CBS' procedural series S.W.A.T. has managed to survive two previous cancelations, but the show seems to have been axed for good this time. Debuting in 2017, S.W.A.T. concerns the LAPD's Twenty Squad, a task force that is led by Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson (Moore). Existing in the same universe as FX's The Shield, CBS' long-running hit offers a grittier program than the usual procedural, and highlights issues like race and police violence while still delivering plenty of typical network TV action. Moore has not only been the star and anchor of the show, but has helped get it renewed as well.
Despite nearing a full decade on the air, S.W.A.T.'s cycle has not been smooth, and CBS canceled the show twice. The first came when it was announced that season 6 would be Twenty Squad's final outing. However, a groundswell of support (led by Shemar Moore) prompted CBS to change their minds and bring back the show for its seventh and final season. CBS reversed course again after season 7, and opted to give S.W.A.T. another go. This left season 9 in limbo, but the network decided to finally pull the plug on S.W.A.T. one last time.
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Is Canceled For The Third Time
S.W.A.T. Won't Be Returning For Season 9 On CBS
Custom Image by Dalton Norman
After weathering two cancelations and coming out on the other side, the writing was on the wall that S.W.A.T. season 8 would be the show's final outing. However, it was still somewhat surprising when the network axed the show in March 2025, along with FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. The reason for the cancelation is the same one that brought the show down two other times, it's that S.W.A.T. is not one of CBS' home-grown programs. This means the show costs more to put on the air due to licensing fees.
Series showrunner Andrew Dettmann issued the following statement:
It’s heartbreaking news, primarily because 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. They are truly an extraordinary group of people who have all worked so hard and have been so dedicated for all these eight seasons, overcoming countless challenges. I can’t give them enough credit. I feel so privileged to have been a part of the S.W.A.T. family.
After two tense cancelation battles in the past, CBS has reportedly washed its hands of S.W.A.T. and has opted out of renewal negotiations. However, since the show isn't a CBS-exclusive production, there's always a chance that it could be revived elsewhere. Unfortunately, any network hoping to scoop the show up would be faced with the same financial challenges that CBS had to deal with in the final seasons of S.W.A.T.'s run.
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Cast Details
Who Could Have Returned In Season 9
Since the show's initial "cancelation" after season 6, the cast of S.W.A.T. was in flux. However, it's impossible to know exactly who might have returned since the show has been axed for a third time. With that in mind, it's safe to assume that the entire main cast would have been back, including Shemar Moore as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr., the team's leader. Joining him would be Jay Harrington as David "Deacon" Kay, Hondo's second-in-command. Kay was set to leave the team in season 7, but he decided not to retire after all.
Victor Tan (played by David Lim) was another shoo-in for season 9's cast, and the established squad member is key to the group's success. S.W.A.T. Commander Robert Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit) would also be back, though he and Hondo didn't always agree on how the team should be run. Rochelle Aytes' Nichelle was reduced to a guest role in season 8, and it's unclear if she'd have stuck around without a larger part to play in the story.
The cast of S.W.A.T. season 9 could have included:
Actor | S.W.A.T. Role | |
|---|---|---|
Shemar Moore | Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. |
|
Jay Harrington | David "Deacon" Kay |
|
David Lim | Victor Tan |
|
Patrick St. Esprit | Robert Hicks |
|
Anna Enger Ritch | Zoe Powell |
|
Brigitte Kali Canales | Alexis Cabrera |
|
Annie Ilonzeh | Devin Gamble |
|
Niko Pepaj | Miguel Alfaro |
|
Rochelle Aytes | Nichelle Carmichael |
|
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Story Details
What's Next For The Squad In Season 9?
Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore
Though any number of things could have happened, it's likely that S.W.A.T. season 9 would have followed a similar pattern as its predecessors. The bulk of the show concerns the team facing a myriad of action-packed scenarios, and there's no reason to think that would have changed going forward. Since season 8 of S.W.A.T. wasn't planned as the last, it stands to reason that there won't be much conclusiveness to the current season, even though it has since been canceled. Fortunately, that inconclusiveness could allow the series to get revived down the road.
