SWAT has been renewed for a surprise season 8 but is this the right move?

SWAT fans have been through the wringer for the last year, and now we have one more curveball involving the show. After being canceled and then renewed for season 7 for a shorter, and final, run, CBS has now brought the show back again for season 8. How will this work considering where the show has been taking its characters?

It is no secret that the cast hadn’t been ready to say goodbye. Actor Shemar Moore has always been a champion for the show to be revived somehow on his Instagram posts. Plus, actor Kenny Johnson called his final episode “bittersweet” on social media as well. But now, the show has been renewed again.

Reportedly, there will likely be 22 episodes in the season and Moore is expected to come back to lead the series. The finale, which is still in the process of being filmed, was written in a way that would work as both a series finale and a possibility to move forward if there was a renewal.

Sony Pictures Television produces the series along with CBS Studios and talks had only just recently begun when it came to the licensing fee of the show. It hasn’t officially been made clear what led to the renewal, but ratings for the show have been strong both in terms of streaming and live television viewings.

Season 7 has been putting us through the wringer left and right. From Street leaving the team to go to San Diego with another squad to Luca retiring, they were leaving characters in different places when it came to their arcs. But does this mean there is some way to bring them back in any capacity?

Street could eventually choose to return to Squad 20 if he feels that he has helped the other team to cope with the loss of their own team leader and to be able to work together. Even though Luca retired and refused a desk job, he could make appearances once in a while, possibly as a range instructor even if he can’t use the weapons.

Unless the show decides to pull a Dallas and have the entire season revolve around a coma arc, possibly with Zoe Powell since she had been in danger at the beginning of the season, it would be a different team dynamic that we may see in season 8. Deacon had also talked about retiring to spend more time with his family. Depending on how season 7 concludes, we may also be missing him from the team.

It looks likely that season 8 will see Hondo building a new team alongside Victor Tan and Zoe Powell. We might even see Alexandria Cabrera join the team officially since she is normally shown when Powell is unavailable.

There’s a bittersweet feeling to the renewal news. On one hand, it is exciting to have the show come back for another season, with the possibility for more. However, with so many characters in different places, there is a feeling of sadness at not seeing the team dynamic that we’re so used to. NCIS faced this hurdle in bringing on Alden Parker after Leroy Jethro Gibbs left the team. 

Knowing how much Shemar Moore loves the show and loves his fans, it is likely he will help to do right by the show and make season 8 exciting, depending on where they decide to take it. We will keep you updated with news involving SWAT as we get closer to the now season 7 season finale, which is due to air on Friday, May 17 at 8/9c.