The S.W.A.T. series finale, “Return to Base,” aired on Friday, May 16, 2025, directed by Billy Gierhart and written by Matthew T. Brown and Daniela Labi, brought an official conclusion to the high-octane police procedural after eight seasons. For many dedicated viewers and the ensemble cast, this marked the end of an era. Yet, in an unprecedented twist characteristic of the show’s own tumultuous history with its network, this finality simultaneously ushered in a new beginning for its central figure. While S.W.A.T. officially ended for most of its characters, the story of Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, portrayed by the charismatic Shemar Moore, is set to continue in an eagerly anticipated spinoff series titled S.W.A.T. EXILES.

The path to S.W.A.T.’s ultimate conclusion was anything but straightforward, a testament to its enduring popularity and the passionate advocacy of its fanbase. This latest cancellation marks the show’s third official termination, a remarkable and rare occurrence in television history, but this time, it appears to be definitive. Many fans found it hard to believe the news of CBS ending S.W.A.T. after eight seasons, primarily due to the show’s prior experiences with reversal.

The first instance of a cliffhanger came in May 2023, when CBS initially announced that the police procedural would conclude with its sixth season finale. This declaration sparked immediate and widespread backlash from a vocal and loyal fanbase, who flooded social media with calls to save the show. Shemar Moore himself became a powerful voice in the campaign, publicly expressing his disappointment and rallying support. The network, clearly swayed by the overwhelming public outcry and perhaps re-evaluating the show’s strong viewership and syndication value, reversed its decision just a few days later. S.W.A.T. was saved, and a seventh season was greenlit, though with the caveat that it would serve as the show’s definitive last hurrah.

However, the S.W.A.T. saga was not over. Even after the seemingly final announcement of a seventh-season conclusion, the series beat the odds once more. In another surprising move, CBS reversed its decision a second time, renewing S.W.A.T. for an eighth season. This rollercoaster of cancellations and renewals underscored the show’s resilience and its deep connection with its audience, proving that viewer engagement could indeed influence network decisions, at least for a time. Consequently, S.W.A.T.’s latest fate is technically its third cancellation, and industry insiders and fans alike widely expect this one to stick, paving the way for the franchise’s evolution rather than a complete cessation.

At the heart of S.W.A.T.’s consistent appeal and its remarkable ability to defy cancellation twice lies the compelling character of Hondo Harrelson and Shemar Moore’s dynamic performance. As a Los Angeles native deeply committed to his community, Hondo served as the series’ moral compass, navigating the complex ethical dilemmas inherent in modern policing. His leadership, integrity, and ability to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the neighborhoods it serves resonated profoundly with viewers. Moore imbued Hondo with a powerful blend of strength, vulnerability, and unwavering resolve, making him a relatable and inspiring figure. This connection to Hondo is precisely why the S.W.A.T. franchise will continue through his character, even as the original series concludes.

The decision to continue the S.W.A.T. narrative rests not with CBS directly, but with Sony Pictures Television, the studio behind the series. It highlights a common dynamic in the television industry where the network acts as a broadcaster, while the studio owns the intellectual property and has the ultimate say in its long-term future. CBS, for various strategic or financial reasons, may have opted against renewing the original S.W.A.T. for a ninth season. However, Sony clearly recognizes the significant value of the S.W.A.T. brand, its proven popularity, and its lucrative international syndication potential. By developing S.W.A.T. EXILES, Sony is taking matters into its own hands, ensuring the longevity of a valuable franchise and bringing back one of its biggest draws in Shemar Moore’s Hondo.

The title S.W.A.T. EXILES itself offers tantalizing clues about the direction of the new series. The term “exiles” suggests a departure from Hondo’s familiar territory in Los Angeles, perhaps even a detachment from conventional S.W.A.T. protocols. This could imply a scenario where Hondo is operating outside the established system, perhaps leading a smaller, more clandestine unit on international missions, or undertaking assignments that require a level of autonomy and discretion not afforded within a standard police department. This shift could open up new narrative possibilities, allowing for a fresh perspective on Hondo’s character, potentially exploring themes of espionage, global security, or operating under extreme duress in unfamiliar environments. It would provide an opportunity to broaden the S.W.A.T. universe, taking its signature blend of tactical action and character-driven drama to an international stage or a more covert domestic landscape.

As of the writing of this article, the ultimate home for S.W.A.T. EXILES remains undetermined. Sony is reportedly pitching the series to multiple broadcast networks, cable networks, and streaming services, indicating a wide search for the best fit. The most probable contenders are CBS, Paramount+, or Netflix. A return to CBS would offer familiarity for viewers and maintain a direct link to the original series’ broadcasting history, though it might come with similar budget and creative constraints that led to the original show’s cancellation. Paramount+, as CBS’s streaming arm, would also be a logical choice, potentially offering more creative freedom, a larger budget for production, and direct access to a streaming-first audience already familiar with CBS content. Netflix, known for its global reach and diverse content library, could provide the series with a massive international platform and potentially allow for a darker, more mature tone or longer episode runtimes, diverging from traditional broadcast television formats. The choice of platform will undoubtedly influence the creative scope, budget, and overall accessibility of S.W.A.T. EXILES.

The S.W.A.T. franchise has carved out a significant niche in the television landscape, not just through its thrilling action sequences and high-stakes drama, but also through its willingness to engage with complex social issues. From police reform and community relations to the mental health struggles faced by first responders, the series often served as a contemporary reflection of real-world challenges. This blend of compelling action and timely social commentary cemented its place in the hearts of viewers. The transition from the main series to S.W.A.T. EXILES represents a strategic evolution, ensuring that the legacy of S.W.A.T. and the indomitable spirit of Hondo Harrelson continue to resonate with audiences, adapting to new platforms and expanding the narrative horizons of this beloved universe. While the eight-season journey of the original S.W.A.T. has reached its conclusion, the pulse of the franchise, led by its iconic ex-Marine, beats on.