The Final Verdict: 5 Shocking Facts About Why S.W.A.T. Is NOT Coming Back For Season 9 (And What’s Next)

The question of whether "S.W.A.T." will return for Season 9 has dominated fan discussions since the show’s tumultuous renewal history became public. As of today, Friday, December 12, 2025, the definitive and official answer is that the main series will not be returning for a ninth season, with the current run, Season 8, officially serving as the show’s final chapter. This marks the third and, according to CBS, final cancellation of the action-packed police procedural, bringing the saga of Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson and his elite Los Angeles team to a dramatic close, despite the show's consistent and strong viewership.

However, the story of the S.W.A.T. universe is far from over. In a surprising move that echoes the show's previous last-minute reprieves, the network has greenlit a brand-new spin-off series. This new project, titled S.W.A.T.: Exiles, ensures that the spirit of the franchise—and its leading man, Shemar Moore—will continue on the small screen, offering fans a fresh, international take on the familiar high-stakes action.

The Definitive Status of S.W.A.T.: Season 9 Cancellation and Season 8 Details

The journey for the S.W.A.T. series has been one of the most unpredictable in recent television history, characterized by a cycle of cancellation, massive fan outcry, and subsequent renewal. The show, which follows the exploits of Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson (Shemar Moore) and his Special Weapons And Tactics unit, was initially canceled after Season 6, then dramatically renewed for a final Season 7, only to be renewed again for an eighth season.

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The latest news, however, confirms that the eighth season is the absolute end of the road for the flagship series. CBS officially announced that S.W.A.T. Season 8 is the final season. The season premiered on October 18, 2024, and filming has already wrapped, with Shemar Moore sharing emotional behind-the-scenes posts marking the end of the production. This conclusion is set to give the beloved characters a proper, planned send-off, a luxury they were almost denied twice before.

Why S.W.A.T. Was Canceled (Again): The Financial Showdown

The cancellation of S.W.A.T. for a potential Season 9—and its previous cancellations—was never a reflection of its popularity or ratings. The series consistently delivered strong viewership numbers for CBS. The core issue, which has plagued the show for years, comes down to a business dispute between the network (CBS) and the studio that produces the show (Sony Pictures Television).

The primary reason cited for the final cancellation is a disagreement over licensing fees. A licensing fee is the amount the network pays the studio to air the show. As a series ages and becomes more successful, the studio typically seeks higher fees. CBS, however, reportedly pushed for a "flat license fee" that Sony Pictures Television believed would compromise the show's financial model and overall budget.

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This financial impasse, combined with network-wide budget cuts, ultimately led to the decision to end the series after Season 8. It’s a classic example of a "business" cancellation, where a successful show is axed despite its popularity due to behind-the-scenes financial complexities between the major studios and networks.

The Future Is 'Exiles': Everything We Know About The S.W.A.T. Spin-Off

The most exciting and fresh development for fans is the announcement of a new spin-off series, S.W.A.T.: Exiles. This project is the direct continuation of the S.W.A.T. universe and is designed to keep the franchise alive after Hondo's main team disbands.

Shemar Moore's Return and The New Mission

The good news is that Shemar Moore will reprise his iconic role as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson in the new 10-episode spin-off. The series is being helmed by showrunner Jason Ning, known for his work on Lucifer.

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The plot for S.W.A.T.: Exiles is set to take the action in a new direction. The series will feature Hondo coming out of a forced retirement to lead a younger, new crew. The storyline is expected to explore generational divides within the police force while taking the action out of Los Angeles and onto an international stage.

Production for S.W.A.T.: Exiles officially began in late 2025, confirming that the new chapter is moving forward rapidly.

Who Is In The 'S.W.A.T.: Exiles' Cast?

While the focus is on a new team, the spin-off ensures that the franchise's core remains intact with Shemar Moore's return. The new series will introduce several key characters, creating a dynamic that contrasts Hondo's veteran experience with the energy of a younger generation of S.W.A.T. officers.

Confirmed new cast members for S.W.A.T.: Exiles include:

• Lucy Barrett as Samantha “Sammy” Bishop
• Adain Bradley as Malik Henderson
• Zyra Gorecki (role to be confirmed)

There is also speculation that some original cast members, such as Jay Harrington (David "Deacon" Kay) and Patrick St. Esprit (Commander Robert Hicks), may make guest appearances or have recurring roles, bridging the gap between the original series and the new spin-off. The concept of the show as "Exiles" suggests that Hondo will be operating outside of the typical LAPD S.W.A.T. structure, potentially allowing for appearances from various former teammates as the plot requires.

Topical Authority: The S.W.A.T. Cancellation-Renewal Timeline

To fully understand why there will be no Season 9, it is essential to look at the unprecedented history of S.W.A.T.'s near-death experiences. This context provides crucial topical authority on the show's complex relationship with CBS and Sony Pictures Television.

The S.W.A.T. series has been a "zombie show"—a series that refuses to die—due to its immense popularity and the passionate appeals of its star, Shemar Moore, and its dedicated fanbase. The key moments in this timeline include:

• Cancellation 1: May 2023 (After Season 6): CBS announced the show was canceled. Shemar Moore posted an emotional appeal, and within days, the decision was reversed, and the show was renewed for a final, shortened Season 7.
• Renewal 1: May 2023: The show was brought back for a "final" Season 7, which was originally intended to be the definitive ending.
• Cancellation 2/Renewal 2: April 2024: The network reversed its "final season" decision and renewed S.W.A.T. for an eighth season. This was a major surprise, as most shows do not get a second reprieve.
• Cancellation 3: March 2025 (Ahead of Season 8 Finale): CBS confirmed that Season 8 would be the final season. This decision, again rooted in financial and licensing fee issues, solidifies the end of the main series.

The existence of S.W.A.T.: Exiles is the ultimate compromise: CBS gets to shed the high licensing fee of the original series while retaining the star power of Shemar Moore and the equity of the S.W.A.T. brand in a new, potentially more cost-effective format. The new series is not Season 9, but it is the exciting, continuing story of Hondo Harrelson and the S.W.A.T. universe.