‘S.W.A.T.’: Will Alex Russell & Kenny Johnson Return for Season 8?
While for the most part, “everything was positive” about finding out S.W.A.T. had been uncanceled for a second time, there was one heartbreaking part, according to executive producer Andrew Dettmann.
During Season 7, Hondo (Shemar Moore) has had to say goodbye to three members of 20 Squad. Street (Alex Russell) transferred to Long Beach, Luca (Kenny Johnson) was forced to retire after an injury when he interrupted a robbery off-duty, and Deacon (Jay Harrington) has chosen to retire. While Harrington is still around as Deacon adjusts to his next chapter, such is not the case for Russell or Johnson, who both had farewell episodes.
“I would love to see them back,” Dettmann tells TV Insider. “The one heartbreaking thing was when we were told this is the end, Season 7, giving Street and Alex that goodbye, making part of Long Beach PD, giving Luca that heartbreaking goodbye that Kenny played so well, those seemed like great story opportunities that the writers were clamoring to do, but now it’s like, oh boy, we wrote them out.”
Looking ahead to Season 8, he already has ideas. “There’s no reason why LAPD couldn’t do a case with the Long Beach PD in which we can bring Street back. I am hoping Alex, who plays Street. also directs for us. I don’t have my director’s list for Season 8 yet because that’s a complicated process, but I would love if Alex came back to direct, and if I can convince him to step in front of the camera too, I’ll do that,” the EP shares. “And the same with Kenny. I adore Kenny. We all parted on really good terms. He was so happy with the episodes that he got and his goodbye. So yeah, I hope so. I’d love to see both of them back again.”
Russell’s last episode ended with Street revealing his plans to propose to Chris (Lina Esco, who exited after five seasons). It’s impossible to imagine them getting married without everyone there.
“I thought that was a really fun thing to throw on at the end of Street’s [farewell],” says Dettmann, agreeing, “Yeah, it would be hard to imagine—unless, I mean, Chris was a little bit of a wild one, so unless they did something real exotic somewhere far away. But no, I think that would something we’d certainly want the team to celebrate at some point and see. There’s no reason why if we can’t make it work with the right story that we couldn’t have Chris and Street come through. I would love to see that. So it’s just a matter of coming up with the right story and getting actor availabilities and things like that, but that would be really fun to see them. I agree.”
And if that happens, that would be the complete opposite of what happened with Hondo and Nichelle (Rochelle Aytes): His proposal ended last season, and this one started with them already married. “Hondo’s proposal felt like wedding vows, all the things he said to her,” the EP explains. “We felt like, ‘Okay, we don’t need to see them gather and say all that again.’ So we came back and suddenly, yeah, my wife and ring on the finger only because we thought, ‘We don’t want to repeat that moment that we had them in a church, flowers all around saying those things.'”
The only reason that we can even talk about what’s to come in Season 8 is because S.W.A.T. was uncanceled for the second time (after the initial cancellation after the sixth season before the decision was reversed, then a surprise announcement of an eighth days after the series finale date had been set). Everyone is excited to come back, Dettmann says.
“At the end of Season 6, it seemed like we had run our course. We were all disappointed to get canceled, but the upside of that was going from a cancellation, which was heartbreaking—our wrap party for Season 6 was very weird,” he admits. “We didn’t know where we were. We were sort of up in the air. And then shortly after we heard about the cancellation. But the upside of that is then when we got the notion of 13 [episodes], just to say farewell seemed like a blessing, right? Because how often do you get to do that? That was a big uplifting thing. That wasn’t that sad because we planned for the end.
He continues, “But then as the season went on and our numbers and our ratings got better and better, I won’t lie, Shemar and I were exchanging late night texts about, ‘We can do this. We are either going to go out with a really great finale to our Season 7, or it’s going to be clear that we’re still a show. We’re still a thing.’ And so getting a pickup for Season 8 just felt like yet another blessing on top of everything. So other than that first notion of we’re canceled, everything since then has just been very much a positive uphill roll.”
How would you like to see S.W.A.T. bring back Street, Luca, and Chris in the future? Let us know in the comments section, below.
S.W.A.T., Season 7 Finale, Friday, May 17, 8/7c, CBS
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Luca can come back training officer
Or he can drive Betsy and
support coordinating on field and inside center.
Street, simple his time at LB swat finished, he has option staying in LB or returning to his swat family.
Esco comes back as a facilitator or a liason between LAPD and community or negotiator
DEFINITELY bring back ORIGINAL CAST
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Yes bring them back!!!!
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I love SWAT. I clear my schedule to watch. That said, I would love to see Street and Luca return. They are major parts of the show. The show seems a little sad without them.
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Street went to help out the other team so have them work together and Street realizes that he misses his old team. Have Luka come back and he had some kind of fancy rehab. STREET and LUKA needs to come back.
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Yes I would love to see them come back and that will be great that Chris and Street get married
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They could definitely bring Street and Chris back saying that there’s some big emergency that they need their expertise on and then they end up staying, Luca could have some experimental surgery like they did with Kelly Severeid on Chicago fire, he had a similar issue and he had experimental surgery and he was able to come back to work. And with Deacon, they could say that they got help with the children, some sort of nanny kind of thing, and then he could come back also because with the money he’s making from swat and his security company and her being a lawyer, they could definitely afford it and then Deacon can come back as well I’m really happy it’s coming back.
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I would love it.
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Please bring Luca and Street back. SWAT just isn't the same without them, especially Luca. I do love SWAT, but I miss them!
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Bringing back all three is a must. I started watching SWAT because I was a huge Shemar fan from Criminal Minds and found one of my favorite ensemble casts. KEEP them all together for Season 8.
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We absolutely want to see them again. And the STRIS wedding of course. PLEASE 🙏♥️🤞
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I love both Street and Luca. Luca a Deacon were my favorites. So glad Deacon is coming back. I don't see why Luca can't.consult on some tough cases. Of course it would be great if he proved the doctor's wrong and had a full recovery. These things do happen. As for Street, I think it is fairly easy to bring Street back, even on a temporary basis. Since S.W.A.T is short handed, he can be reassigned to assist. Please bring them back, even if for several episodes.
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They could definitely bring Street and Chris back saying that there’s some big emergency that they need their expertise on and then they end up staying, Luca could have some experimental surgery like they did with Kelly Severeid on Chicago fire, he had a similar issue and he had experimental surgery and he was able to come back to work. And with Deacon, they could say that they got help with the children, some sort of nanny kind of thing, and then he could come back also because with the money he’s making from swat and his security company and her being a lawyer, they could definitely afford it and then Deacon can come back as well I’m really happy it’s coming back.
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Street and Luca back full time. Also Chris recurring role.
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I love Kenny Johnson. He is so nice kind and like a big teddy bear and Alex Russell is such a wild child . To be honest the show is not all that without him and Street. Even if they don't bring back Lena Esco but at least those two.
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Yes, definitely bring back Chris, Street and Luca and have Deacon change his mind about retiring and keep 20 squad together. I love, love love this show, the best TV action and drama ever. Roll S.W.A.T
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I love Swat!!!! It is an amazing show love all the action!!!! & I look forward to watching it. Yes, bring all of them back!!! I miss Chris, Luca, Street, Swat is not the same without them. Everybody needs to get back together.
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Please bring everyone back. Luca can work at HQ doing research on their cases. Deacon situation all they need is a nanny or grandparent to help with the kids and they are good. Street has to come back cuz he is Street but Chris can remain his wife off camera cuz I loved her but I like the two new females that are there now.
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Yes please bring back Deacon rethink his retirement have his Annie finish law school and become a lawyer so he don't have to worry about the 2nd job and can return to the team Let Lucca still drive black Betty and hangcout with the commander doing stuff in the command center Sweet gets a transfer back LA County .Kris she made a great swat officer but I heard alot of people said that was just causing to much drama
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Please bring Deacon, Luca, Chris and Street back, and continue the Series for longer than Season 8. The shows on Friday night, Swat, Fire Country and Bluebloods are the best lineup on CBS, with the exception of Young Sheldon, which I must admit has become over the years one of my all time favorites.
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Yes bring them back! It is not as good without the original team!!!
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Bring them both back please
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Shows not the same without them
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Bring them all back asap please!!! We are begging !!!
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Please find a way to get luca and street, back.
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Yes I would like to see them come back to Swat .I love Swat watch every episode..
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Yes 👍 bring them back for the entire season.
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Yes bring back old group
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Yes! Bring them back!
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Would love Street , Luka and Chris to all come back I love the show
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I'm so happy to know there're going to keep S.W A.T. on the air. I've had so many disappointments with my favorite shows being canceled that I was about to disconnect my cable & fine something else to do. I'm missing shows like Hawaii Five 0, all the NCIS shows that have gone & are going away. What else!!!! Please enough reality TV. THANKS for letting me have a outlet of my feelings. PLEASE DON'T TAKE S.W.A.T. OF THE AIR!!!!!
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Yes, bring them all back!! Then make a S.W.A.T Reboot called S.W.A.T. Long Beach with Street in charge, and Chris can even apart of it!!
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we absolutely want to see them again, we miss them so much, the entire swat family the fans would be so happy because without them it's no longer the same we need to find them again ❤
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Bring Chris, Street, and Luca back. Hopefully after Season 8 there will be a season 9.
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Street, Luca and Chris should all return. There must be a way to do it. All three are much better than others that have been brought to the team. Keep SWAT together and renew for many more years.
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Bring them back. They are great characters. Luca is so sweet. He could come back as a consultant. Street and Chris could be getting married and something happens during vows and they all have to act on it. Jay Harrington character needs to come back to work. He doesn’t like retirement and his wife’s job takes a turn where she’s able to work 9-5.
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We love the show and want Street, Luca, Deacon and Chris back with the team!
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Maybe it's like a dream that Hondo had. He was somehow hurt in one of the previous episodes. And Deacon, Street, and Luca come back that way. Chris can come back running a place like Nichell.
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Yes please bring back Street, Luca and Chris. The team was great. I love the show.
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Promote Hondo to Lieutenant. This is the best cop show with it's action, relationships, and story lines. I hope season 8 isn't the last one! Please, keep it going...
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I would love to see them come back. SWAT is one of the few shows I watch on CBS.
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I am so glad that SWAT was not cancelled. It is one of the best shows on TV. I don’t care how they bring everyone back just as long as they do. And hopefully we don’t have to go through the fear of another cancellation.
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I would love to see Chris, Street and Luca back in SWAT. They were part of the original crew and that whole crew rocked SWAT.
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Yes bring them all back to stay
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It would be great to see Street & Luca back, not so much Chris on SWAT.
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Yes
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Totally bring back Luca and Street and Chris!!! The show isn't really the same without them!! And I definitely will be upset if Jay Harrington leaves! That would seriously suck! I have watched this show since day 1 and I really hope you don't let your fans down
Because there are alot of us!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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They should have just left it alone and ended it. They gave us closure this season and when they cancel it again we won’t get that closure.
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I would like it if they bring all of them back to SWAT.
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I really miss all three. I really wish they would all come back. I love SWAT but the show isn't the same without them.
Deacon is also amazing! Wish he didn't retire. 😔😔😔😔
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Remember he kinda un-retired at the end of the season finale.
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yes bring them back
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I too think Streets team needs help from Hondos team. Misses them and comes back. Chris comes back as his wife that is now a LAPD special task force detective involved searching and helping trafficked kids. She and team do a rescue together etc.
There is an episode or 2 there bringing more awareness to the trafficking issue. Another ongoing story line in and out but always playing in the background. One of the neighbor kids Luka helped has an Uncle that's a top surgeon. The uncle being grateful for Lukas mentoring his nephew steps up with a new surgery that helps Luka back to working with the team and becomes more involved with helping the community. Deacon becomes aware of a trafficking plot when one of his kids friends gets taken. He helps Chris and Hondos team and perhaps draws in Long Beach to take down the traffic ring. Deacon steps back into his role and his kids encourage him to keep fighting the good fight saying they want to be just like him someday. They know and understand and they are proud of their dad. And there you have it. Season 8.
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Wow, great storyline, I think they need to talk with you personally! LoL
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Well luca could have had some type of experimental surgery that could fix his situation, And far as Chris she could have found a successor to relieve her of her duties at the refuge and street could come back just because and take on 50 squad since rocker aka lou is now the love interest of buck on 911.
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That would be an awesome season 8!!! I miss them so much, it’s not S.W.A.T. without them. They’re family to the rest of the team. Please make it happen for us die hard fans!!!!!!
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Please bring back Street, Luca & Chris. That would be Awesome. I Love the team.
Hondo, Deacon & Tan .. They have been doing and amazing job. Please bring them together for the final season please!!!
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I think I would be totally down for all of the back in some way or another. I think Luca could be offered a training role and having a married Streit and Chris is a no brainier and ratings would soar.
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i would to see a season 8 with chris and jim street getting married i feel like this would be a great addition to the season 8 of the show and seeing all the actors there with each other with more happening after that
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Street and Luca need to come back. Love this show, but it’s not the same without them
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I really hope Chris and Street come back. At least for the wedding with Chris and have Street and Luca back full time. It’s not SWAT without them. Also really hoping for this show to continue for as long as possible. It is no doubt my favorite crime show and possibly favorite show in general. Can’t express enough love for it!
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Luca is literally my favorite character.
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Both Street and Luca need to come back as main cast . I hope to see them .
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I definitely want Luca back. It’s easy to write a character back in that had an injury … I also want Street back full time . I’ve gotten use to Chris not being in the show .
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Bring back Luca and street, our favorites
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C
Yes, yes, yes please bring back all three characters for season 8. Especially a Chris and Street. But Luca is also a huge favorite. It's so sad they left.
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Please bring them back! Like SWAT says, they are a family! It is just not the same without them. And yes to Chris and Street getting married for us all to watch...We waited long enough for them to be together...and Luca! We all love him! Make season 8 the season to always remember! Thank you for all of the great seasons!!!
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I am so excited there will be another season !! Great show Great cast ,Luca and Street would be a great idea !!
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I adore Kenny Johnson he is such a passionate man. He is the only reason Betty has survived all of these years. Try Luca in charge of managing the training program for season 8. His performances on screen have brought S.W.AT. a real sense of reality. He works to bring the show together. Maybe give Luca a love interest. ❤️ Esther
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Someone gets Hicks. It takes everyone to get him back. Nice ending for the series finale.
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I'd love to see the whole team together again. Undoubtedly they played a big part in making the show popular.
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Keep them all. Great series
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B
Without a doubt bring them back. The show is not the same without their personalities and above all the characters meshed very well making it a great cast. Chris is much better than any of the females that have joined the show. The three of them make the show whole.
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Please bring Luca back he is a wonderful performer and has proven himself in the business. ✌️
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Of course you should bring them back. Love the show but the original cast members, they can't be beat. Black Betty isn't the same without Luca driving.
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Love,love,love to bring all back!!! Bring back the family. More stories to tell...
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I quit watching because Street and Luca were gone. I definitely love Luca and Kenny is a phenomenal actor who brings so much positive energy to the show. IF they came back and 20 Squad was together, I would start watching again. I loved the show and it was my favorite go-to every week with the whole squad.
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I want all three back
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First, let me start off saying, I love SWAT probably more than anyone, I'm SWAT"s biggest fan. If they all can stay, please by all means stay on Hondo's team. Luca is my husband in my head and I liked to jump in the TV to save him when he got shot. It hurt me to my core to hear he was leaving along with Street. As a little girl I always said when I grow up I'm going to be on SWAT, Well that didn't happen so I live my dream through this show. Please don't mess up something that is going so good. This show keeps me in on a Friday night and my friends and family knows not to bother me when this show is on. So I'm asking Chris, Luca, Street and Deacon come back and stay on the show for at least 5 more seasons. You all are the best group of people I ever seen that work so well together and and shows so much love, concern and respect. You all are a real family. My TV family. You keep coming on and I'll keep watching. Please and thank you.
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If this is about the last show, Pat as I remember it, if the guys were not so busy talking to each other they would have seen and understood what Pat was saying.tjay guy was so sure the he won, he was not een paying attention to Pat saying, no no so Pat did nothing wrong.
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The Producers the showrunners and everyone associated with SWAT including the network who show it would certainly benefit from having Alex Russel & Kenny Johnston. I would definitely end the series with a proverbial BANG.
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Whatever it takes bring 20 squad back.
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I think they should bring back Luca and Street and Chris have a engagement party and he proposed to her in front of everyone and she says yes and in the same episode they have a big case and they need Street and Lucas help.
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I would love to have the team back together great together a big happy family l love this show please keep it going and bring the team back
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I really would love to see all this happen.Especially Chris and Street getting married
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Bring all three back, love them all
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Started watching Swat for one reason, Shemar Moore (Hondo). And then there was Deacon. I would continue to watch it if they were the only two on the show. But I'm glad that's not the case. They need Tan and of course, I miss Luca. As for as Chris and Street are concern, to be honest my mind have already adjusted to them being gone.
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Let's see the team we fell in love with when the show first started. We waited a long time for that kiss with Chris and Street. Bring them all back and so happy Deacon came out of retirement and Black Betty need Lucas behind the wheel.
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Having Street and Luca back would be amazing, however I also like the story of rebuilding 20 swat. It's more "true to life" things happen, people move on, you rebuild. It would be fun to have them as guests in upcoming episodes. With that said, Swat is.my #1 favorite show. Please.dont cancel!!!!
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Bring them back ASAP!!.....
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I think bring back the whole gang and definitely don't end the show this is one of my favorite programs If I can't watch it I record it I don't miss one single episode please keep making new episodes and seasons
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It will be great to have them bk in 20 squad probably starting after a few episodes leading up to a nemisis coming bk to seek revenge on hondo or commander hicks going straight down to the final episode, and the whole team is needed
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Please bring back everyone who originally started. I love the show. Keep it going
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Bring back Street & Luca for the final season!! We need to see Street & Chris get married & live happily ever after!
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They all make the show, please bring them back. I think the show is amazing and need to bring them back!
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If Law and Order SVU can stay on, then so can S.W.A.T. We love the chemistry between them all. Even the new characters. But no one should be able to drive Black Betty except Luca. If he can't shoot, he can at least drive! And Street and Chris should return. All that time of their built up sexual tension, then she leaves? They get engaged, and now we don't get to see their love story unfold before us? That's not fair. I hope they can come back! More fierce than ever! Make 1 of them a teacher, and the other captain or something. Luca loves to surf. Incorporate some of that and have more beach related crimes, and him more involved with the food truck and community and incorporate that into it somehow also integrated with Swat. They did that in Hawaii 5.0 and it worked. Just some suggestions. Would love them to come back amd it keep going for as long as the fans are here for it!!!
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Bring back Street, Luca and Chris.....the original cast...not new cast to play those characters.
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Yes. Please bring back Luca, Street and Chris.
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Luca comes back after his mentee is kidnapped. He tries to find her himself, but is Limited by his Shoulder Force And get shot again. He has a surgery that is risky where he could lose full use of his Arm But moves forward gaining for use. He comes back to SWAT With some kinks but able to do the job.
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I think the writer's could come up with some great story lines for all three.IMO, Swat should of never even had one cancelation!!
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Yes, bring them back. I love watching Luca navigate being a legacy. Street and Chris getting married and coming back would be great TV.
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SWAT isn't the same without them PLEASE bring them back!!
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Yes I think all 3 need to come back. Street and Chris need to get married on the beach and have Luca drive Black Betty with the team all on it for the wedding.❤️❤️❤️❤️ Something along that line .lol.
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Bring them both back. Luca can work at headquarters and Street can transfer back. I love swat and can’t wait for next season.
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Bring them back. That is what's caused your ratings loss. We were invested in the whole team and the current one just doesn't measure up.
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So happy there is going to be another season and would love to see street with Chris and luca come back
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I think Chris and street should come back. I just love S.W.A T. They need to keep the show on.
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Love SWAT… please bring back all three. There is always a way in television to bring back cast members. So excited for season 8.
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I would love them all to be back, LOVE THIS SHOW
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Oh yes bring back Street, Luca and Chris. SWAT is the best show on tv. I dont go anywhere on a Friday night
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I don’t think it’s the same without Luca and Street I was sadden when they left,
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Yes please bring them all back I love seeing them working together. Please don't cancel Swat I love that show.
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I would love for all three Street, Deacon and Luca to be returned to S.W.A.T. This is one if not my favorite show I am heartbroken to see it cancelled. Bring back my guys and keep S.W.A.T. alive
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Put Luca in charge of swat or working along side the commander!
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YESSSS, You have to bring back Street and Luka, and if Chris came back, OMG, ratings would be through the roof. Not sure the new squad has the same appeal, IMO. #bringbackstreetandluka
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They need to bring them all back for the final season.
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Luca could come back and work as a trainer/consultant and IT at headquarters. Street could take his old spot back on the team, and Chris could still work the sex trafficking aspect of the LAPD, and as liason with SWAT. If the actors are open to returning, there's always a way.
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would be amazing to see Street, Chris and Luca back in action on S.W.A.T. 20 SQUAD really doesn't feel like 20 SQUAD with these three gone as well as Deac
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All 3 guys would make S.W.A.T.whole again as it should be! My husband & I watch this show every Friday without fail…
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Bring them back!!!!! Have their wedding on an episode and it turns into a case at the reception!!!!! Then they will all be able to work tithe again
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Oh YES bring them all back this is my my favorite show !!’ When i heard they were canceled I was just sick !! I’m so happy it’s been Uncanceled !!! Thank you for keeping my favorite show on !!!!!
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B
I would really love to see all three of them back. I really love this show. I can't wait for Friday nights to watch S. W. A. T.
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Would love to see the 3 actors return
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Please bring back Steet, Chris and Luca! Need the original crew back for sure!
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I would ABSOLUTELY want to see ALL of them BACKKKKK!!!! Such a positive, for the most part cohesive, loving team, through the good, bad, ugly, they ALWAYS came through! My heart was on fire when Chris and Street realized how much they loved each other !!! Their characters were made to be together!!! And lastly, nobody drives BLACK BETTY like Luca!!!!! So please fill our hearts with some joy …….lets get them married!!!!!!! Jewel P. Dallas Tx
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I don't know any true SWAT fan that would not love to bring all three of them back in some capacity. It would be awesome and so glad that you were uncanceled once again!
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Bring back all three the show is awsome but there a major part of it..
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I would love to see them return! It’s a great show with them included! I do not understand why Swat is being stopped! Excellent show!!
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B
I'd like to see Luca undergo a experimental reconstructive surgery on the damaged shoulder and rejoin swat..
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Please bring all of the people back...Chris.. Luca and Street..they made the 20 squad..Please❗
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G
Bring them back
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Yes ì would love to see Street, Luca,and Chris back on Swat❤️
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Luca back as a SWAT training officer, Chris back as the team a short handed
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O
I was so happy to have each character have an exit, closure for us fans. I was super stoked we got another season but Street, Luca and Deacon's endings were so perfect. Luca could come back as SWAT academy instructor, Deacons wife will realize he's depressed so he'll be back. Street better make some appearances with inter jurisdiction cases....I literally told my Mum that without Jay Harrington, I'd be out. Shemar is amazing but *swooning* silver stud you get it #SWAT #EYECANDY #BADASSBITXH
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B
I would love to see the whole cast back! I,my wife, and adult son think S.W.A.T. ,F.B.I. Are the best things on T.V.
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C
Would Love to see them all back!!!!