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S.W.A.T. wrapped up its story on CBS after eight seasons, with the last episode airing on May 16, 2025. The network first announced the series finale on March 6, 2025, ending a run that began in November 2017.
Over its eight seasons, the show followed Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and his elite LAPD team. In its final weeks, the decision to end the series reflected shifts in viewership, costs, and network strategy. Fans could revisit past episodes on streaming platforms like Paramount+ after the finale.
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A Rocky Road: Cancellations and Renewals
In May 2023, CBS canceled S.W.A.T. after its sixth season, surprising many viewers. Just days later, fan campaigns and licensing talks led CBS to reverse that cancellation. The series returned for a shortened seventh season in fall 2023. In April 2024, strong ratings convinced CBS to greenlight a full eighth season. However, on March 6, 2025, CBS confirmed season eight would be the last.
Main Reasons for the End
1) Declining Viewership
During season eight, S.W.A.T. averaged about 4.9 million live viewers per episode. That figure represented roughly a 20 percent drop compared to season seven.
Among CBS’s scripted dramas, the show ranked near the bottom in total audience size. Lower live ratings make it harder to sell advertising at higher rates. Over time, fewer viewers tuning in reduced the series’ profitability.
2) High Production Costs
Action scenes, stunts, and location shoots drove per-episode budgets up. Industry reports estimate one-hour dramas can cost $3 to 15 million per episode. S.W.A.T. featured practical effects and choreography that added to its expenses.
Cast salaries, including lead actor Shemar Moore, also formed a large budget share. When costs rise faster than revenues, networks often reassess renewals.
3) Licensing and Fee Disputes
S.W.A.T. was co-produced by CBS Studios and Sony Pictures Television. CBS paid Sony licensing fees to air each episode. In early 2025, Sony opted to handle some distribution in-house.
Without an agreement to lower fees; CBS had less incentive to continue the show. Licensing deals like these increasingly influence whether big-budget dramas stay on air.
4) Scheduling Shake-Up
To make room for new series, CBS moved S.W.A.T. to Fridays at 10 PM during season eight. Later time slots typically draw smaller live audiences than prime-time evenings.
This shift coincided with the arrival of NCIS: Sydney on Fridays. Changing a show’s long-standing slot can disrupt viewer habits. Over time, the new schedule likely contributed to smaller ratings.
Cast and Fan Reactions
Lead actor Shemar Moore called the final cancellation “sad” and “a mistake” on social media. He praised the cast and crew for “defying the odds” through past renewals.
Fans rallied under hashtags like #SaveSWAT when the show faced cancellations. Their campaigns helped revive the series twice before its ultimate end. Despite disappointment, many viewers celebrated the team’s camaraderie online.
The Final Mission: Series Finale
The two-part finale, “Ride or Die” and “Return to Base,” aired May 16, 2025. In these episodes, the team faced a threat from Red Sword, a rogue mercenary group.
High-stakes action included drone assaults on SWAT headquarters. Key characters, like Devin Gamble and Deacon Kay, saw personal storylines reach closure. The finale ended with a symbolic gift of watches and the squad gearing up one last time.
Although S.W.A.T. has ended on CBS, all eight seasons remain available on Paramount+. Some episodes are also on Netflix in select regions. The show’s journey highlights how ratings, costs, and deals shape TV decisions.
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For now, fans can revisit favorite missions and celebrate the team’s unity. Who knows, future spin-offs or reboots could one day revive the S.W.A.T. brand.
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