In a recent interview with TV Insider, lead actor Shemar Moore addressed the possibility of a potential season 8 for the action-packed series, SWAT. As fans eagerly anticipate the premiere of SWAT season 7, the show's availability on Netflix in the United States has garnered even more attention. Moore discussed the show's success metrics and expressed optimism about the chances of a revival.
Moore, previously known for his role in Criminal Minds, revealed that the future of SWAT remains uncertain. He highlighted the importance of numbers in the industry, emphasizing that ratings and financial considerations play a significant role in determining a show's fate. With SWAT consistently ranking among the top 15 shows on Netflix, Moore believes that the show's strong performance may lead the decision-makers at Sony and CBS to reconsider their initial cancellation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding SWAT's future, Moore remains grateful for the opportunity to portray Sergeant Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson. If SWAT does return for a season 8, Moore expressed his readiness to continue his role. However, he also acknowledged that if it's time to bid farewell to the series, he will move on to the next chapter of his career with gratitude and enthusiasm.
The main issue behind the original cancellation of SWAT was due to its co-production status between Sony and CBS. Networks prefer complete ownership of their properties, leading to complications in negotiating licensing fees. Sony TV head Katherine Pope explained that they were unable to reduce the licensing fee for season 7, resulting in CBS needing to increase its payment to renew the show. However, with networks aiming to cut costs, this option was not favorable for CBS.
CBS then proposed an offer to Sony, suggesting an increased licensing fee in exchange for an abbreviated season of 13 episodes. Unfortunately, Sony declined the offer, leading to public criticism of the cancellation on social media. It was later revealed that series creator Shawn Ryan was unaware of Sony's offer and was willing to work with a tighter budget to bring back SWAT. This agreement ultimately led to the un-cancellation of the show and its return for season 7.
The issue of co-productions and ownership has affected other shows as well. For instance, the Fox series, 9-1-1, was initially canceled due to the high licensing fee, but later picked up by ABC, as Disney (ABC's parent company) possesses ownership of the show.
As SWAT continues to deliver strong ratings for CBS and maintains its popularity on Netflix, there is a possibility of discussions concerning potential spin-offs or a continuation of the series. However, for now, the focus remains on delivering a satisfying conclusion in SWAT season 7 for loyal fans who have invested in the thrilling world of the show.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the premiere of SWAT season 7 on Friday, February 16 at 8 PM ET on CBS. Whether the journey of SWAT ends or continues after this season, Shemar Moore and the rest of the cast are dedicated to giving viewers an unforgettable viewing experience. Stay tuned as we eagerly await further updates on the future of SWAT!
