As CBS bids farewell to S.W.A.T. for the third and final time, the series finale set to air on May 16, 2025, offers fans a compelling blend of adrenaline-fueled action and heartfelt character moments. While the conclusion may not be the grand “series finale event” some expected, it promises to deliver a satisfying and emotional closure that honors the essence of the show’s heart—the unbreakable bond of 20-Squad.
For years, S.W.A.T. has centered on the dynamic team known as 20-Squad, a unit that transcends typical work relationships to become a true family. This theme has remained consistent throughout the show’s run, influencing storylines and character developments. Executive Producer Andrew Dettman reveals that the final two episodes will put this family dynamic to the ultimate test, pushing Hondo, the squad’s leader, into uncharted emotional territory.
Hondo’s role has always been about more than tactical leadership—he’s been the glue holding the team together. Now, as the squad faces its toughest challenges yet, both from external threats and internal uncertainties, Hondo must fight to keep the unit intact. The finale’s stakes are higher than ever, with the squad confronting “the most formidable and well-trained opponents” they’ve encountered, which will test their skills and their loyalty to one another.
This finale isn’t just about high-stakes action. It’s an opportunity for deep personal growth and reflection for each character. Deacon comes to terms with his true priorities within the team, Tan contemplates a new career path inside the LAPD, and the friendships between Powell and Alfaro deepen. Meanwhile, Gamble faces a pivotal decision about her future with the squad. These developments signal that while 20-Squad may be facing change, the bonds they share remain as strong as ever.
Over its multiple seasons, the show has depicted the squad not only as a professional unit but as an extended family that supports and uplifts each other through every crisis. The on-screen camaraderie reflects genuine off-screen relationships among the cast and crew, whose shared dedication has only intensified with the knowledge that the series is concluding. This synergy of respect and affection underpins the finale’s emotional core, making the farewell all the more poignant.
As the characters prepare to embark on new personal and professional journeys, the series finale highlights the resilience and unity that have defined 20-Squad. Even as they face the possibility of separation or change, the spirit of family endures. This bittersweet farewell underscores why the show’s cancellation feels particularly difficult for both the team and its fans.
For those reluctant to say goodbye, S.W.A.T. remains accessible on streaming platforms like Netflix and Paramount+, though nothing compares to the shared excitement of the original broadcasts. The finale’s climactic case features an extraordinary car stunt teased by Dettman as potentially the most spectacular in the series’ history—a fitting tribute to the show’s reputation for breathtaking action sequences.
From high-speed chases to tactical combat, S.W.A.T. has consistently delivered thrilling stunts, whether involving planes, semi-trucks, motorcycles, or everyday vehicles. This final stunt promises to be a showstopper, a dramatic highlight capping off the squad’s legacy of daring maneuvers and teamwork.
Even as the curtain falls on S.W.A.T., the image of Hondo and 20-Squad piling into their iconic armored vehicle, Black Betty, remains a powerful symbol of their unwavering commitment to protect Los Angeles. The series finale encapsulates everything that made the show resonate with viewers—a blend of intense action, complex characters, and above all, the enduring power of chosen family.
Tune in on Friday, May 16 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET on CBS to witness how this beloved squad’s journey comes to an unforgettable close. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of breathtaking stunts or the emotional depth of a team fighting to stay united, the S.W.A.T. finale is set to deliver a memorable farewell that honors the spirit of the show and its dedicated fans.
