CBS cancels fan-favorite TV drama after six seasons despite show’s ratings skyrocketing this year

CBS recently pulled the plug on one of its most successful shows when it was still in its prime.

CBS executives gave the boot to popular crime drama SWAT after airing it on the network for six seasons.

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The final episode of SWAT will air May 19, The Hollywood Reporter reported today.

In recent years, the show’s lead actor Shemar Moore, 53, has won fans’ hearts as a badass sergeant in the Los Angeles Police Department. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.

Shemar, the show’s other leads, the production team, and the writers’ room all received praise and thanks from CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach for making SWAT a hit.

“For six seasons, the amazing talents of the SWAT cast led by Shemar Moore, the writers, producers and crew led by executive producers Shawn Ryan, Andy Dettman and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas brought us compelling, action-packed episodes that also made important… addressed social issues and has contributed to the success of our primetime line-up,” Amy said in a statement.

“We sincerely thank them for their incredible work and passion, and also thank our dedicated fans who have tuned in every week.”

Unlike most shows that get canceled, SWAT was far from having low ratings.

The action-packed series had an average viewership of 6.82 million viewers over seven days last season, compared to 6.41 million in 2021-2022, THR explained.

Despite the decline in adult ratings among 18-49 year olds, SWAT still ranked in the top 20 dramas on commercial television.

SAY IT IS NOT SO

An overwhelming number of fans took to Twitter to say they were shocked that SWAT was cancelled.

One fan tweeted, “Definitely didn’t think SWAT would be cancelled.”

Another asked in disbelief: “SWAT HAS BEEN CANCELED???!?!?”

A third fan added: “I honestly didn’t expect SWAT to be cancelled. I’m really shocked…”

Another complained, “I don’t understand why SWAT was canceled.”

Meanwhile, other fans were outraged by the show’s ending, with some even attacking CBS chief honchos for their decision.

“SWAT is cancelled, please take that back, that’s not funny,” raged one fan.

Another ranted: “I’m so pissed that SWAT is being cancelled, it’s almost ridiculous.”

A third fan slammed: “@ABCNetwork CBS WAS STUPID AND CANCELED ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER. ABC SHOULD RECORD IT!!!! #SWAT.”

A fourth person claimed: “Just saw @swatcbs got canceled im so mad right now. Really, CBS, this show deserves a 7th season! #SWAT.”

die-hard fans

CBS was destined to get backlash from fans for the show’s ending since SWAT has many die-hard fans.

Just last season, fans were upset on Sunday May 23, 2022 when Season 5 episode 22 was delayed due to PGA golf.

However, the finale, titled Farewell, eventually aired with Christina “Chris” Alonso making her final appearance on the show.

Chris, played by Lina Esco, spent the night with longtime love Jim Street as the team tackled their latest high-profile terrorist attack together.

It came after Alonso Street said she had decided to leave SWAT to take on Mama Pina – the woman who runs a local safe house for immigrant women fleeing bad situations and who is now in hospital.

Speaking to TVLine in March, she said: “I love the Mama Pina story.

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