CBS Cancels ‘S.W.A.T.’ After Eight Seasons, No Ninth Season Planned

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2025 — CBS announced Thursday that it will not renew the police drama ‘S.W.A.T.’ for a ninth season, marking the end of the series following its eighth season, which is set to conclude in May.

The cancellation comes after a rollercoaster history of renewals and cancellations for the show. Initially canceled after its sixth season in 2023, CBS quickly reversed its decision, promoting the seventh installment as the series’ last. In April 2024, the network surprised fans with a last-minute renewal for an eighth season. ‘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, at that time.

Andrew Dettmann, showrunner and executive producer, expressed his heartbreak over the cancellation. ‘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,’ he said in a statement. ‘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.’

‘S.W.A.T.’ is based on the 1975 ABC series and stars Shemar Moore as LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The show has consistently brought attention to various social issues while delivering action-packed drama, but ultimately fell short in viewership compared to other network offerings.

Season eight marks the final chapter for ‘S.W.A.T.’, and the decision to cancel has been regarded as final and permanent. CBS reportedly did not engage in renewal talks this time around, contrasting with previous years where financial proposals from Sony Pictures Television prompted eleventh-hour pickups.

This cancellation follows a notable trend at CBS, which has recently axed other high-profile dramas, including other Sony TV and Universal Television projects. The network is focusing on introducing new series and has already reserved slots for upcoming shows, including a ‘Fire Country’ spinoff and more within the ‘Blue Bloods’ universe.

Show creator Shawn Ryan also shared his sentiments about the series’ conclusion. ‘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,’ he stated. Ryan expressed gratitude to the fans and the dedicated crew who contributed to the show’s success.

While some fans remained hopeful for another renewal, industry insiders believe this cancellation is heavy with finality. The series has come a long way, providing an engaging mixture of camaraderie, action, and community issues, but it appears CBS is ready to move in a new direction.