“S.W.A.T.” has become the latest casualty of CBS’s primetime lineup shakeup. The action drama, which ran for eight seasons, was canceled for the third time, leaving its star, Shemar Moore, to deliver the “sad” news to the cast and crew.
In a heartfelt Instagram video posted on Friday, Moore shared his disappointment: “We are canceled again. It sucks. It’s sad. Uncanceled twice, two years in a row. Now, I don’t know my history, but how many shows get to say that? I’m going to say none. Or we’re one of the none. We did that, and we are so proud.”
Moore revealed he broke the news to the crew on set, calling them “the most amazing crew in Hollywood.” He recounted his speech: “I had to say, ‘Hey, we’re done. There’s nothing I can say to make this sound nice, good, optimistic, nothing.’ But I said, ‘Be proud,’ because we defied the odds and made a hit television show that the world loved to watch.”
“S.W.A.T.” follows LAPD SWAT Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, played by Moore, and his elite team in Los Angeles. The show initially thrived, earning multiple renewals during its early seasons. However, CBS canceled it after its sixth season in 2023, only to reverse the decision days later and order a “seventh and final season.” Another renewal followed in April 2024, but the show’s fate was sealed when CBS opted not to engage in contract talks with Sony Pictures Television, according to *Deadline*.
Despite its loyal fanbase, the show struggled in ratings, averaging a 0.28 in the 18-49 demographic during its Friday night 10 p.m. ET time slot.
Andrew Dettmann, the show’s executive producer and showrunner, expressed his heartbreak over the cancellation but praised the cast and crew. “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,” Dettmann said. “I feel so privileged to have been a part of the ‘S.W.A.T.’ family.”
Dettmann hinted that a “corporate change” in the industry may have influenced the decision, despite the show’s popularity among network executives.
Moore addressed CBS directly, urging the network to reconsider its decision. “I say to CBS, if you’re done – I know it’s about money, optics, politics – I don’t think you’re making the right choice,” he said. “But if you are done, I say thank you, genuinely, honestly from my heart.”
The actor, who has spent 31 years in the industry with roles in “Criminal Minds,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “S.W.A.T.,” credited CBS for much of his success. He also floated the idea of another network or streaming service, such as Netflix, NBC, Fox, or ABC, picking up the show.
“If you’re interested in a show that’s on autopilot, that the world is watching, we’d love to come play,” Moore said.
Regardless of the show’s future, Moore is optimistic about the next chapter of his life, focusing on his family and career. “I ain’t done, my knees are ready, I’ve lost 20 pounds, I’m ready to go,” he declared.
“S.W.A.T.” joins other CBS cancellations, including “FBI: Most Wanted” and “FBI: International,” as the network prepares for its fall TV season.
What’s Next for Shemar Moore?
Fans of Moore and “S.W.A.T.” will undoubtedly keep an eye on the actor’s next moves. Whether the show finds a new home or Moore embarks on a new project, his dedication to his craft and his fans remains unwavering.
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