The Definitive Answer: How Many Seasons Of S.W.A.T. Are There? (The Shocking Cancellation Saga Explained)

The long-running, action-packed CBS police procedural, S.W.A.T. (2017), has officially concluded its run after a dramatic, back-and-forth battle with cancellation. As of the current 2024–2025 television season, the series led by Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson has produced a total of eight seasons, with the final installment confirming the show’s legacy as a resilient fan favorite. The journey to this final count was anything but typical, involving multiple shocking cancellations and subsequent renewals that kept both the cast and the dedicated fanbase on a roller coaster of uncertainty.

The definitive number of seasons for the modern S.W.A.T. series is eight. This final season was confirmed in a surprise announcement in 2024, reversing yet another cancellation decision by CBS, a move largely attributed to the show’s consistent performance and the passionate outcry from viewers and its lead star. This article breaks down the full season count, the cast who made it a hit, and the incredible behind-the-scenes drama that almost ended the series prematurely—not once, but three times.

The Complete S.W.A.T. (2017) Season Breakdown and Cast Profile

The S.W.A.T. reboot, developed by Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Shawn Ryan, premiered in 2017 and quickly established itself as a high-octane procedural with a focus on contemporary social issues. The series is a reimagining of the 1975 show of the same name and the 2003 feature film.

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Here is the complete list of seasons and the primary actors who starred in this modern classic:

• Total Seasons: 8 (2017–2025)
• Network: CBS
• Series Creators: Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Shawn Ryan
• Original Series Inspiration: S.W.A.T. (1975) and the 2003 film adaptation.

Key Main Cast & Characters

The core of the show’s success lies in the chemistry of its ensemble cast, led by the charismatic Shemar Moore. The main unit, known as Twenty Squad, featured:

• Shemar Moore as Sergeant II Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr. (Team Leader)
• Jay Harrington as Sergeant II David "Deacon" Kay (The veteran officer and Hondo's second-in-command)
• David Lim as Officer III Victor Tan (A former LAPD Vice officer)
• Kenny Johnson as Officer III/IIIA Dominique Luca (An expert driver and third-generation S.W.A.T. officer)
• Alex Russell as Officer III Jim Street (A talented but initially rebellious officer)
• Lina Esco as Officer III Christina "Chris" Alonso (Departed after Season 5)
• Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks (A high-ranking S.W.A.T. administrator)
• Rochelle Aytes as Nichelle Carmichael (Hondo’s wife and mother of his child, promoted to main cast in Season 6)

The series’ final season, Season 8, saw the return of the core team, alongside new cast additions. Notable changes included the promotion of Niko Pepaj as Officer III Miguel Alfaro and the introduction of Annie Ilonzeh in a recurring role.

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The S.W.A.T. Cancellation Drama: A Three-Time Comeback Story

The story of how S.W.A.T. reached eight seasons is almost as dramatic as the on-screen action. The show survived not one, but three significant threats of cancellation, making its final count a testament to its popularity and the power of fan advocacy. This history provides crucial context for understanding the show's run.

The Season 7 Cliffhanger (The First Reversal)

In May 2023, CBS initially canceled S.W.A.T. after only six seasons, a decision that shocked the industry given the show's strong ratings and popularity, particularly on streaming services like Netflix.

• The Outcry: Lead actor Shemar Moore publicly criticized the network’s decision, highlighting the show's diverse cast and consistent performance.
• The Reversal: Within just three days, CBS reversed the cancellation, renewing the show for a seventh and supposedly final season. This short-lived cancellation was a major news story, proving the show’s commercial value and the star’s influence.

The Season 8 Confirmation (The Final Reversal)

Despite the renewal for a "final" Season 7, the show’s fate remained a topic of intense speculation. However, in a move that mirrored the previous year’s drama, the series was again renewed.

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• The Final Decision: On April 11, 2024, CBS announced that S.W.A.T. was renewed for an eighth season.
• The End Game: It was simultaneously confirmed that this eighth season would be the series' definitive last, bringing the total count to eight.

This unprecedented chain of events—being canceled, renewed for a final season, and then renewed again for another final season—is a unique chapter in modern television history, largely driven by financial negotiations, licensing fees, and the show's robust global streaming performance.

The Legacy of S.W.A.T.: From 1975 to Hondo's Final Arc

The 2017 series is a part of a larger franchise that spans decades, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Special Weapons And Tactics unit concept. Understanding the full scope of the franchise helps establish the topical authority of the modern series.

The Original S.W.A.T. (1975)

The original S.W.A.T. series, created by Robert Hamner, ran for two seasons and 37 episodes. While short-lived, it became a cultural phenomenon, largely due to its iconic theme song. The 2017 reboot pays homage to this original, continuing the tradition of high-stakes, tactical police work. The original starred Steve Forrest as Lt. Dan "Hondo" Harrelson, a direct link to Shemar Moore’s character.

The 2003 Film Adaptation

The concept was revived for the big screen with the 2003 film starring Colin Farrell, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michelle Rodriguez. The movie was a commercial success and further cemented the S.W.A.T. brand in popular culture, bridging the gap between the original series and the modern television reboot.

Hondo Harrelson's Evolution

Shemar Moore's portrayal of Hondo has been central to the show's long run. Hondo, a Los Angeles native, is constantly navigating the line between his duty to the LAPD and his deep connection to the community he serves—a key theme that distinguishes the 2017 series from its predecessors. Throughout the eight seasons, viewers have watched Hondo evolve from a dedicated S.W.A.T. team leader to a husband and father, grappling with the trauma and ethical complexities of his job. His final arc in Season 8 is expected to provide a satisfying conclusion to his personal and professional journey.

Where to Watch All Eight Seasons and LSI Keywords

With the series officially concluding after eight seasons, fans are eager to stream the entire run, including the intense final episodes of Season 8. The show's streaming performance was a major factor in its renewals, making it highly accessible.

• Streaming Home: In the US, the series has a strong streaming presence on platforms like Netflix and Paramount+, with Netflix often being the home for older seasons.
• Current Season: New episodes of the final Season 8 air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

The complete eight-season run of S.W.A.T. offers over 160 episodes of compelling action and drama. The show’s longevity is a testament to the popular appeal of the police procedural genre, as well as the strong character development and relevant storylines that kept the audience engaged for nearly a decade. The final season not only wraps up the story arcs of characters like Deacon Kay, Victor Tan, and Hondo, but also solidifies the show's place as one of the most resilient dramas in recent network television history.

Relevant Entities and LSI Keywords: Shemar Moore, Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, David "Deacon" Kay, Jim Street, Victor Tan, Dominique Luca, Christina "Chris" Alonso, Robert Hicks, Nichelle Carmichael, Niko Pepaj, Annie Ilonzeh, CBS, Paramount+, Netflix, LAPD, Twenty Squad, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Shawn Ryan, 1975 S.W.A.T. series, 2003 S.W.A.T. film, police procedural, action drama, cancellation drama, season 8 finale, episode count.