After eight seasons, it seems SWAT’s time might finally be coming to an end after CBS opted not to renew the series for a ninth season – canceling the show for a third time. It’s been quite a journey for the long-running series both for its cast and its fans who have helped the show evade cancellation twice before.
While CBS originally canceled the show after season 6 with no planned ending, the network reversed its decision just days later after fans and the cast vocally spoke out to express their desire for more. A seventh season was ordered which was supposed to be the show’s official final season, but then CBS surprised fans again by ordering an eighth season and reversing its cancellation decision for a second time in a row.
Following the show’s two brushes with death, fans were optimistic CBS was going to continue to invest in the series which is why it was so surprising to the audience and those on the show when the network chose not to renew the show. Not only did CBS choose to cancel SWAT, but unlike in past years it seems CBS didn’t even try to strike a new deal with Sony Pictures Television.
The show’s cast has been quick to once again rally the fans to fight for the show’s future and continue to encourage fans to make their voices heard as they try to secure a ninth season for the show. It’s clear the cast aren’t giving up their fight just yet, but should this truly prove to be goodbye they’re filled with nothing but gratitude for the fans and the SWAT community.
“It's changed my life in so many ways,” actor David Lim (Tan) reflected in a newly shared video in which the cast reflect on what SWAT has meant to them. “Camaraderie that we've had since day one. It's been so special and I, I'm sure I'll be talking about it for many years to come. If this show has meant something to you. Like, comment, share, and keep fighting for more Squad.”
Lim’s sentiment was shared by many of his costars including Patrick St. Esprit (Commander Hicks), who called working on SWAT the opportunity of a career.
“SWAT has meant so much to me. I mean, I don't even know where to begin. It's been a great journey. It's been an opportunity of a career. I'm just extremely grateful for it. Thank the fans. Thank you. Supporting us, tuning in, and keeping us out here.”
Anna Enger Ritch, who joined the cast in season 5, struggled to find the words to express just how proud she is of the show. Meanwhile, season 8 newcomer Annie Ilonzeh, called SWAT “one of the best experiences of my life” and expressed gratitude for the show gifting her with “the most important sisterhood that [she] could ask for.”
“It's too much to put into words. To be part of this team, to be accepted by everybody. I gained so much from this show. I'm so thankful,” reflected Niko Pepaj (Alfaro) in the video. This was a sentiment shared by original cast member Jay Harrington (Deacon), who is most thankful for the connections he’s made over the last eight years on the show and the friendships the show has given him.
As for lead Shemar Moore, who quickly jumped into action following the show’s cancellation to call upon CBS to reconsider the decision and ask the likes of ABC, NBC, and Netflix to consider saving the show, he’s not quite ready to throw in the towel just yet making it clear that anything’s possible.
“Everything, everything, family action worldwide. One of a kind show, blessed eight years. If we are done, we bow down gracefully, but that candle ain't out yet, right? There's people out there believing in us. Anything's possible. That's how I live my life. That's how I treat this show. That's how I treat SWAT.”
You can watch the full video of the SWAT cast reflecting upon what the show has meant to them in the video above which has been shared by the cast across their social media platforms as a way to celebrate the show and continue to rally the fans in the fight to save the show.