S.W.A.T. has been renewed for a seventh and final season following its abrupt cancellation last week. Actor Shemar Moore, who plays Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, took to social media to voice his opinion about the network’s decision, questioning it and insisting that “It makes no sense”. According to Deadline, CBS and Sony Pictures Television have agreed to renew S.W.A.T. for a final season of 13 episodes after discussions took place over the weekend. The decision comes in response to passionate reactions from both viewers and Shemar Moore. The joint statement by CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and Sony Pictures Television Studios President Katherine Pope expressed gratitude towards the show’s loyal fan base and acknowledged the success of the series, which has aired for six seasons on CBS and has garnered a devoted following.
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Reisenbach and Pope also stated that they are pleased to have found a way to bring S.W.A.T. back and provide closure to its storylines and characters. The seventh and final season is set to air during the 2023-2024 broadcast year.
“We have listened to our viewers and their outpouring of passion for S.W.A.T. and we have reached an agreement to renew it for a final season of 13 episodes to air during the 2023-2024 broadcast year. S.W.A.T. has aired for six seasons on CBS and garnered a devoted following. We are pleased that we found a way to bring it back and give closure to the show’s storylines and characters, which audiences deserve. Once again, we appreciate the talents and efforts of the cast, writers, producers and crew and everyone who has contributed to the success of S.W.A.T. We look forward to its return next season.”
Shemar Moore took to Instagram to share his excitement about the show’s renewal. In the post, Moore thanked the fans for their continued support and credited them for the show’s renewal. Check out the post below.
Related: Shemar Moore Blasts CBS for Canceling S.W.A.T.: ‘It Makes No Sense’
Why CBS Initially Canceled S.W.A.T. Despite Its Growing Viewership
CBS
S.W.A.T., despite its growing viewership, was canceled by CBS due to a failed licensing deal with Sony Pictures Television. The two companies could not agree on a new licensing deal, and a proposed deal to continue the show’s per-episode cost was eventually abandoned. Additionally, the emergence of other promising pilots, such as the Elsbeth spinoff and the Matlock reboot, may have given CBS more leeway to move away from S.W.A.T.
The executive producer of the show, Shawn Ryan, had previously stated that the show’s ratings made it a “no-brainer” to pick up for another season, but economic conversations between the companies took precedence over viewers’ preferences. Despite ranking tenth in total audience among the 14 drama series CBS has aired this TV season, S.W.A.T. was the network’s most expensive scripted series, which may have contributed to the decision to cancel the show. However, the show has been performing well this season, with an average of 6.8 million viewers and a 0.7 rating, an increase of 6% from its previous season. Fans of the show can look forward to the upcoming series finale, which is scheduled to air on May 19, 2023.
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