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CBS’ popular action procedural series S.W.A.T. was originally scheduled to end after season 7, but the network has opted to renew it for season 8 instead. Debuting in 2017, the series stars Shemar Moore as Sgt. Hondo, a hard-nosed S.W.A.T. team leader who is torn between protecting those who come from his community and his service in the LAPD. Based on the eponymous series from the 1970s, S.W.A.T. sets itself apart from other procedurals by ramping up the action from season to season.

The life-span of the long-running procedural has been anything but smooth, and S.W.A.T. was first canceled after its sixth season in 2022. However, due in no small part to the pleas of star Shemar Moore, CBS reversed its decision and renewed the show for its seventh and supposedly final season. The second cancelation seemed definitive even as the seventh season began airing, but CBS again changed its mind regarding S.W.A.T.’s status. Now, after only a few months, CBS has brought the series back for a surprise season 8, and the show’s future has been left open for more.

S.W.A.T. Season 8 Latest News
The Final Season Loses A Major Actor

Though most news regarding the series’ return has been positive, the latest update confirms that S.W.A.T. season 8 will lose a major cast member. Rochelle Aytes has played the role of Nichelle Carmichael since season 3, but will not return in a recurring capacity for the final season. Aytes has landed a starring role in the upcoming Sherlock Holmes series, Watson​​​​​​. It’s noted that the producers hope to keep Aytes on in a guest role to close out the series, but details aren’t concrete yet. The series also plans to add a new female cast member for season 8, though the role hasn’t been filled.

S.W.A.T. Season 8 Is Confirmed
CBS Reverses Its Decision Once Again

In a shocking move, CBS has opted to renew S.W.A.T. for an eighth season mere weeks after its supposed final season began airing. CBS had previously gifted the show one more outing following the outcry after its season 7 cancelation, but its latest ending seemed much more definitive. However, the popularity of the procedural is likely why the network changed its mind a second time, and the president of CBS Entertainment Amy Reisenbach confirmed that fact, saying “The show continues to resonate with viewers.” The new season is planned as part of the 2024-2025 season, but its fate beyond season 8 is still uncertain.

Read Reisenbach’s full statement below:

Here at CBS, we always ‘stay liquid’ and love a good dramatic twist, especially when it leads to an eighth season of S.W.A.T.! The show continues to resonate with viewers thanks to our talented cast led by Shemar Moore and our amazing writers and producers who keep the show relevant and action-packed. We’re very pleased to renew it again and incredibly grateful to our partners at SONY, CBS Studios and Shemar for working so closely with us to bring it back for next season.

S.W.A.T. season 7 concluded on May 17, 2024.

S.W.A.T. Season 8 Cast
Expect Some Changes After Season 7

It’s uncertain how the planned conclusion of season 7 will affect the cast of season 8, but there have already been some changes to the ensemble so far. Though most of the main cast is expected to return, one notable absence in season 8 will be Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca whose emotional retirement ceremony saw him leave the team. One return that is almost guaranteed is Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr., and Moore has been the show’s biggest cheerleader since its debut in 2017.

Another change has been announced for the season 8 cast as long-time co-star Rochelle Aytes will step back in her role as Nichelle Carmichael-Harrelson. Aytes has played the role since season 3, but will not be a full-time cast member in season 8.

S.W.A.T. Season 8 Story
More Emergencies Await The Team

Though the final season could introduce some new twists, S.W.A.T. is like most procedurals in that it tends to follow an episodic format. The case-per-week trend is expected to continue into season 8, though there are a few threads that can still be explored. The departure of Luca might necessitate the arrival of a new team member, and Powell will likely still be dealing with the near-death experience she had at the beginning of season 7. However, until season 8 arrives, it will be impossible to guess what happens next.