CBS Cancels ‘SWAT’ After Six Seasons Despite Growing Viewership: CBS has announced the cancellation of the police drama series ‘SWAT’ after six seasons. The show which starred Shemar Moore as LAPD Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson will air its final episode on May 19.
The decision to end the series was not based on ratings as ‘SWAT’ had actually grown its total audience over the last season averaging 6.82 million viewers over seven days versus 6.41 million in the previous season.
However, the current economics of the TV business in which networks and streamers are prioritizing full ownership of their series has influenced the decision to cancel ‘SWAT.’
Reason Behind Cancellation of ‘SWAT’
The decision to cancel ‘SWAT’ has nothing to do with the show’s ratings. In fact, the series grew its total audience over the last season. The reason behind the cancellation is the current economics of the TV business.
Networks and streamers are now prioritizing full ownership of their series and this has influenced the decision to cancel ‘SWAT.’ CBS and Sony will or will not figure out a way to economically make season seven work.
Executive producers Shawn Ryan Andy Dettman and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas who guided the show along with the amazing talents of the SWAT cast led by Shemar Moore have contributed to the success of the primetime lineup.
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach praised the team for their incredible work and passion which brought compelling action-packed episodes that also addressed important social issues.
The Legacy of ‘SWAT’
‘SWAT’ was an update of the 1970s cop show and featured an ensemble cast that included Alex Russell Jay Harrington Kenny Johnson David Lim Patrick St. Esprit and Rochelle Aytes.
The series tackled current issues while providing a thrilling and exciting watch. The show ranked among the top 20 dramas on ad-supported TV with its adults 18-49 rating slipping a little from 0.8 to 0.67.
The legacy of ‘SWAT’ will continue to live on and fans of the show are sure to miss the intense action and well-crafted storytelling. The show’s end is a reflection of the changing TV business which has seen networks and streamers prioritize full ownership of their series.
In conclusion, the cancellation of ‘SWAT’ after six seasons comes as a surprise to fans who have followed the intense police drama. While the show had grown its viewership over the last season the decision to cancel the show is a reflection of the changing TV business.
The team behind ‘SWAT’ contributed to the success of CBS’s primetime lineup and the legacy of the show is sure to live on even as fans say goodbye to the action-packed series.
