Networks consider many factors, including ratings, when deciding whether to renew or cancel a show, but CBS’s cancelation of SWAT had nothing to do with how many people were watching it. The procedural series starring Shemar Moore premiered in 2017 and has been a hit for CBS ever since. SWAT revolves around Moore’s Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department who is promoted to lead a new SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team during the pilot.
The CBS show has lasted six seasons, and it showed no signs of stopping as season 6 neared its end in May 2023. Unfortunately, the network decided to cancel it on May 5 — just a couple of weeks before the finale. Fans were outraged by the news, and they took to social media to figure out a way for their favorite show to continue. However, SWAT‘s cancelation was far more complicated than other network television series’ cancelations.
SWAT Was Canceled Because Of A Dispute Between Sony And CBS
A financial disagreement was the real reason behind the network canceling SWAT. The series is co-produced by CBS Studios and Sony Pictures Television, and CBS undoubtedly wants to have full ownership over all of its shows, including SWAT, as Paramount+ continues to grow. However, CBS and Sony couldn’t agree on how to proceed with the show, which resulted in its premature cancelation after season 6.
SWAT season 6 averaged 6.8 million total viewers and a 0.7 demo rating, which are above-average numbers in this day and age of television. The series has gained audience members year-to-year — a feat that is rare in network television. A renewal for season 7 seemed like a lock, but financial disputes between two big studios caused SWAT to get canceled.
SWAT Season 7 Is Happening At CBS
The good news is that the bigwigs at CBS recognized the error in their ways and reversed SWAT‘s cancelation on May 8, only a few days after the network announced that it was ending. CBS renewed the show for season 7, which will also serve as its last outing. SWAT‘s final season will contain 13 episodes, just enough time to wrap up any lingering storylines and give the series a proper ending.
The only question that remains revolves around the premiere date of season 7. As of the writing of this article, the writers’ strike is still ongoing since the studios refuse to meet writers’ needs and expectations regarding their pay. Only time will tell how long the strike will last, but it will undoubtedly affect the timetable of SWAT‘s return. However, in CBS’s 2023-2024 schedule lineup, SWAT is placed in the 8 p.m. ET time slot on Fridays.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
