SWAT is a fascinating case study. Cancelation has become part of the show's annual renewal process. The police drama has been canceled twice, then revived twice by the network that had it canceled in the first place. Now, CBS has decided to do what we all knew was coming, and cancel it again.
The network confirmed it was pulling the plug on the series Thursday, March 6. It didn't take long for the star of SWAT, Shemar Moore, to issue a message. He took to Instagram to address CBS and its latest polarizing decision.
Shemar Moore feels CBS made a mistake
"I say to CBS, if you’re done, I know it’s about money, optics, politics," the actor noted. "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 from my heart."
Moore did state, however, that he has no plans of hanging up the badge and SWAT vest. He assured the fans that he's willing to play Hondo for as long as fans want to watch him. "Trust me, all of us, the family over at SWAT," Moore asserted. "We ain’t done chasing bad guys and [performing] helicopter chases and motorcycle chases and car chases and blowing up stuff. We ain’t done."
The actor knows what he's talking about. He was the loudest voice in the room when it came to campaigning for the renewal of the previous two SWAT seasons. He knows what fans want, and he knows how to drum up enough excitement to keep them coming back in droves. Moore admits that renewal number three at CBS is unlikely, but throws out a few different ways that the franchise could continue.
The actor suggested Netflix pick up the show
Shemar Moore addressed Netflix and pointed out how successful SWAT has been for the streaming platform. He notes that the show went from number 15 on their popularity ranks to number one in a matter of weeks. It then, reportedly, stayed at number one for close to a year. It's obvious the actor has done his research.
"Netflix, if you’re interested in a show that is on autopilot that the world is watching, we’d love to come play," he said via Instagram. Moore is equal opportunity at this point, though. The actor also cited CBS peers as possible suitors for the next season of SWAT. "NBC, Fox, ABC, hey," he added. "You want to come flirt with me? You’re invited to the barbecue. Pick your favorite restaurant. I will pay the bill."
It remains to be seen if Moore's sales pitch will work. What we have seen, though, is that SWAT has defied the odds twice, which is two more times than most shows. We'd love to see them manage an upset a third time.