CBS’ procedural series S.W.A.T. has managed to survive two previous cancelations, but will the Shemar Moore-led show get renewed for season 9? Debuting in 2017, S.W.A.T. concerns the LAPD’s Twenty Squad, an elite task force that is led by Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Moore). Existing in the same universe as FX’s The Shield, CBS’ long-running hit offers a grittier program than the usual procedural, and highlights issues like race and police violence while still delivering plenty of typical network TV action. Moore has not only been the star and anchor of the show, but has helped get it renewed as well.
Despite nearing a full decade on the air, S.W.A.T.‘s cycle has not been smooth, and CBS canceled the show twice. The first came when it was announced that season 6 would be Twenty Squad’s final outing. However, a groundswell of support (led by Shemar Moore) prompted CBS to change their minds and bring back the show for its seventh and final season. CBS reversed course again after season 7, and opted to give S.W.A.T. another go. This left season 9 in limbo, since the network has neither announced season 8 as the last, or renewed it for more episodes.
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Latest News
The Show’s Writer Discusses Season 9’s Chances
With season 8 still airing, the latest news comes in the form of a candid response from S.W.A.T.‘s writer concerning season 9. In a recent comment posted on the /r/television board on Reddit, one of the writers of S.W.A.T. not only discussed why the show’s cancelation was reversed, but also offered their thoughts on the chances of season 9. Essentially, it all came down to the cost of the series’ licensing, something that nearly doomed the show. However, the success of season 7 prompted season 8 to be renewed (and increased to a full 22 episodes).
Even if CBS does eventually decide to cancel S.W.A.T. it’s highly likely that the network will be reticent to make any major announcements until they are absolutely certain.
As for season 9, the anonymous writer said “We have heard nothing about a Season 9,“ but they went on to say “but this season wasn’t pitched as “the final season” like Season 7 was. So… who knows.” Even if CBS does eventually decide to cancel S.W.A.T. it’s highly likely that the network will be reticent to make any major announcements until they are absolutely certain. It wouldn’t be logical to continuously cancel and renew the show year after year.
Read the writer’s full comments below:
This may be long winded, but here we go:
Towards the end of Season 6, Sony and CBS couldn’t work out a deal for S7 due to $$ issues, so CBS formally cancelled the show. Producers stepped in and said “We can still deliver a good show for the price CBS wants.” 72 hours later, CBS and Sony agreed to pick up Season 7 — the “final season” — at a reduced 13 episode order. (In the broadcast model, fewer episodes per season ultimately means less $$$ for the studio, so Sony wasn’t thrilled on that front.)
Reduced budget in S7 necessitated painful cuts, including regular cast members. We picked up immediately after the strike ended and wrote 13 episodes, including a “series finale.” While we were FILMING the finale, Sony and CBS announced that they’d found a way to make the budget for a full, 22-episode Season 8 work. (Full disclosure: I do not know the inner workings of this negotiation, as I’d already been “unemployed” for a few months. The room had wrapped before production finished.)
My personal theory: the show is profitable for Sony (especially internationally and with streaming), and it’s a reliable enough performer for CBS that they like keeping it on the schedule. TV economics are changing, and we’re kind of just riding the wave on our little matte black SWAT surfboard until we get swept down to the depths of cancellation.
Currently, we’re in the middle of writing, producing, and airing Season 8. Yes, 20 Squad has a different look, but we’re still trying to tell fun, compelling stories every week.
We have heard nothing about a Season 9, but this season wasn’t pitched as “the final season” like Season 7 was. So… who knows.
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Is Not Confirmed
CBS Hasn’t Made A Decision About Season 9 Yet
Considering the show’s troubled history in recent years, it isn’t particularly surprising that CBS has neither confirmed nor denied S.W.A.T. season 9 yet. The network has waffled since season 6 regarding the fate of the procedural, and each reversed decision hasn’t reflected well on the channel. Though there are a host of reasons why season 6 was supposed to be the last, the success of each subsequent season has justified CBS’ choice to bring S.W.A.T. back. However, season 8 will be the real test.
S.W.A.T. season 8 premiered on October 14, 2024.
Season 7’s renewal was a triumphant return after the shocking revelation that season 6 would conclude the show. As such, the shortened seventh season garnered impressive viewership, which prompted the network to make season 8 a reality as well. Now that CBS has green-lit a 22-episode season, it’s uncertain if S.W.A.T. will remain economically viable. Though the network hasn’t billed season 8 as the last, there’s no guarantee that it will get renewed for season 9.
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Cast Details
Will Twenty Squad Return Again?
Since the show’s initial “cancelation” after season 6, the cast of S.W.A.T. has been in flux. However, it’s impossible to know exactly who might be leaving the procedural until the entire scope of season 8 is known. With that in mind, it’s safe to assume that the entire main cast will be back, including Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr., the team’s leader. Joining him will be Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Hondo’s second-in-command. Kay was set to leave the team in season 7, but he decided not to retire after all.
Victor Tan (played by David Lim) is another shoo-in for season 9’s cast, and the established squad member is key to the group’s success. S.W.A.T. Commander Robert Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit) should also be back, though he and Hondo don’t always agree on how the team should be run. Rochelle Aytes’ Nichelle was reduced to a guest role in season 8, and it’s unclear if she’ll stick around without a larger part to play in the story.
S.W.A.T. Season 9 Story Details
What’s Next For The Squad In Season 9?
Though any number of things could happen during the remaining episodes of season 8, it’s likely that S.W.A.T. season 9 will follow a similar pattern as its predecessors. The bulk of the show concerns the team facing a myriad of action-packed scenarios, and there’s no reason to think that will change going forward. Since season 8 of S.W.A.T. is not being billed as the last outing, it stands to reason that there won’t be much conclusiveness to the current season, meaning there is a world of possibilities open for season 9.
