The future of S.W.A.T. beyond season 8 gets an uncertain response from Shemar Moore, as the lead star and executive producer gives a candid response about where the hit action drama could go next. The long-running series, from creator Shawn Ryan, has endured a unique legacy, being cancelled and uncancelled twice. It speaks to negotiations between CBS and producing partner Sony Pictures Television over the budget and episode count, but also speaks to the show's popularity, with both sides feeling motivated to come to an agreement over S.W.A.T. season 8.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Moore discussed the legacy of S.W.A.T. and touched on where the drama could go next and touched on the rarity of the double uncancellation. Even though the series is not yet renewed, Moore acknowledged that those involved with the production would like to keep it going. The actor, who plays the main role of Hondo, reflected on the difficulty of filming high-intensity action scenes at the age of 54. Moore's full remarks are below:
To get canceled twice in a row and to get uncanceled twice in a row, I give kudos to me running my mouth on social media. Nothing lasts forever, but I fight. I’m the leader of this team, which I’m very proud of.
Everybody at S.W.A.T. wants season 13. And I'm like, "You've got to talk to my knees, boy. It ain't no joke." … Hey, I'm 54. It ain't like it was. It's harder and harder running around, jumping over cars and playing tough guy and trying to keep that six-pack together.
Doors closing and then kicking down doors is a very scary, fun thing. And that's how I live life.
What Moore's Comments Mean For S.W.A.T. Beyond Season 8
Hondo Could Take On A More Supporting Role
S.W.A.T. season 9 has not been confirmed, and given the show's turbulent history, it's difficult to speculate about whether a renewal is on the way. In the past, the renewal came after negotiations about the fee that CBS would have to pay producing partner Sony in order to air the series. If the two sides can agree on a number, then it's conceivable a renewal could happen, particularly if season 8's viewership numbers give them both confidence in moving forward with more episodes.
But looking specifically at Moore's remarks, it's also conceivable that Hondo could still be a leading presence in the series with a less tasking job. The actioner is always introducing new characters, but there are also plenty of former S.W.A.T. cast members that left and could return, while Moore's protagonist moves on to a more relaxing supervisory role. The question is whether the CBS hit should change what it is due to its lead actor's aging in the role.
Our Take On Moore's Comments
What Should S.W.A.T Look Like?
Absent a season 9 renewal confirmation, there's no need to immediately worry about what S.W.A.T. could look like. But if there is interest in extending the series, maybe even turning it into a franchise, as CBS procedurals often do, it is worth asking whether it is better to change what the drama has been throughout its run or to go out with guns blazing and Hondo fighting. Those are options that executive producer Andrew Dettman, Moore, and the team may have to look at further down the line.
New episodes of S.W.A.T. season 8 air Fridays on CBS.
Source: PEOPLE
