CBS has cancelled its action procedural series “S.W.A.T.” after six seasons, with the upcoming season finale on May 19th to now serve as a series finale.
Inspired by the 1975 TV series and the 2003 feature film, “S.W.A.T.” starred Shemar Moore as Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson and Aussie actor Alex Russell as Jim Street – the roles respectively played by Steve Forrest and Robert Urich in the original series and by Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell in the film.
The series centers on former Marine turned LAPD Sergeant ‘Hondo’ who leads a “last stop” Special Weapons and Tactics unit of the LAPD. The show was developed by “The Shield” creator Shawn Ryan and exists in a shared universe with that show.
Stephanie Sigma, Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, Peter Onorati, Jay Harrington, and David Lim co-star in the series, which was the most expensive CBS scripted series that was still ‘on the bubble’.
Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, says in a statement:
“For six seasons, the amazing talents of the S.W.A.T. cast led by Shemar Moore, the writers, producers and crew guided by Executive Producers Shawn Ryan, Andy Dettman and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas brought us compelling, action-packed episodes that also addressed important social issues and contributed to the success of our primetime line up. We sincerely thank them for their incredible work and passion and also thank our dedicated fans who tuned in every week.”
The cancellation comes as a surprise as its move to Fridays saw a double-digit rise in linear viewership year-to-year, and the show has been flourishing in its timeslot and helping launch new breakout hit “Fire Country”. It is being considered the most-watched broadcast series to get the axe this season.
The reason isn’t said to be ratings, rather CBS and lead studio Sony Television could not come to a financial agreement over budget. Producers finding a new home for S.W.A.T. elsewhere is reportedly said to be unfeasible.
