SWAT is losing yet another main character ahead of season 8

Ever since SWAT got the unexpected greenlight for a season 8, fans have been wondering who exactly is going to be in the upcoming season since season 7 was supposed to be its final run. The storylines for its seventh outing revolved around writing some characters out. So far, we've learned that Street and Luca won't be back, at least not as series regulars, so Alex Russell and Kenny Johnson's storylines won't be reversed. Now, news has broken that fans can't count on seeing Nichelle Carmichael as a main character either and it's possibly she won't be in season 8 at all.

Deadline reports that Rochelle Aytes wasn't asked back for next season as a series regular but the SWAT producers aren't interested in writing her out. The hope is that she'll be able to shift to recurring status so that Nichelle can still have a presence in the series as Hondo's wife and the mother of their daughter Vivian. However, that could prove tricky as Aytes will be starring in the new CBS medical mystery drama Watson.

The actress is set to play Dr. Mary Morstan, a renowned surgeon and the Medical Director at the hospital where Watson's clinic servicing patients with rare disorders is located. She is excellent at balancing the business of medicine with care for those who need medical assistance. And, as Watson's ex-wife, she knows a thing or two about being his voice of reason and bringing him back down to reality when he's pushing too hard.

Though Watson is reportedly set in Pittsburgh, PA, filming will take place in Vancouver, Canada. Production starts up June 17 and will run through November 22. A production start date for SWAT season 8 has yet to be announced, however, it's likely to begin during the summer. With Aytes filming on the medical drama, if she does make an appearance in SWAT season 8, it may not be until the back half of the season or she may only show up in a FaceTime call or two.

We'll keep you posted as more news comes in about both CBS dramas set to premiere during the networks 2024-2025 season. Returning cast members for SWAT include Jay Harrington as David "Deacon" Kay. And, a recent TV spot hints at Jessica Camacho possibly joining 20 Squad as Jackie Vasquez, an FBI agent who was originally denied a position on the S.W.A.T. team.

SWAT season 8 premieres Fall 2024 retaining its Friday 8 p.m. ET slot, however, come the midseason the procedural will be on the move. It'll slide into the 10 p.m. hour for the rest of the season's run since Blue Bloods will wrap in December 2024. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote!