Shemar Moore issued a direct message to S.W.A.T. fans in the wake of CBS canceling the crime drama after eight seasons.
On Thursday, March 6, the network announced that S.W.A.T. would not return for Season 9, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets reported.
In response to the major shakeup, Moore, 54—who portrays the beloved Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson in the series—shared a video with his Instagram followers.
“It sucks. It’s sad," Moore said of the cancellation.
He explained that he gave a speech on set to reveal the news to S.W.A.T.'s cast and crew.
“Uncanceled twice two years in a row,” Moore recounted. “Canceled. Uncanceled. Canceled. Uncanceled. Now, I don’t know my history, but how many shows get to say that? I’m going to say none.”
“I had to give a speech today to my crew and say, ‘Hey, we’re done,’” he added. “There’s nothing I can say to make this sound nice, good, optimistic, nothing. But I said, ‘Be proud. Be proud because we defied the odds, and we made a hit television show that the world loved to watch.’”
Moore continued, “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."
In a statement, S.W.A.T. showrunner and executive producer Andrew Dettmann called the cancellation "heartbreaking news."
"It's been such an immense pleasure working with this cast and crew to put out a show that we’ve always been proud of," he said. “They are truly an extraordinary group of people who have all worked so hard and have been so dedicated for all these eight seasons, overcoming countless challenges. I can’t give them enough credit.”
Meanwhile, executive producer Shawn Ryan said working on S.W.A.T. for eight seasons has been an "extraordinary privilege."
“I thank our fans, Shemar Moore, the rest of our cast, our producers, Sony Pictures Television, CBS Studios and CBS for the opportunity," he shared. "Most of all I want to thank our tireless, dedicated crew who made our writers, directors and cast always look good. My greatest concern right now is for them.”
CBS initially canceled S.W.A.T. after Season 6—but walked back the decision and renewed the show for Season 7, which the network said would be its last. However, in 2024, CBS thrilled fans by renewing the series for Season 8, which premiered in October.
If the show follows its normal release schedule, the Season 8 finale of S.W.A.T.—now the series finale—will air on Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
