If you feel like you’ve already seen the headline “CBS cancels SWAT,” you’re not wrong. In fact, you’ve seen it twice before. And now—yep, it’s happening again. CBS SWAT cancelled announcements have become a bizarre, frustrating tradition at this point, and the network has just pulled the plug for the third time, just weeks before the Season 8 finale is set to air.
If you’re a longtime fan? It’s hard not to feel a little burned, a little confused, and honestly… a lot fed up.
So what’s really going on here? Why did CBS cancel SWAT again—despite strong ratings, massive fan loyalty, and a lead actor who’s fought tooth and nail to keep the show alive?
Let’s break it down—because this isn’t just another show getting the axe. This is SWAT. And the pattern here? It’s personal.
Wait… Didn’t They Cancel This Already?
Yep. Twice, actually.
Back in 2023, CBS announced that SWAT would not return after Season 6. Fans were stunned—the show was performing well, especially for a Friday night drama. But what followed was even more surprising: Shemar Moore, the heart and soul of the series, took to Instagram and passionately called out the network, saying:
“We’re the most diverse show on CBS. Did you know that?”
Fans rallied. Hashtags trended. And guess what? CBS reversed its decision just days later, renewing the show for a shortened Season 7.
Photo via CBS
But then… they pulled the same move again. Heading into Season 7, CBS labeled it the “final season.” Again, Shemar and the fanbase refused to accept it. He made another heartfelt video, fans pushed back—and CBS once again reversed the cancellation, greenlighting Season 8.
So when you hear “CBS SWAT cancelled” now, you’re not alone if you’re thinking: Seriously? Again?
“CBS Is Alone in This Decision”
This time, the announcement feels heavier. According to Shemar Moore—who once again took to Instagram just days ago—this third cancellation came without warning. In his latest video, he opens with a line that perfectly sums it all up:
“I know I said I wasn’t going to do this again… but I’m doing it again.”
He sounds tired. Not just of the cancellation drama, but of having to fight so hard for something that clearly still has legs. He makes it clear that this decision isn’t coming from Sony (the co-producer), or the fans, or the data.
“CBS is alone in this decision.”
That’s a pretty bold statement—and one that hits hard for fans who’ve been there through all the ups and downs.
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Why Did CBS Cancel SWAT?
That’s the million-dollar question—and honestly? There’s no clear answer from CBS.
What we do know is that SWAT still pulls solid numbers, especially for a Friday night procedural. It’s not some niche cult show flying under the radar. It has:
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A loyal viewership
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A powerhouse lead in Shemar Moore
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A history of bouncing back from cancellation
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A crew and cast that genuinely love working together (Shemar’s words, not ours)
So why cancel it now? Budget? Internal politics? Prioritizing newer shows? Nobody at CBS is saying much—and fans are left wondering if we’re watching a network sabotage its own success story.
Why This Time Feels Different
Shemar’s tone in this latest video is what really stands out. Yes, he’s disappointed. But he’s also deeply emotional—especially when he talks about the crew. Not just the cast, but the people behind the scenes. He calls them the kindest, hardest-working group he’s ever worked with.
“There isn’t one jerk in the bunch.”
Coming from a guy who’s been in this business for decades? That says something.
This wasn’t just a job—it was a family. You can feel that in every word of his video. That’s what makes this cancellation hurt more than the others. It’s not just the end of a show. It’s the end of something rare in this industry: a set full of genuinely good people doing work they love.
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Is This Really the End… or Just Another Cliffhanger?
Here’s the thing—we’ve been here before. Twice. And both times, the fans came through. Loudly. CBS backtracked. The show lived to fight another day.
And now? There’s one more twist: Shemar’s Netflix moment.
Midway through his emotional video, he shifts gears and says:
“Hey Netflix… how you doin’?”
Smooth. Direct. Hopeful.
He basically invites Netflix to the barbecue and says he’s ready to sit down with whoever he needs to, on his dime, to talk about the future of the show. It wasn’t just a throwaway comment—it was a pitch. And given Netflix’s history of saving fan-favorite shows (Lucifer, Manifest, The Killing), it didn’t go unnoticed.
Final Thoughts
So yes, CBS SWAT cancelled is once again the headline none of us wanted to see. And maybe this time really is the end. But if Shemar Moore has taught us anything, it’s this:
Never say never.
And until the final episode airs three weeks from now… fans aren’t giving up. Not yet.
➡️ What do you think—should Netflix pick up SWAT? Drop a comment and let’s make some noise (again).
