After a series of cancellations and resurrections, will Season 7 of S.W.A.T reach us in September?
Continue reading to find out!
Ardent followers of S.W.A.T. have recently been on a topsy-turvy journey, with their beloved series being canceled after six seasons on the CBS network in May 2023. What followed was an outbreak of disdain and fan outrage over the sudden cancellation of their series. However, the good news is that CBS and Sony Pictures listened to the fans outpouring of support for the series and reversed the show’s cancelation order, instead renewing the series for a final season.
S.W.A.T. saw its debut in 2017. The Shemar Moore-led action series concerns Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson as he is tasked with leading the Los Angeles Police Department’s prestigious Special Weapons and Tactics division. Sharing a fictional universe with the FX series The Shield, S.W.A.T. quickly set itself apart from the usual procedural fare because of its grittier approach to storytelling and action-packed sequences. Hence, the few Primetime Emmy nominations were not a surprise for fans who knew the effect that the series had on its audience. Who doesn’t love an amalgamation of crime-solving mysteries with action-packed sequences and a peak at the personal lives of the invincible S.W.A.T. team?
It is after the revival announcement that fans have been clacking their keyboards for months, trying to trace any bouts of development on the production front for the S.W.A.T. Season 7 premiere and whether it will arrive in September. You have come to the right place to gather intel, as we possess essential updates that we need to put across.
When it comes to stunts — #SWAT is elite. Congrats to the cast and crew on receiving an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Stunt Coordination 👏 pic.twitter.com/mruyuGBCFT
— S.W.A.T. (@swatcbs) July 12, 2023
S.W.A.T Season 7 Is Not Coming To CBS In September
The rocky journey of the S.W.A.T series continues as the production is affected by the current strike, much like the other anticipated series of 2023. Upon the initiation of the WGA strike in May, CBS was confident that it would simmer within the next two months and decided to release its updated fall schedule, which thankfully contained S.W.A.T. Season 7 in its roaster. However, it is safe to say that they got ahead of themselves.
May 2023 witnessed the onslaught of the gravest writer’s protest in the form of the WGA union. Amidst the protest, several competing networks updated their fall broadcast schedules in anticipation of the dissipation of the strikes within the next month.
However, in July, the actors union SAG-AFTRA also joined in the protest for their wage rights and better protection against the hindsight of Artificial Intelligence. The last time such a large-scale strike sent Hollywood productions into an indefinite hiatus was 63 whole years ago! We are currently in the third month of this double-strike situation, and there are no hopes for any reconciliation through negotiations.
In a recent meeting held for the first time in more than three months, the Writers Guild and the AMPTP on Friday failed to reach an agreement to resume contract negotiations. Their inability to agree on terms for returning to the bargaining table comes after their much-anticipated meeting to discuss a possible resumption of talks.
“As of now, there is no agreement on these items, because the AMPTP said they needed to consult with their member studios before moving forward,” the union said in a statement last Friday.
The situation for a fall 2023 release seems bleak. In that capacity, much like its competitor networks, CBS has re-revised its fall schedule and pushed the new releases to a mid-2024 timeline. S.W.A.T. Season 7 seems to have fallen in the same window. So, no, CBS has not given any formal confirmation regarding the actual release date of the series.
However, we can make a calculated guess on an expected date for the release of S.W.A.T. Season 7, taking into account the lingering strike situation. In a situation where negotiations are met within the next two months or so, we can expect production to begin by the end of this year and result in a 2024 first quarter (January, February, March, April) release. So, S.W.A.T. Season 7 is not coming in September.
S.W.A.T. Season 7 Production Status: Current Updates
Ever since its resurrection announcement in May of 2023, a new development has taken place surrounding Season 7. A deal was struck with Netflix regarding its streaming future. S.W.A.T. has a new streaming home on Netflix going forward, and the first five seasons of the landmark procedural appeared on the international streaming giant on May 17, 2023 (via ScreenRant). Season 6 of the series has already arrived in August 2023 on Netflix, so you can easily binge-watch Seasons 1 through 6 on the streamer giant. S.W.A.T.’s additional availability on Hulu and Paramount Plus makes it one of the most accessible network TV shows around.
With regards to production, it seems like they did not have enough time to complete the filming for Season 7 ahead of its anticipated fall 2023 release due to the hindrance caused by the strikes. As of now, production, unfortunately, remains on an indefinite hiatus until the strike storm cools down.
As it has already been hinted at by George Cheeks, President and CEO of CBS and Chief Content Officer, who stated during a keynote at Banff moderated by Deadline’s Peter White:
“We wanted to build our schedule for when the world goes back to normal.” Further adding, “Once we had done that, once we locked it in, we spent a lot of time focusing on what it was going to look like.” He elaborated that a revised CBS fall scheduling plan is expected to be revealed soon. “First of all, obviously it’s going to be very reality-heavy,” he added. George Cheeks was also questioned about the studio’s discussions with the leading Hollywood guilds and the ongoing WGA strike.
He discussed the variations between the broadcast and streaming economic models and referred to the recently achieved preliminary deal with the DGA as “helpful.”
Also, check out the official renewal announcement as confirmed by the cast and crew of the show, quoting, “We have listened to our viewers and their outpouring of passion for S.W.A.T. and we have reached an agreement to renew it for a final season of 13 episodes to air during the 2023-2024 broadcast year,” Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment, and Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios, said in a joint statement.
Further adding, “S.W.A.T. has aired for six seasons on CBS and garnered a devoted following. We are pleased that we found a way to bring it back and give closure to the show’s storylines and characters, which audiences deserve. Once again, we appreciate the talents and efforts of the cast, writers, producers, and crew, and everyone who has contributed to the success of S.W.A.T. We look forward to its return next season.”
If there are any more updates on this front, we will keep updating you here at Web News Observer, so stay tuned. Additionally, keep a close watch on Netflix as well as the social media accounts of S.W.A.T. because new updates are due.
S.W.A.T. Season 7 Plot: What Can Be Expected In The New Season?
*Spoiler Alert*
Daniel Harrelson, a Los Angeles S.W.A.T. lieutenant, is assigned to lead a highly skilled unit in the community where he grew up. Torn between loyalty to the streets, where the cops are sometimes the enemy and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strategically straddles the two worlds. Hondo encourages his team to rely on communication and respect over force and aggression, but when a crisis erupts, these unflinching men and women are prepared to put their tactical training to the test.
Lastly, even though there is so much silence about the exact plot, there is no doubt that the new season will continue the plot and character arcs from the finale episode, “Legacy,” of the sixth season, in which the viewers got to see that the team works with the DEA to stop a ruthless cartel boss waging war on the streets of Los Angeles as he exacts revenge on those who killed his son. Also, take a look at the official 10-second promo of the final episode if you haven’t streamed the prior season yet.
In Season 7, we can expect new character over-arches with personal relationship developments and thrilling new cases with action-packed sequences. One plotline that should be touched upon in Season 7 is Hondo’s proposal to Nichelle, which she gleefully accepts. S.W.A.T. season 7 has the chance to give Hondo and his crew a fitting ending! That will finally be a cliffhanger-free finale.
However, here is an episode run-down of S.W.A.T Season 6 to help you understand the premise on which Season 7 will pick up from:
S6.E1 ∙ Thai Hard
October 7, 2022
During a trip to Bangkok to train alongside Thailand’s premiere S.W.A.T. team, Hondo and his former military buddy Joe stumble upon a wide-ranging heroin operation with ties to Los Angeles and find themselves on the run from a powerful drug kingpin.
S6.E2 ∙ Thai Another Day
October 14, 2022
Hondo, Deacon, and Tan team up with Thailand’s elite S.W.A.T. team to stop a ruthless drug lord whose heroin operation has far-reaching ties to Los Angeles.
S6.E3 ∙ Woah Black Betty
October 21, 2022
When the team’s armored vehicle “Black Betty” gets stolen, they must stop the vehicle from being used in a potential terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Hondo and Nischelle prepare for their baby’s gender reveal party.
S6.E4 ∙ Maniak
October 28, 2022
When a convicted killer makes a prison break, the team works to protect the people on his hit list. Hondo unexpectedly crosses paths with a former flame.
S6.E5 ∙ Unraveling
November 4, 2022
When the team stops a robbery at a department store, they fear the crime was designed to distract from something more sinister. Hondo enlists Street to connect with Powell after ignores orders in the field.
S6.E6 ∙ Checkmate
November 18, 2022
When a cop on the verge of shutting down a major drug operation is abducted, Hondo and the squad race to save one of their own before it’s too late. Also, Luca grows concerned about sudden changes in Hicks’ behavior.
S6.E7 ∙ Sequel
December 2, 2022
An intruder breaks into the home of a Hollywood actress, Hondo, and the team is forced to partner with an old nemesis – former 20 Squad leader Sanchez to track down a dangerous criminal who’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Tan struggles to find the perfect anniversary gift for his wife.
S6.E8 ∙ Guacaine
December 9, 2022
When violence erupts at a popular food truck festival, the team must contend with a deadly cartel determined to recover a largely lost drug shipment at any cost.
S6.E9 ∙ Pariah
January 6, 2023
When faced with a series of random shootings, one SWAT member’s family connections could be the key to stopping the next attack. Hondo prepares to meet Nichelle’s parents for the first time. Tan helps Luca navigate a sensitive situation.
S6.E10 ∙ Witness
January 13, 2023
The SWAT team races to locate a young boy abducted from a homeless shelter. Street allows his personal history to cloud his judgment. Hondo and Nichelle disagree over spiritual beliefs.
S6.E11 ∙ Atonement
January 20, 2023
The SWAT team participates in a joint task force with the FBI when a car bombing has ties to a terrorist group planning an attack in Los Angeles. Also, a tragedy from Deacon’s past gives insight into the origins of his faith, and Luca and his brother, Terry (Ryan Hurst), battle over a new family revelation.
S6.E12 ∙ Addicted
February 3, 2023
The SWAT team races to stop a gunman targeting rehab centers and those he considers responsible for his brother’s death. Deacon is startled when his wife makes a parenting decision that has unexpected consequences for their daughter.
S6.E13 ∙ Lion’s Share
February 10, 2023
The team races to stop a violent rampage with ties to a painful chapter from Hicks’ past.
S6.E14 ∙ Gut Punch
February 24, 2023
SWAT teams with Major Crimes for a high-stakes mission to extract an undercover officer from a dangerous crime ring.
S6.E15 ∙ To Protect & to Serve
March 3, 2023
The team is on regular street patrol for Patrol Day, but not only the new teams and the blue uniforms get them into trouble.
S6.E16 ∙ Blowback
March 10, 2023
When classified information falls into the wrong hands, the team races to stop a dangerous plot targeting former members of the U.S. military; Luca is faced with a challenging choice when a family member suddenly falls ill.
S6.E17 ∙ Stockholm
March 31, 2023
The team works with the FBI to hunt one of its most-wanted fugitives; Hondo and Nichelle are faced with an unexpected development in her pregnancy.
S6.E18 ∙ Genesis
April 7, 2023
When an armored truck heist ends in bloodshed, the team races to track down priceless jewels before more lives are lost; Hondo’s mother, Charice, visits.
S6.E19 ∙ Bunkies
April 21, 2023
The team races to uncover the identities of kidnappers holding a prison guard’s family hostage; Tan is faced with a difficult personal decision.
S6.E20 ∙ All That Glitters
May 5, 2023
Following a string of violent home robberies, the team rushes to stop a crew targeting elderly victims. Also, Hondo’s longtime friend and former Marine squad leader Danny Wright turns to Hondo for help when his daughter goes missing.
S6.E21 ∙ Forget Shorty
May 12, 2023
SWAT teams up with the DEA to conduct a massive gang sweep, only to discover that a vicious cartel is planting roots in the city and endangering numerous lives; Hicks marks an important anniversary.
S6.E22 ∙ Legacy
May 19, 2023
The team works with the DEA to stop a ruthless cartel boss waging war on the streets of Los Angeles as he exacts revenge on those who killed his son.
Additionally, since the filming is under wraps for Season 7, no further details regarding the plot have been hinted at by the creators. However, we can assure you that we will arrive with new details as soon as we get our hands on them.
S.W.A.T. Season 7 Cast: Who Will Reprise Their Roles?
The main cast members of the series who are expected to reprise their roles are as follows:
- Shemar Moore as Sergeant II Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr.
- Alex Russell as Officer III James “Jim” Street
- Kenny Johnson as Officer III+1 Dominique Luca
- David Lim as Officer III Victor Tan
- Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks
- Rochelle Aytes as Nichelle Carmichael
- Jay Harrington as Sergeant II David “Deacon” Kay.
The recurring cast members include:
- Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Sergeant II Donovan Rocker
- David Ress Snell as Detective John Burrows
- Anna Enger Ritch as Officer III Zoe Powell
- Brigitte Kali Canales as Officer III Alexis Cabrera
- Mark Labella as LEK
- Niko Pepaj as Officer III Miguel Alfaro
- Kelly Overton as Officer III Eva Durant
ROLL #SWAT! We're #1 on @netflix! 💥👊
Catch up on @swatcbs before the final season airs on @CBS. pic.twitter.com/wTCarGS29P
— Sony Pictures Television 📺 (@SPTV) May 25, 2023
The cast who might not return include:
- Stephanie Sigman, as SWAT Captain Jessica Cortez, left to join the FBI and has not been seen since
- Lina Esco, as SWAT Officer Chris Alonso, has also left to pursue other projects
- Peter Onorati, as Jeff Mumford, left the series, last appearing in season 4, with his character Jeff retiring after being shot
- Amy Farrington, as Lieutenant Piper Lynch, last appeared in season 4, and it’s unlikely we will see her reappear as the series comes to an end.
As for any additions to the cast, we will be sure to inform you as the filming for the final episodes commences, and new updates are revealed by the network.
S.W.A.T. Season 7: Where To Watch
Earlier, we would lead by saying CBS, but it seems like Netflix holds the reins now. You will currently find the first five seasons of the series on the streamer giant. S.W.A.T. Season 6 has already arrived on Netflix in August 2023. As for Season 7, it seems likely that once the finale episodes are filmed and ready to go, they will appear on Netflix as well. All you need is a subscription plan in hand to access them.
Additionally, you can watch the previous seasons on:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- FuboTV
- Hulu Plus
For international viewers, Sony Pictures Television distributes the series. The show airs on Sunday nights on Sky Max in the United Kingdom. The show airs on Wednesday nights on AXN Asia in Southeast Asia.
S.W.A.T. Season 7 Teaser Trailer: Released
The teaser emphasizes that the series centers on Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. A lifelong Los Angeles local and former Marine, Hondo has been tapped to lead a new “last stop” Special Weapons and Tactics unit of the LAPD. Because he is both black and L.A.-born and raised, Hondo feels deeply loyal not only to his “brothers in blue” but also to the people they serve. Take a look at the official teaser trailer below:
Stay tuned to Web News Observer for more updates!