After eight seasons and 163 episodes, CBS’s high-octane police drama S.W.A.T., starring Shemar Moore as the fearless Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, signed off for good on May 16, 2025. The show, a modern reboot of the 1975 series and 2003 film, delivered a thrilling two-hour finale that gave fans one last dose of heart-pounding action and emotional closure. Here’s how S.W.A.T. wrapped up its impressive run and why its legacy will endure.
A Finale Worthy of 20-Squad
The series finale, split into two episodes titled “Ride or Die” and “Return to Base,” threw Hondo and his 20-Squad into a whirlwind of chaos. The team—featuring Jay Harrington as Deacon Kay, David Lim as Victor Tan, Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell, Niko Pepaj as Miguel Alfaro, and Annie Ilonzeh as Devin Gamble—tackled carjackers and Russian mercenaries planting explosives across Los Angeles. The stakes hit fever pitch when the mercenaries stormed S.W.A.T.’s downtown HQ to free a prisoner set for a swap to rescue kidnapped Americans. Hondo, true to form, dove into an epic fistfight, while his squad unleashed a massive firefight to protect their base.
The episode didn’t skimp on heart. Deacon gifted the team Rolex watches—earned from a mall contract bonus—playing on the idea that S.W.A.T. officers live on “borrowed time.” The final moments saw the squad tap the S.W.A.T. symbol on their way to a robbery call, a nod to their unbreakable bond. Showrunner Andrew Dettmann told TVLine the finale was crafted to work as both a season and series capper, leaving the door slightly ajar for 20-Squad’s future while celebrating their grit. Fans on X lit up with praise, one calling it a “perfect send-off for Hondo’s crew,” though some wished for cameos from past characters like Jim Street (Alex Russell).
A Rollercoaster Journey
S.W.A.T.’s road to eight seasons was anything but smooth. Developed by Shawn Ryan and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, the series premiered in 2017, following Hondo, a Black former Marine leading an elite LAPD unit while navigating tensions between the police and the community. Its blend of explosive action, diverse cast, and real-world issues—like race and justice—earned a loyal fanbase and three Emmy nominations. The show even shared a universe with Ryan’s The Shield, with cameos from Detective Steve Billings (David Marciano) tying the worlds together.
Yet, cancellation loomed large. In May 2023, CBS axed the show after six seasons, only to reverse the decision days later for a 13-episode seventh season. In April 2024, it scored a full 22-episode eighth season, thanks to strong streaming numbers on Netflix and Paramount+ (Season 7 averaged 8.8 million viewers, up 11% from Season 6). But by March 2025, CBS pulled the plug for good, citing a packed schedule with new shows like Sheriff Country and Boston Blue. This time, no last-minute save came. Sony Pictures Television, which co-produced with CBS Studios, couldn’t strike a deal, and the network moved on.
Heartfelt Goodbyes
The cast and crew poured their hearts into the farewell. Shemar Moore, also an executive producer, took to Instagram, calling the cancellation “sad” but historic, noting S.W.A.T. was “uncanceled twice, two years in a row.” He thanked fans for their fierce support, with hashtags like #SaveSWAT trending as viewers campaigned for a third revival. “You’ve kept us going for 8 seasons strong,” Moore wrote. “Three times would make history!”
Shawn Ryan, who stepped back as showrunner but remained an executive producer, called it a “pleasure and honor” to make the show, especially as one of the rare dramas filmed in Los Angeles. He expressed concern for the crew now facing job loss, a sentiment echoed by Dettmann, who praised the “extraordinary” team for overcoming challenges like the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and January 2025 wildfires that paused production. “I can’t give them enough credit,” Dettmann told Variety.
A Lasting Legacy
S.W.A.T. wasn’t perfect—some IMDb reviews criticized later seasons for leaning too political or predictable—but its strengths shone through. Fans loved the action, character depth, and Hondo’s leadership, with Moore’s performance anchoring the show. Its diverse cast and willingness to tackle social issues set it apart in the procedural genre. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 45% critic score but a stronger fanbase, reflected in its consistent 6.17 million viewers for Season 7.
X posts buzzed with bittersweet reactions. One user hailed the finale’s Cannes screening, which earned an 18-minute ovation, while another begged Netflix to pick it up. Though a ninth season seems unlikely, Moore and Dettmann haven’t ruled out a streaming revival. For now, S.W.A.T. bows out as a gritty, heartfelt staple of CBS’s lineup, leaving fans with memories of Hondo’s heroics and 20-Squad’s unbreakable spirit. Catch all eight seasons on Paramount+ and Netflix, and join the #SaveSWAT chatter on X.