CBS’s Unbelievable Move: Cancelling SWAT for a Spinoff Sparks Outrage

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Traditional network television is grappling with a tough situation as streaming services maintain their lead in ratings, and younger viewers seem less interested in watching traditional TV shows like they used to. The audience is evolving, and the way content is distributed is changing too, so network TV must keep adapting. This means they’re launching numerous new shows in an attempt to boost viewership, but it also means canceling those that aren’t successful. However, some of their decisions can be confusing, as major networks have been inconsistent with their choices to renew or cancel shows. The situation surrounding the renewal and cancellation of a well-liked procedural show has left many people puzzled.

Since 2017, the TV show “SWAT” has aired for eight successful seasons. Throughout these years, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its exceptional cast, chemistry, and consistent high-quality writing. In total, there have been 163 episodes, demonstrating the strong appeal of the series for its network, CBS, which has significantly benefited from its success. However, like any long-running show, “SWAT” is subject to regular evaluation, and recent updates suggest that CBS isn’t hesitant to implement significant changes when necessary. Regrettably, this decision seems to lack a clear rationale behind it.

CBS Canceled SWAT for a Third Time

The Long-Running Series Was Brought To A Close

The main point is that a popular TV series, modeled after an LAPD squad of dedicated and skilled emergency responders, has been making headlines. Known for its intense storylines and commitment to portraying a SWAT team in both their triumphs and struggles, the show may not have received universal critical acclaim, but it does boast strong audience support. On IMDb, the show scores 7.2 out of 10, while on Rotten Tomatoes, its first season has a 48% rotten rating from critics, but an impressive 69% positive rating from viewers, indicating that it resonated with its intended audience.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’d say those figures are quite commendable and serve as a strong indication to CBS that this revamped version of SWAT has long-term potential. By the seventh season, SWAT was consistently drawing in approximately 4 million viewers per episode, ranking an average of 29 in the ratings. This seemed to imply that the series had staying power. However, come Season 8, those numbers dipped again, averaging around 3 million viewers for subsequent episodes.

It appears that the reason for canceling SWAT is not just about ratings and reviews, although they are still significant indicators of a show’s success. Instead, it seems there were additional financial difficulties. CBS stated that the cost of producing a show with such an impact did not justify its renewal given current business economics. Interestingly, SWAT was saved initially, allowing for a few more seasons to air, but unfortunately, in March of this year, it found itself in the same precarious position once again.

A significant part of the 2023 problem also stemmed from a licensing dispute between Sony and CBS, where the cost didn’t align with either party’s expectations. At that time, they managed to resolve it, but it seems this issue resurfaced. Sony’s role could have been the final blow, but CBS had other options to preserve the show. Even though it’s been canceled, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for a potential revival of SWAT, as the series is available on certain platforms already.

SWAT Has Been Gifted A Spinoff

SWAT: Exiles Will Continue The Story

Although the primary SWAT series was canceled, CBS plans to proceed with a spin-off television show. The series is already set for 10 episodes by Sony. Although it’s not completely certain that this will air on CBS, it appears to be the most plausible route of distribution, particularly since Sony hasn’t secured any streaming deals for the SWAT franchise as of yet.

While details about the new series titled “SWAT: Exiles” are scarce, a logo has been unveiled offering a glimpse of its mood. The show will be connected to the same universe as “SWAT“, which shares continuity with “The Shield“. Over time, characters from “The Shield” have made appearances in “SWAT“. Therefore, we can expect these characters to appear in the spinoff. Moore is set to reprise his leading role, having previously played a significant part in “SWAT“, before its termination. Regardless of the title change, Moore’s value to the franchise is too great to dismiss. In fact, news about the revival of the “SWAT” universe surfaced less than 48 hours after it was supposedly dead.

It seems that the team behind “Exiles” is largely the same as the one who worked on “SWAT,” ensuring continued employment for many. Executive producer Shawn Ryan also appears set to maintain his role, leading this franchise towards a future with a fresh new look. Jason Ning has been chosen to take over as showrunner, having previously worked on shows like “Lucifer.” The production is scheduled to kick off in Los Angeles later this year, suggesting that Sony wants to start filming soon to take advantage of the excitement generated by the quick revival of “SWAT.

From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, I’d say that “SWAT: Exiles” is billed as a series following swiftly after the original SWAT, diving deep into a high-stakes mission gone awry. They’ve dragged my old self, Hondo, back from retirement to put together an eclectic mix of misfits and castoffs; an experimental SWAT team that seems doomed for failure even before it begins. In this new role, I’m tasked with fostering camaraderie among the team, helping them grow into a cohesive unit capable of safeguarding our city effectively. “SWAT: Exiles” promises to delve into uncharted territories compared to its predecessor, but we’ll have to wait and see if this intriguing setup lives up to the hype.

These SWAT Decisions Don’t Make Sense

CBS Could Leave Without A Hit On Their Hands

It seems odd that CBS decided to cancel the series SWAT, considering the overall context. Although licensing issues might have been a factor, keeping the show running would’ve had numerous advantages. For instance, the ratings could recover, there are always opportunities for streaming deals, and SWAT is a well-known brand that CBS can depend on. Finding a replacement for that time slot will be challenging because canceling a show entirely means losing a devoted fan base who may not transition to a new format easily.

CBS has dared to cancel the original show “SWAT” and introduce a spinoff series called “SWAT: Exiles“. While both shows are part of the same franchise, they may not attract the same audience or achieve similar success. History is full of examples where spinoffs failed to maintain viewership levels. CBS might be counting on the fear of cancellation that fans experienced with “SWAT” to entice them to watch “SWAT: Exiles“, keeping this universe and its characters alive. However, if viewers fail to form a connection with the new premise and cast, then the link to “SWAT” won’t be enough to keep ratings high, as the audience will inevitably dwindle.

Exiles” won’t be as good as the original and therefore, isn’t worth investing their time.

Additionally, if Sony doesn’t transfer the series to CBS in the end, it could mean that CBS misses out on a significant brand, potentially taking it to another network or streaming service instead. It’s worth noting that this is a less probable scenario, but it’s still something to consider. Given that Moore is returning to his original role, it leaves one questioning the purpose of all this. It seems possible that the goal was to prevent him from making a significant impact elsewhere. Certainly, SWAT could have been rebranded, perhaps with a new premise while maintaining its core formula. However, by completely changing the title and concept, even with the same cast members, there might be too many changes happening at once. Maybe this was a call for change, but by overhauling the title and idea entirely, even with the original cast, there could be too much turmoil.

The CBS Schedule Is Changing

Studios Are Keen To Build Procedural Franchises

From a movie buff’s perspective, it’s tough to predict the twists and turns in this cinematic landscape, but one thing’s for sure – the drive of studios and distributors to interlink franchises within procedural formats is a significant factor. For instance, ABC has introduced series like “Doctor Odyssey,” while NBC’s “Chicago PD” seems to be holding steady. Meanwhile, timeless medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy” continue to dominate the industry.

By producing “SWAT: Exiles,” it expands the franchise’s perceived scale, adding another connected series to its roster. If this proves successful, it could pave the way for more spinoffs, distributing ratings over multiple time slots and honoring its legacy of procedural dramas. This strategic approach prioritizes long-term growth over immediate gains, but whether “SWAT” can sustain itself across various titles remains to be determined.

In the realm of television, I’ve found myself caught up in the whirlwind of decisions that led to the cancellation of SWAT, a move that, despite any given reason, has certainly sparked curiosity. It seems we’re witnessing the peak of network competition, where executives vie for top talent and strive to minimize costs at every turn. Sony might benefit from their predictions, but CBS could find itself in a tricky predicament. This is just one example of the constant shifts happening across various universes.

However, amidst all this uncertainty, it’s crucial not to forget about the people behind the scenes – the cast and crew who have been shuffled from one project to another, often without much explanation. The entertainment industry can be ruthless even in the best of times, and if more upheaval is on the horizon, then expect the unexpected. But remember, beneath all the drama, there are real people whose livelihoods are at stake.

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2025-05-23 07:31