‘S.W.A.T.’ Stars & Fans React After Show Is Canceled for Third Time
CBS has canceled the Shemar Moore-starring S.W.A.T. after eight seasons and 163 episodes, but is this truly the end for the long-running action drama?
This marks the third time S.W.A.T. has faced cancelation over the past two years. In May 2023, CBS announced it was dropping the show after six seasons; however, just days later, the network reversed its decision and revealed it would be returning for a seventh and final season. Season 7 turned out to not be the final, as CBS surprisingly renewed S.W.A.T. for an eighth season in May 2024.
According to Variety, the show’s producers and stars were told on Thursday (March 6) that the series would not be picked up for a ninth season. S.W.A.T. is currently airing its 22-episode eighth season on Fridays at 8 pm, with nine episodes left to go. The season will wrap up in May.
“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,” showrunner and executive producer Andrew Dettman said in a statement.
He added, “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.”
S.W.A.T. premiered on November 2, 2017, and centers on Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Moore) and Twenty Squad. In addition to Moore, the show also stars Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, and Niko Pepaj.
Moore opened up about the cancelation in an Instagram video on Thursday, telling his followers, “It sucks. It’s sad.”
View this post on Instagram
“Uncanceled twice, two years in a row,” he continued. “Canceled. Uncanceled. Now, I don’t know my history, but how many shows get to say that? I’m gonna say none.”
“I had to give a speech today to my crew and say, ‘Hey, we’re done,’” Moore added. “[I told the crew] there’s nothing I can say to make this sound nice, good, optimistic — nothing. But I said, ‘Be proud. Be proud because we defied the odds, and we made a hit television show that the world loved to watch.’”
He also shared a message to CBS, saying, “If you’re done — I know it’s about money, optics, politics — I don’t think you’re making the right decision. But if you are done, I say thank you, genuinely, honestly.”
Executive producer Shawn Ryan also shared a statement, writing, “It’s been an extraordinary privilege to work on S.W.A.T. for eight seasons and tell the stories of Hondo and 20-Squad. I thank our fans, Shemar Moore, the rest of our cast, our producers, Sony Pictures Television, CBS Studios and CBS for the opportunity. Most of all I want to thank our tireless, dedicated crew who made our writers, directors and cast always look good. My greatest concern right now is for them.”
Fans were devastated by the news and took to social media to share their reactions, with one Instagram commenter writing, “Noooo!!!! I don’t know why they keep trying to cancel. Is such a great show and is very popular! I will definitely miss it if it can’t be saved again. One of my favorite shows of all time.”
Pictured (L-R): Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS © 2024 Sony Pictures Television. All Rights Reserved.
“It’s unbelievable.😕 Eight seasons of a show that was action-packed and had good ratings. Now to simply cancel it… no words.😔 This cannot be a final decision.😢 Thank you to the entire crew in front of and behind the camera for the incredible performance,” said another.
“I’m so sad! They can’t cancel y’all again!” another added.
Another wrote, “So sad right now!!! I didn’t want to think that it was coming! I would push for another season all over again! Love u!!”
“CBS is making a big mistake,” said one fan.
“So sorry you & the @swatcbs team are going through this again! Really hope someone comes through & picks up the show. If not, thanks for the ride,” added another.
“I pray that another network picks up your show,” wrote one commenter.
Former guest stars also commented, including Kareem Grimes, who wrote on Moore’s Instagram page, “Had a Great Time on that Show. Thank you @swatcbs Cast and Crew for Allowing me to play and Bring Life to “LilRed.””
Actor Anthony Bless told Moore, “The @swatcbs crew is absolutely extraordinary and it starts at the top with You & @jayharrington3 . Complete gentlemen and professionals and you both made me feel like I was fully part of the team even for a guest star appearance. From the moment Jonny welcomed me at the fitting to my entire experience on set, from top to bottom you all were class acts. So thank you, sincerely. And a LOT of ppl are gonna truly miss the epic ride that is S.W.A.T.”
Are you sad to see S.W.A.T. come to an end? Should CBS change its decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
S.W.A.T., Fridays, 10/9c, CBS
Conversation66 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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They are making a big mistake for cancel it again it is the only show that I watch on Friday night on that channel I am going to miss it is so much the cast and the crew will all be missed so thank you
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CBS (cancel before saving) how about leaving well enough alone and say CBS SWAT (a Creative Brilliant Show)
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This is such a great show! I do not know why you would want to cancel a great show with great actors. I hope it gets uncancelled or another network picks this show up. I am so sad this is happening.
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I can't believe it's been canceled. I am really unhappy that one of my favorite shows is being canceled. Bring it back on Paramount +.
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S.w.a.t....is an amazing show love all the actors...CBS is making the wrong decision by canceling it..I will no longer be watching anything on CBS once they cancel S.w.a.t...very heartbroken for the actors how loved making s.w.a.t. an awesome show
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It's an amazing show and should not be canceled
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Best show!! What are you guys doing over there at CBS?? ☹️ Listen to the fans for a change!!!!
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Exactly right.
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I think CBS and Sony I'm making a big mistake if you're going to cancel show stop playing around your are messing with people's careers a lot of people love that show just because you don't have the ratings that you want doesn't mean you have to cancel the show and put some other stupid show that people are not going to watch that's what it seems is going on here and I think it's wrong but it's a business and all you guys think about is ratings and money
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I'm heartbroken here to see that our SWAT FAMILY been cancel here. As for CBS I'll will not watch your channel again now you guys drop SWAT which I know the fans are really heartbroken over this s. I'm a true SWAT Family fan forever here. God bless each and everyone of SWAT.
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PLEASE, PLEASE, bring Malcolm back to Young & Restless... SOOOOOOOOO missed after all of these years....
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I’ve followed Shemar too from Y&R, Criminal Minds and most of his movies. They need to replace Amy R., that decides which shows stay on or canceled. I loved to watch Blue Bloods too and Fire Country.
Put on those other comedy shows that aren’t funny at all.
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To CBS WHY in the Hell did U Cancel the show ? If U Could NOT DO IT then say so ? Coward Bullshit THAT is CBS ! U have Soaps THAT have gone for 50 years BUT this Show U Can't Keep a Float ! Why Put us Through this if U weren't GOING TOO ? It was the BEST Show created ! The Cast ,& Crew Done a Phenomenal job ! I Don't Like CBS UR full of Contradictions ! I KNOW U have the money ! UR CBS ! U could find the money somewhere ?
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CBS seems to be making a habit of canceling the only really good quality shows they air. Pretty soon I won't have anything to watch that they produce.
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I LOVE S.W.A.T. I'm literally heartbroken. Moore, you are truly amazing as well as all the other actors but you are the one I enjoyed watching the most. You made that show come to life. I hope and pray that somebody will pick you all back up and continue this amazing show. Thank you all very much. A BIG S.W.A.T. FAN
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This show shouldn't be cancelled it's a great show and very popular. CBS needs to rethink their decision and renew SWAT instead of making all these stupid spinoffs of shows. They don't even know if they are going to last!!!!!!! CBS needs to stop cancelling good shows!!!!
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It may be time for it to end, unfortunately. I have enjoyed the show since it started, but the writing is slacking a little. If for some reason it does get renewed, I will follow to its end.
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How is the writing slacking a little?
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Are you a writer?
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SWAT Is my favorite show. I love all the characters. CBS please reconsider canceling this show. I look forward to seeing SWAT. I'm a 65 year old woman, and this show brings so much joy in my life..
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So sad! what's with CBS? The 2 FBI shows and now this. NBC looking better and better!!!
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So sad. I guess I'll do what I always do when they cancel one of my favorite shows. That is, I refuse to watch the show they put on in it's regular time slot. If everyone did that, maybe not so many would get cancelled.
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Great Show, but typical CBS cancels the great show replaces them with one season wonders. They should let SWAT reach 10 season and have real ending.
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Sad to see it end. I haven't watched it since my husband passed away. It was a show we watched together. It would be nice if someone could pull a Rabbit out of a hat and give the cast and crew a 9th season but if not if was a good run, With all the talented people on the show I am sure they will find other acting jobs in no time.
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I enjoy this show... wish CBS would keep it.
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If they cancel a great show like Blue Blood, nothing is safe. Not surprised by this at all. Have to say that Moore, really knows how to play the game!!
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The show is great, please leave S.W.A.T on , so many people love the show, the actors are great! Keeps you on the edge of your seat every week, would sure miss this show, best one on tv. Please rethink before you make a mistake!!!
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I love S.W.A.T. with Shemar Moore on Friday nights. I will miss this show as I did when Dallas ended. I’m sure many people will miss this show as well. This was a Friday night staple. So if this network doesn’t listen to the fans to continue the show, I pray that another network will pick the show up!!
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Pathetic idea! S.W.A.T. is the best show on TV. Hopefully another network will be smart enough to pick it up.
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So very Sad! S.W.A.T. is one of the best shows. Great show that I look forward to watching every week! Big mistake CBS. Stop canceling the good ones & starting these other ones.
This and the 2 FBI ones that people are invested in! Sucks CBS do better!
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I'm so sad to see SWAT go I Hope that another network 😢pick it up great show.
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Please DON'T cancel S.W.A.T. !!!!!
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CBS sucks, all they do is put on these other stupid programs Watson elsbeth Sherlock, give me a break SWAT is one of the best programs well written well acted on TV I've been watching it since the beginning it's always interesting hope they find another Network cuz CBS sure isn't doing anything at all for any of their good programs they just keep getting all this junky stuff I'm really disappointed and upset they should find another Network.
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DO NOT CANCEL SWAT
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It’s a great show. CBS should not cancel it. I hope another network picks it up.
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I found it on Netflix. They should pick this series up!!! This is hands down ONE OF THE BEST TV SHOWS EVER PRODUCED!!!!! CBS YOU BLEW IT!!!!!
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What I don’t get is why do they, the broadcasters, always cancel popular shows that people love to watch? I’ve watched SWAT from the very beginning and has seen it go throw character changes, etc and I still watched it.
Guess it’s time to subscribe to another broadcasting system!! Bye bye CBS!!
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Why are they canceling a show that's doing well. I believe CBS sabotaged SWAT by moving them to 10p slot resulting in viewer ratings drop to justify canceling the show...bad move CBS. I sincerely hope another network or Netflix picks up the show.
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Why are they canceling a good show that has been doing so well. I do believe that CBS sabotaged SWAT by moving them to the 10p slot to cause viewer ratings to drop which would justify the cancellation..bad move CBS. I sincerely hope another network or Netflix picks up this show.
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Please don't cancel this extraordinary show, CBS!! It's such a phenomenal show-well written, great cast, intense and gripping story lines, so incredibly loved by so many of us!! Don't do this!!!
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I watch it all the time. Have watched since the beginning. It's a great show. Please keep it going.
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Who makes these poor decisions? S.W.A.T. Is one of the best shows on tv
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I think the people responsible for canceling SWAT are inept
This show’s ratings are still great , storylines are still riveting, Cast and acting are terrific
Seriously, there aren’t many shows that hold my attention and that I look forward to every week
Shame on all involved in this decision
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It’s a shame. All those trashy reality shows is what need to be canceled and not shows like swat fbi most wanted and fbi international.
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Yes to shermar moore, for trying to save swat.
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I think swat should be renewed, I love the show, moore and his team are wonderful. Please don't cancell the show.
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It’s terrible, sad that CBS puts the cast and crew through this again. I hope another network picks up your show and continue more episodes/seasons. If CBS doesn’t do the right thing, then they don’t deserve the viewership of dedicated viewers from around the world that love to watch SWAT every Friday night. Moved to another time slot and now they want to pull the rug again. Shame on you CBS. Putting 300 and more unemployed.
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No, no, no! Such a great show to watch and there are so few good ones left! Don’t cancel PLEASE!
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Making a big mistake!! It is a great show! It’s really funny u keep bad shows and cancel the good ones ! Don’t understand some people. M
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S.W.A.T. has Loyal Fans and it should stay in the CBS in the Lineup!!! I'm not sure why We (the Fans) have had to endure this for the past two years!!! The Cast is Awesome & the Story Lines are Fantastic!!! Save S.W.A.T., Save S.W.A.T., Save S.W.A.T.
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CBS has a habit of canceling shows that are still getting good ratings. I liked SWAT.
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What is CBS thinking??? It's a great show and should continue.
Don't give up the fight! We've got your back.
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Customer pay a lot of money to watch great shows- they cancel great ones and add dumb game shows or reality shows. Before long their won't be any good ones to watch. CBS is definitely making a mistake. They cancelled Blue Bloods, FBI Most wanted, FBI Intl and now SWAT. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH- If your not losing money and tge fans live it - stop canceling great shows. Make it about the people working in these shows -the fan's for once and not about pure profit for greedy stock holders.
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I know they are making a big mistake we are praying for,God to turn it around give them more 9-10 and more I love swat
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This is not good. What's going to replace it, is the question? An actual, scripted drama or some garbage "reality" show? If it's a "reality" show, you can almost bet that very, very FEW might watch it.
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CBS is making a real mistake.
SWAt is an amazing show.
Do not cancel.
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CBS you suck
Take off all the good shows and put new crappy ones on
SWAT is one of the best ones. Great actors
Please 🙏 reconsider leaving them on
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Of all the shows that need to be canceled why cancel a great show. I hope another network picks it up. Cbs you suck for this one
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What on earth is CBS doing?!?! First my FBIs, now SWAT. Just can’t believe it 😡😢
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Let it go (already)!
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Why is it ending? What' the reason? Hope some one picks it up. Love the show and the cast .
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I’m so sad. 😭
Sign & share please #SaveSWAT https://www.change.org/p/save-s-w-a-t-8a878c03-92bc-4a18-9d59-2ac77b01836c
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This is one of our favorite shows. It makes no since to cancel such a good and popular show. I’m sure it has something to do with money!😡
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So sad! CBS got it wrong. I will truly miss SWAT I've been a fan since the beginning in 2017. One of the best shows on TV
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Oh, Moore didn’t play the race card like he did before. That’s a surprise.
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