CBS Cancels ‘S.W.A.T.’ for 3rd Time, Shemar Moore Says ‘It Sucks’ and Makes Pitch to Netflix

Say it ain’t so – S.W.A.T. has been canceled for the third time at CBS. Fans are absolutely livid that the show has once again gotten the ax from the network.

“It’s heartbreaking news, primarily because it’s been such an immense pleasure working with this cast and crew to put out a show that we’ve always been proud of,” showrunner and executive producer Andrew Dettmann said in a statement after news of the show’s cancellation caused an uproar. “They are truly an extraordinary group of people who have all worked so hard and have been so dedicated for all these eight seasons, overcoming countless challenges. I can’t give them enough credit.”

Executive producer Shawn Ryan also spoke out in a statement following the show’s cancellation.

“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to work on S.W.A.T. for eight seasons and tell the stories of Hondo and 20-Squad,” he said. “I thank our fans, Shemar Moore, the rest of our cast, our producers, Sony Pictures Television, CBS Studios and CBS for the opportunity. Most of all I want to thank our tireless, dedicated crew who made our writers, directors and cast always look good. My greatest concern right now is for them.”

The show’s star, Shemar Moore, posted a video on Instagram on Friday, March 7, speaking out on the devastating cancellation.

“I wasn’t going to do this, but I can’t help it,” the Criminal Minds alum said in the clip. “S.W.A.T. here we are, season 8, three weeks away from the finale. We are canceled again. It sucks. It’s sad.”

Shemar, 54, said that he gave a speech on set to the crew about not getting a season 9.

“The most amazing crew in Hollywood. Just good people,” he said. “No jerks. People who show up, sacrifice seeing their families and work their tails off to make S.W.A.T.”

In the comments section of the Instagram post, many S.W.A.T. fans were heartbroken that the show would not be getting a season 9.

“Noooo!!!! I don’t know why they keep trying to cancel. Is such a great show and is very popular! I will definitely miss it if it can’t be saved again. One of my favorite shows of all time,” one person wrote.

“My chest is hurting I can’t take this pain,” another person said.

“So sorry you & the @swatcbs team are going through this again! Really hope someone comes through & picks up the show. If not, thanks for the ride,” wrote another.

“​​NO! SWAT CANNOT BE CANCELLED! ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!” another comment said.

The show was previously canceled and uncanceled twice before, first after season 6 and then again after season 7. When the show returned for season 8 in October 2024, many fans held out hope that there would be a season 9.

“I say to CBS, if you’re done — I know it’s about money, optics, politics — I don’t think you’re making the right choice I’ll say that. But if you are done, I say thank you, genuinely, honestly,” Shemar said, revealing that it’s his 31-year anniversary of being an actor.

“If you change your mind, I promise you you’ll make a lot of people smile,” Shemar added, saying that he is “so excited” for the “next chapter” of his life and his career and fatherhood.

“But I ain’t done yet. I ain’t done. My knees are ready. I lost 20 pounds. I’m ready to go,” he said. “But if you’re done, CBS, I say thank you. Hey Netflix, how you doing?”

“So Netflix if you’re interested in a show that is in autopilot, the world is watching,” he continued. “We’d love to come play. NBC, FOX, ABC, hey you want to come flirt with me? You’re invited to the barbecue. Pick your favorite restaurant. I will pay the bill.”