US action drama S.W.A.T., starring Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, has been cancelled by CBS, marking the third time the show has faced the axe. Despite previous reversals, this cancellation appears to be final.
Here’s the Lowdown: S.W.A.T. was initially cancelled in 2023, only to be revived for a seventh season days later. After the season premiere, there was talk of extending its run, but reports suggest that a viable financial agreement between CBS, Sony Pictures TV, and CBS Studios couldn’t be reached this time. The current season, which had a 22-episode order, still has nine episodes left to air.
What This Means Now: Fans of the show, which also stars Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, and Niko Pepaj, will have to say goodbye after the remaining episodes of the current season air. The show’s producers and cast have expressed their disappointment and gratitude for the opportunity to work on the series.
The Bigger Picture: This cancellation highlights the often-unpredictable nature of the television industry. Even a popular show with a dedicated fanbase and a history of last-minute renewals can still be cancelled due to financial considerations. Showrunner Andrew Dettmann described it as “heartbreaking news”. Executive Producer Shawn Ryan expressed his concern for the crew.