Shemar Moore is definitely (!) returning for SWAT season 7

SWAT fans have been through the ringer in 2023. The show was abruptly cancelled by CBS, despite still having lots of the story to tell, and then, three days later, the network changed its mind and decided to renew SWAT for a seventh season. THEN the seventh season was pushed back due to the ongoing writers and actors strike.

It’s been a lot, and SWAT star Shemar Moore has made it clear that he’s been frustrated with the chain of events. This frustration has led some fans to question whether he will be returning as the leader of the titular group, Hondo, in the (presumably) final season.

Is Shemar Moore leaving S.W.A.T.?

Moore is clearly passionate about the character and the show, as evidenced by the message he posted on Instagram following the show’s cancellation. He addressed CBS directly, and stated that he was disappointed in the decision to leave fans without a proper conclusion.

“If I post this, and I think I might, I will get in a lot of trouble with CBS because I’m calling them out [because] they’ve been wonderful to me for 26 out of my 29-year career”, Moore explained. “But to abruptly get told that you’re canceled when you led us to believe last week … that we would have some semblance of a season 7 to at least say goodbye, if not continue, and to abruptly be told you’re done … They said we’re canceled, but guess what I don’t think we’re done.”

The message seemingly made a difference, as CBS revered their decision and brought back S.W.A.T. for a seventh and presumably final season. Naturally, Moore will be in the mix as the show’s protagonist, Hondo. The actor has been one of the show’s biggest champions since day one, and Hondo has been arguably his most iconic character.

When asked what makes the show so appealing amidst the sea of procedural dramas that are currently on, the actor pointed to its uniquely cinematic qualities, and the fact that it can balance excitement with thought-provoking storytelling.

“I think that we’re a unique show in that it’s almost like watching a movie every week”, he told Parade in 2022. “You hear that theme song, and you know you’re going to have a good time. You know you’re going to see some fun action, whether it’s helicopter stunts, car chases, motorcycle chases, hand-to-hand combat, or us being super cops and saving the day. So, it’s a fun show, but then at the same time we can get topical.”

It’s impossible not to be won over by Moore’s enthusiasm, and his commitment to the S.W.A.T. brand, which is why we can’t wait for the show’s return in 2024.

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