The Final Verdict: Is S.W.A.T. Cancelled For Good? 5 Shocking Reasons Why Hondo’s Story Ends (And What Comes Next)

The question has been asked repeatedly over the last few years, but as of late 2025, the answer is definitive: The action-packed CBS crime drama S.W.A.T. is officially canceled. This is not the first time the show has faced the ax, but the network confirmed in March 2025 that the current Season 8 would be the series’ last, bringing the saga of Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. and his elite team to a close. The decision marks the third time the show has been canceled, leading to a final, permanent end to the main series.

The news comes despite the show's consistent strong performance and loyal fan base, making the latest cancellation a bitter pill for many viewers to swallow. The reasons behind the network's final decision are complex, revolving less around viewership numbers and more around the cold, hard reality of television economics and the future of the show's biggest star, Shemar Moore. Fans, however, can find a glimmer of hope in the unexpected announcement of a new spin-off that will continue Hondo's story.

Shemar Moore: The Man Behind Hondo Harrelson

The heart and soul of S.W.A.T. is Shemar Moore, whose portrayal of the compassionate yet tough team leader Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. has been a cornerstone of the show's success. Moore's career spans decades, making him one of the most recognizable faces in television drama.

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• Full Name: Shemar Franklin Moore
• Date of Birth: April 20, 1970
• Birth Place: Oakland, California, United States
• Profession: Actor, Former Fashion Model, and Producer
• Notable Roles Before S.W.A.T.: Malcolm Winters on the CBS serial The Young and the Restless (1994–2002), and FBI Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds (2005–2016).
• Reported Salary (S.W.A.T.): Approximately $175,000 per episode.

Moore's passion for the series and his character was instrumental in the show's previous renewals. After the first cancellation in 2023, his public outcry and the fan response were key factors in CBS reversing its decision and ordering a final Season 7—which was then followed by an unexpected Season 8 renewal. His dedication highlights the human element in the business decisions that ultimately led to the show's final cancellation.

The Real Reasons Why CBS Finally Ended S.W.A.T.

The history of S.W.A.T. is a rollercoaster of renewals and cancellations, a rare feat for any network television show. It was canceled and un-canceled in 2023, then renewed for a final Season 7, and then surprisingly renewed *again* for Season 8. The final decision to end the show after Season 8 was not a creative one, but a financial one.

1. The Licensing Fee Standoff

The single biggest reason for the final cancellation is the ongoing disagreement over licensing fees between CBS and the show's production studio, Sony Pictures Television. Unlike shows produced entirely in-house by CBS Studios, S.W.A.T. is produced by Sony, meaning CBS has to pay a hefty fee to air it. Over the years, this fee became a major sticking point.

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Despite the show's strong ratings and popularity, CBS ultimately decided that the cost of renewing the series—which had become increasingly expensive to produce, especially with a high-profile star like Shemar Moore—was too high to justify. The network felt the financial burden was outweighing the advertising revenue, leading to the final decision to cut ties.

2. The Cost of a Veteran Cast

As a series progresses, the salaries of its main actors typically increase with each season. With a core cast of established actors, including Shemar Moore, Jay Harrington (David "Deacon" Kay), David Lim (Victor Tan), and Patrick St. Esprit (Commander Robert Hicks), the cost of production for Season 9 would have been substantially higher than Season 1. This escalating budget, compounded by the licensing fee issue, created an unsustainable financial model for the network.

3. A Planned, Definitive Conclusion

The previous season (Season 7) was originally announced as the final season, giving the writers a chance to craft a definitive ending. While the show was later renewed for Season 8, the original intent to wrap up the storylines remained. By making Season 8 the final chapter, CBS is allowing the creative team to deliver a conclusive and satisfying finale for the dedicated fan base, ensuring that main characters like Jim Street, Victor Tan, and Deacon Kay get proper send-offs.

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The Future is Not Canceled: Introducing S.W.A.T. Exiles

In a surprising twist that proves the *S.W.A.T.* universe is far from over, a spin-off series titled *S.W.A.T. Exiles* is currently in development. This new project is a direct result of the continued partnership between Shemar Moore and Sony Pictures Television, guaranteeing that fans will see Hondo Harrelson back in action.

What We Know About the Spin-Off

The spin-off is set to debut sometime in 2026, though a specific network or streaming platform has not yet been announced. The premise suggests a major shift in Hondo’s role and location, promising a fresh take on the action-drama format:

• Title: S.W.A.T. Exiles
• Star: Shemar Moore (Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr.)
• Logline: The show will follow Hondo after a high-profile mission goes sideways, forcing him into a new, international role. The official synopsis hints that Hondo will be "pulled out of forced" retirement for a new assignment, suggesting a departure from the familiar streets of Los Angeles.
• Network Status: The new series is not confirmed to air on CBS, indicating it could move to a streaming service or another network entirely, potentially bypassing the licensing fee issues that plagued the original show.

The development of *S.W.A.T. Exiles* is a clear signal that while the main series is canceled, the brand remains highly valuable. This continuation ensures that the topical authority and legacy of the original *S.W.A.T.* (2017 TV series) will live on, giving fans a new squad and new threats to follow in the coming years.

The Final Word on S.W.A.T.

For fans asking "Is S.W.A.T. canceled?" the answer is a bittersweet yes: The main series concludes with Season 8 in 2025. The final cancellation was a business decision driven by the rising cost of licensing fees from Sony Pictures Television, not a lack of audience support.

However, the legacy of Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. is far from over. The upcoming *S.W.A.T. Exiles* spin-off, led by Shemar Moore, is set to debut in 2026, promising a new chapter for the character and the franchise. While the end of the original show is disappointing, the future of the *S.W.A.T.* universe is secured, ensuring that the spirit of the elite team continues in a new, exciting direction.