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The Definitive Answer: How Many Seasons Of S.W.A.T. Are There, And Why Did CBS Cancel It (Again)?

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The answer to "How many seasons of S.W.A.T. are there?" is currently eight (8) seasons for the Shemar Moore-led reboot, but that number comes with a dramatic, unprecedented asterisk. As of today, December 22, 2025, the popular police procedural has officially concluded its run on CBS, having navigated a stunning series of cancellations and last-minute renewals that made it one of the most talked-about shows on network television. The total count includes the eighth and final season, which premiered in the Fall of 2024 and wrapped up the saga of Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson and his elite 20-Squad.

The journey of the 2017 reboot has been a rollercoaster for fans, marked by two previous cancellations that were dramatically reversed by the network. However, the most recent decision, announced in March 2025, confirmed that the eighth season would truly be the end, solidifying the total season count at eight. This article breaks down the full history of the show's run, the team behind the action, and the legacy of the entire S.W.A.T. franchise, including the original 1970s series and the feature films.

The Complete S.W.A.T. (2017) Season Count and Cancellation Saga

The modern iteration of S.W.A.T., which stars Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, began airing in November 2017 and quickly found a dedicated audience. The series follows the specialized unit of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as they tackle high-stakes operations, counter-terrorism, and complex criminal threats, all while dealing with the social and political issues facing modern policing.

Here is the definitive count of the seasons for the 2017 series:

  • Season 1: 22 Episodes (2017–2018)
  • Season 2: 23 Episodes (2018–2019)
  • Season 3: 21 Episodes (2019–2020)
  • Season 4: 18 Episodes (2020–2021)
  • Season 5: 22 Episodes (2021–2022)
  • Season 6: 22 Episodes (2022–2023)
  • Season 7: 13 Episodes (2024) - Initially announced as the final season.
  • Season 8: 18 Episodes (2024–2025) - The final, definitive season.

The total number of seasons for the Shemar Moore-led S.W.A.T. series is eight (8), concluding its run in May 2025.

The Unprecedented Drama: Two Cancellations and Two Rescues

The story of S.W.A.T.’s longevity is as action-packed as its episodes. Its journey to eight seasons was not straightforward, featuring a series of high-profile, last-minute reversals that are extremely rare in network television.

The first major shock occurred in May 2023. CBS announced that the series was canceled after only six seasons. The decision sparked immediate and vocal backlash from fans and, crucially, from star and producer Shemar Moore, who publicly criticized the move. Within days, CBS reversed its decision, renewing the show for a seventh and "final" season, albeit a shortened one with only 13 episodes.

The second, and arguably more dramatic reversal, happened shortly after the seventh season began airing. Despite the network and cast confirming Season 7 would be the end, the show's strong performance, particularly in streaming viewership, led CBS to reverse course *again*. In a surprise move in late 2024, the network renewed S.W.A.T. for an eighth season.

Unfortunately for fans, the saga ended in March 2025 when CBS announced the third and final cancellation. Season 8, which premiered on Friday, October 18, 2024, was confirmed to be the definitive end of the series, concluding the story of Hondo and 20-Squad in May 2025.

The Key Entities: Main Cast and Characters of 20-Squad

A major reason for the show's success and the fan outcry over its cancellations is the chemistry and dedication of its main cast. The show centered on the elite unit's personal lives as much as their professional exploits, creating a powerful emotional connection with the audience. The core of the team, known as 20-Squad, included:

  • Shemar Moore as Sergeant II Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson: The central figure and team leader, a Los Angeles native who often bridges the gap between the community and the police force. Moore also served as a producer, fighting tirelessly for the show's survival.
  • Jay Harrington as Sergeant II David 'Deacon' Kay: The veteran member of the team, known for his calm demeanor, experience, and deep family commitment. Deacon is Hondo's reliable second-in-command.
  • David Lim as Officer III Victor Tan: A former Vice squad officer and a skilled member of the S.W.A.T. team. Tan often provides essential tech and tactical support.
  • Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks: A high-ranking officer in the LAPD who serves as a crucial liaison and mentor to the S.W.A.T. team.

Other significant characters, many of whom departed before the final seasons, were also integral to the show's identity and topical authority:

  • Alex Russell as Officer III Jim Street: An initially rebellious but highly skilled officer whose personal journey and growth were a major focus.
  • Lina Esco as Officer III Christina 'Chris' Alonso: The team’s first female S.W.A.T. officer, who left the series at the end of Season 5 for a new assignment.
  • Kenny Johnson as Officer III Dominique Luca: The team's expert driver and a key figure in the squad's dynamic.

The S.W.A.T. Franchise History: From 1975 to the Big Screen

To fully appreciate the scope of the 2017 reboot, it is essential to understand that it is the third major iteration of the S.W.A.T. concept, providing a rich legacy and deep topical authority for the franchise.

The Original 1970s S.W.A.T. Series

The S.W.A.T. concept first became a television series in 1975. The original show was a spin-off of the police drama The Rookies and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, largely due to its iconic theme song.

  • Original Series Season Count: The 1975 series aired for only two (2) seasons on ABC, running from February 1975 to April 1976.
  • Why it Ended: The show was canceled after 37 episodes due to concerns over excessive violence on network television at the time.
  • Key Cast: It starred Steve Forrest as Lt. Dan "Hondo" Harrelson (the namesake for Shemar Moore's character) and Robert Urich as Officer Jim Street.

The 2003 Feature Film

The franchise was revived on the big screen with the 2003 action film simply titled S.W.A.T., which served as a bridge between the classic and modern television series. The film’s success proved the concept still had significant appeal.

  • Key Cast: The movie featured an all-star ensemble, including Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, LL Cool J, and Jeremy Renner.
  • Connection to the Series: The 2017 series draws heavily on the tone and action established by the film, and a subtle nod to the original is the shared "Hondo" and "Street" names.

In summary, the S.W.A.T. franchise now spans three major productions: the original 2-season series, the 2003 film, and the modern, 8-season reboot. The 2017 series has cemented its place as the longest-running and most successful television adaptation, a testament to its compelling characters and the dramatic, real-world issues it tackled over its eight-year run.

The Definitive Answer: How Many Seasons of S.W.A.T. Are There, and Why Did CBS Cancel It (Again)?
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