Wondering why S.W.A.T. was canceled again after eight successful seasons? The police drama wrapped up its action-packed run in May 2025, despite strong ratings and a dedicated fanbase. With Shemar Moore speaking out and fans rallying online, many are asking what led to CBS pulling the plug once more.
Here’s what we know so far about S.W.A.T.’s cancellation and the network’s final decision on Season 9.
Why CBS canceled S.W.A.T. Season 9
CBS officially canceled S.W.A.T. for the third time in March 2025, despite its strong viewership.
The series, starring Shemar Moore as Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, aired its final episode on May 16, 2025, concluding its eight-season run on CBS. The show had previously been canceled in 2023 and again in 2024 but was brought back due to fan demand and high ratings.
Showrunner Andrew Dettman told Variety, “It’s heartbreaking news, primarily because it’s been such an immense pleasure working with this cast and crew.” Moore addressed the cancellation on Instagram in March 2025, saying, “We are canceled, again. It sucks… We defied the odds and made a hit television show that the world loved to watch.” He also urged Netflix to consider picking up the show, stating, “We’d love to come play.”
The show was first canceled after Season 6 in May 2023, despite strong ratings, due to business-related factors. Executive producer Shawn Ryan explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the issue wasn’t ratings, but the “economics of the business.” A licensing conflict between Sony Pictures TV and CBS initially led to the cancellation before both parties agreed to a shorter 13-episode season, allowing Season 7 to move forward.
In 2024, CBS renewed S.W.A.T. for an eighth season due to its performance, averaging over 8 million viewers per episode. Moore told People, “I’m not done being Hondo.” However, the March 2025 cancellation marked the show’s final conclusion.
S.W.A.T. premiered in 2017 as a reboot of the 1970s series. Seasons 1–7 are available on Netflix and Prime Video, while Season 8 is available on Paramount+.
