a notable on-screen change. As reported by Deadline, Rochelle Aytes' Nichelle Carmichael will not return for the next season. The producers have shown interest in making her a recurring actress since Nichelle is Hondo's wife. With that in mind, let's look at why Rochelle Aytes is leaving S.W.A.T. and if she plans to return anytime soon.
Why Is Rochelle Aytes Leaving S.W.A.T.?
Rochelle Aytes has been an integral part of S.W.A.T, since her debut in Season 3. So far, she has appeared in 55 episodes from 2019 to 2024, the seventh being her final season. She was initially introduced as an employee at a local community center before becoming Sergeant Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson's love interest. Their bond grew stronger as the seasons progressed, and the couple welcomed their first daughter, Vivian, in Season 5.
By the latest season, Nichelle, as the police performance auditor at the Office of the Inspector General, had become more involved with the S.W.A.T. team. While S.W.A.T. is primarily about crimes and how the team solves them, it also includes some exterior scenes with the members' families. With Rochelle Aytes leaving S.W.A.T., it might mean that Hondo's family interactions may be limited, except for his daughter, Vivian.
Apparently, Rochelle Aytes is leaving S.W.A.T. for one good reason: she is set to star in one of the major CBS dramas. The actor was not invited to return for the eighth season while new contracts were being negotiated, thus she had to greenlight another CBS show titled Watson.
What Is Rochelle Aytes' New CBS Show?
The new CBS series, Watson, revolves around Dr. John Watson, one of the two protagonists from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. The series is reportedly the second CBS adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, with the first being Elementary. Watson takes place a year after the death of Sherlock Holmes, with Dr. John Watson resuming his medical practice.
As the head of a clinic in Pennsylvania, he does his best to treat individuals suffering from rare disorders, but when the past catches up with him, he is forced to jump back into action, finally chasing down the killer of his best friend. It has been revealed that Rochelle Aytes will play Dr. Mary Morstan, a well-known East Coast surgeon and Watson's ex-wife. While she holds Watson in high regard for his dedication and talents, she is also fed up with the fact that he often gets into trouble.
Since she is intimately related to the series' protagonist, Aytes' role will be very crucial in terms of the story's direction, which is excellent news for the actress, who is leaving S.W.A.T. The series is now under development, with Kapital Entertainment and CBS Studios serving as producers, alongside executive producers Craig Sweeney, Morris Chestnut, Sallie Patrick, Larry Teng, and many others. The filming is expected to continue until November 2024, with the series set for release in 2025.
Will Rochelle Aytes Return to S.W.A.T.?
While Rochelle Aytes' departure from S.W.A.T. has been confirmed, fans are beginning to wonder who will fill her shoes. According to Deadline, there is still a chance that Rochelle Aytes might appear in the following season, since producers have expressed their interest in making her a recurring guest star, with the prospect of becoming a series regular still in the play. However, S.W.A.T. Season 8 may not prefer to lead the story along a family path; therefore, it is safe to presume that she will only make brief guest appearances when needed.
With Aytes' major role in Watson, it will be difficult for the actor to find time as a series regular on S.W.A.T. On the bright side, despite Rochelle Aytes' exit from the series, the producers' love for her character might still earn her the recognition she deserves. For this reason, fans of S.W.A.T. may still expect Rochelle Aytes to return as Nichelle Carmichael in the upcoming season.
In addition to the information provided above, a new female S.W.A.T. member will be introduced to the cast, and she will be a recurrent character rather than a regular like the rest. No other cast departures are expected at this time, and we are excited to see what Season 8 has in store for us, whether in terms of cast changes or storylines. Stream on Netflix
