In 2003, CBS cancelled S.W.A.T., only to pick it up a few days later for a final season. However, that final season did not turn out to be one because the network picked it up for another one.
Then it seemed like its luck had finally run out, as CBS cancelled the series and did not reverse its decision.
While CBS is still a no, two days after the series finale aired, Sony was not done with Shemar Moore. So today, they announced that they are giving Hondo his own spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles.
Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the next chapter of S.W.A.T. to life – both for our incredibly dedicated fans of the original franchise and for a new generation of viewers. We’re grateful to our incredible partners Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Jason Ning and Shemar Moore for embarking on this journey with us. This team’s commitment to the global fanbase, to our beloved crew and to our city runs deep!”
S.W.A.T. Exiles is described as: After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson [Moore] is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is.
The 10-episode first season is expected to film this summer. Maybe by then, someone will have picked it up for air. As now, the series has no home.
S.W.A.T. got some news today that they have already gotten. The CBS police procedural was cancelled for a third time.
“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,” S.W.A.T. showrunner Andrew Dettmann said. “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.”
CBS pulled the plug on the show, which stars Shemar Moore, in 2023. But after fan support, they announced it would be back for a seventh and final season. But at the end of that year, it was picked up for an eighth season, which we now know is its absolute final one. Or is it???
UPDATE: Shemar Moore made a video about the cancellation. To hear what he said, then click here!
Last year, CBS canceled S.W.A.T., but the fans fought to get it back. And they succeeded. A few days later, the network picked up the police procedural for a 7th and final season.
But nothing is really final until it is. Therefore, the little show that could, did. CBS renewed the series for an 8th season today.
“Here at CBS, we always ‘stay liquid’ and love a good dramatic twist, especially when it leads to an eighth season of S.W.A.T.!,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “The show continues to resonate with viewers thanks to our talented cast led by Shemar Moore and our amazing writers and producers who keep the show relevant and action-packed. We’re very pleased to renew it again and incredibly grateful to our partners at SONY, CBS Studios and Shemar for working so closely with us to bring it back for next season.”
The show’s star, Shemar Moore, never gave up hope and he was right to do so. “S.W.A.T. IS BACK! BELIEVE IN MIRACLES! I am so proud of this show and the people and variables it has taken to make this show what it is and has become,” said Moore, series star and executive producer. “I am so grateful to the fans around the world who have supported, watched, enjoyed and rooted for S.W.A.T.! It is entirely because of this support that S.W.A.T. will continue to shine! This is still a dream job for me … I love my S.W.A.T. crew, cast and writers and producers – we have made an incredible, fun, exciting, provocative and heartwarming show for the world to enjoy. Thank you to CBS and SONY for believing in S.W.A.T. and giving us this opportunity to shine!”
I love fairy tales with happy endings, and I am happy that S.W.A.T. is living happily but not ever after. Are you thrilled it is coming back?
On Friday, CBS cancelled S.W.A.T. after six seasons. Then Shemar Moore made a plea on social media to get his series more episodes, and the fans wanted it too. So they reached out to CBS, and now the show will be back for a seventh and final season.
“We have listened to our viewers and their outpouring of passion for S.W.A.T., and we have reached an agreement to renew it for a final season of 13 episodes to air during the 2023-2024 broadcast year,” Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment, and Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios, said in a joint statement. “S.W.A.T. has aired for six seasons on CBS and garnered a devoted following. We are pleased that we found a way to bring it back and give closure to the show’s storylines and characters, which audiences deserve. Once again, we appreciate the talents and efforts of the cast, writers, producers and crew and everyone who has contributed to the success of S.W.A.T. We look forward to its return next season.”
Moore added, “Ayyeee!!!!! We did it #SWATFAM!!! @swatcbs is coming back for a 7th and Final season with 13 Episodes!!! Thank you to all of you for the continued and amazing support!! Let’s go 👊🏽💯🔥💪🏽”
I love when a series gets saved after being cancelled. It is a Hollywood fairytale. Although, the Evil Stepmother will have to go after another show like East New York to compensate for the cost of S.W.A.T.’s renewal.
Shemar Moore is a free man because CBS cancelled his police procedural S.W.A.T., which was about an LA S.W.A.T. team.
“For six seasons, the amazing talents of the S.W.A.T. cast led by Shemar Moore, the writers, producers and crew guided by executive producers Shawn Ryan, Andy Dettman and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas brought us compelling, action packed episodes that also addressed important social issues and contributed to the success of our primetime line up,” said CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach. “We sincerely thank them for their incredible work and passion and also thank our dedicated fans who tuned in every week.”
The series’ final episode will air on May 19th.
UPDATE: CBS has decided not to renew freshman dramas East New York and True Lies.
