You’ve gotta respect the hustle.
Hours after CBS cancelled S.W.A.T. for a third (and presumably final) time, series star Shemar Moore took to Instagram to thank his longtime broadcast home… and to pitch several other networks and streaming services on a potential Season 9.
“We defied the odds and we made a hit television show that the world loved to watch,” he said. “So, I say to CBS, if you’re done — I know it’s about money, optics, politics — I don’t think you’re making the right choice. I’ll say that. But if you are done, I say thank you, genuinely, honestly, from my heart.” He then made clear that he “ain’t done” yet: “Hey, Netflix, how you doing?”
Moore proceeded to speak directly to Netflix, adding: “If you’re interested in a show that is an autopilot, that the world is watching, we’d love to come play.” And if Netflix isn’t interested, he’s happy to set up shop just about anywhere: “NBC, Fox, ABC… Hey, you want to come flirt with me? You’re invited to the barbecue. Pick your favorite restaurant. I will pay the bill, OK? So trust me, all of us — the family over at S.W.A.T. — we ain’t done chasing bad guys. Helicopter chases and motorcycle chases and car chases and blowing up stuff… we ain’t done.”
S.W.A.T. this season is averaging 4.9 million total viewers (with Live+7 delayed playback), down some 20% from its Season 7 audience. Out of the 14 dramas that CBS has aired this TV season, it ranks last in total audience.
Notably, S.W.A.T.‘s Season 8 viewership has been down about 22% since it got moved from the Friday lead-off spot to the 10 pm hour previously occupied by Blue Bloods.
