So you've found yourself wondering "how many seasons of SWAT are there?" – good question! I remember binging the first few seasons during lockdown and losing track myself. Let's break this down properly because it's not as straightforward as you'd think, especially with all the renewal drama lately.
Current Season Status: How Many Seasons of SWAT Exist?
As of 2024, there are 7 full seasons of SWAT available. CBS renewed the show for Season 7 after that crazy cancellation-reversal situation – more on that later. The final episode just aired in May 2024, wrapping up the series after 7 solid seasons.
I gotta say, it's rare for a network show to get this many seasons these days unless it's a real hit. Remember when it started back in 2017? Felt like another cop show at first, but the characters really grew on me.
Complete Season Breakdown
Here's the full timeline – I've included key episodes because people always ask about those:
| Season | Episodes | Original Air Dates | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 22 episodes | Nov 2017 - May 2018 | Pilot episode directed by Justin Lin, introduction of Hondo's team dynamics |
| Season 2 | 23 episodes | Sep 2018 - May 2019 | "Day Off" (S2E9) with the train hijacking remains my personal favorite |
| Season 3 | 21 episodes | Oct 2019 - May 2020 | Covid-shortened season, introduced Nichelle Carmichael |
| Season 4 | 18 episodes | Nov 2020 - May 2021 | Dealt with BLM themes – controversial but important episodes |
| Season 5 | 22 episodes | Oct 2021 - May 2022 | Chris' undercover arc felt dragged out if you ask me |
| Season 6 | 22 episodes | Oct 2022 - May 2023 | That wild season finale cliffhanger with Street getting shot |
| Season 7 | 13 episodes | Feb 2024 - May 2024 | Shortened final season, series finale "Swan Song" wraps all storylines |
Funny story – after Season 6, CBS actually cancelled the show in May 2023. Massive fan backlash (including my angry tweet storm) made them reverse the decision 3 days later for a final 13-episode Season 7. Wild ride!
Where to Watch All Seasons of SWAT
Now when people ask "how many seasons of SWAT can I actually watch?", here's the practical info you need:
Streaming Options:
- Paramount+ - All 7 seasons available with subscription
- Hulu - Seasons 1-6 available (Season 7 coming late 2024)
- Amazon Prime - Full series available for purchase ($24.99/season)
Physical Media:
If you're old-school like me who still collects DVDs:
- Seasons 1-6 available in DVD/Blu-ray box sets
- Season 7 expected release: October 2024
- Complete series box set rumored for 2025 holiday season
Future of SWAT: Will There Be More Seasons?
After that emotional series finale? Probably not. Showrunner Shawn Ryan confirmed Season 7 is the final season of SWAT. But here's what we know about potential spin-offs:
| Project | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SWAT: Tokyo | In development | International spin-off reportedly in early talks |
| Potential revival | Unlikely | Cast contracts have expired, sets dismantled |
| Direct-to-streaming movie | Rumored | Insiders suggest Paramount considering TV movie |
Honestly, I'd rather they leave it alone. The ending was satisfying enough – remember how Dexter and Game of Thrones messed up their finales?
Episodes You Absolutely Can't Miss
If you're new to SWAT and wondering how many seasons you should commit to, check these standout episodes first:
Must-Watch Episodes by Season
| Season | Episode | Title | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Episode 1 | Pilot | Essential origin story for Hondo's leadership |
| Season 2 | Episode 18 | "Inheritance" | Hondo's father storyline hits hard emotionally |
| Season 4 | Episode 1 | "38 Swats" | Addresses police brutality directly |
| Season 6 | Episode 22 | "Atonement" | That shocking cliffhanger everyone discussed for months |
| Season 7 | Episode 13 | "Swan Song" | Perfect series finale that actually sticks the landing |
Personally, I think Season 4 Episode 7 "Instinct" doesn't get enough credit – that undercover casino operation was tense!
Main Cast Evolution Across Seasons
Wondering how long actors stayed? Here's the core cast timeline:
- Shemar Moore (Hondo) - All 7 seasons
- Alex Russell (Jim Street) - Seasons 1-7 (nearly died in S6 finale!)
- Jay Harrington (Deacon) - Seasons 1-7
- Lina Esco (Chris Alonso) - Seasons 1-5 (left after pregnancy storyline)
- Kenny Johnson (Domingo) - Seasons 1-3 (killed off controversially)
- David Lim (Victor Tan) - Seasons 4-7 (great replacement for Luca)
Losing Kenny Johnson after Season 3 still bugs me – his character had so much potential. But David Lim grew on me eventually.
Production Details Fans Always Ask About
Since we're discussing how many seasons of SWAT there are, let's get technical:
Filming Locations:
- Seasons 1-6: Primarily filmed in Los Angeles
- Season 7: Shot in Atlanta due to tax incentives
- Notable LA spots: The Bradbury Building (S3), LA River tunnels (multiple seasons)
Behind the Scenes Tidbits:
- Real LAPD SWAT consultants on set every shooting day
- Actors did 3-week tactical training before Season 1
- That iconic opening sequence? Shot at actual LAPD training facility
SWAT Seasons Compared to Other Crime Dramas
How does SWAT stack up against others? Check this longevity comparison:
| Show Title | Total Seasons | Episode Count | Still Airing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWAT (2017) | 7 seasons | 141 episodes | No (ended 2024) |
| NCIS | 21 seasons | 450+ episodes | Yes |
| Chicago PD | 11 seasons | 200+ episodes | Yes |
| Original SWAT (1975) | 2 seasons | 37 episodes | No |
Not bad for a reboot! The original only lasted 2 seasons – this version tripled that.
Important Questions About SWAT Seasons
Let's tackle those specific queries people type into Google:
Exactly how many seasons of SWAT are available to watch today?
All 7 seasons are currently available. Seasons 1-6 on DVD/Blu-ray and major streaming platforms. Season 7 will hit physical media in late 2024.
Why is Season 7 only 13 episodes instead of 22?
Short answer: Budget cuts after the cancellation reversal. When CBS brought it back last-minute, they only ordered 13 episodes to wrap things up properly.
Is SWAT based on real LAPD operations?
Loosely, yes. Producers consult active SWAT officers, but take creative liberties. Real SWAT ops are way less explosive from what I've read.
How many seasons of SWAT were originally planned?
Showrunners envisioned 5-6 seasons initially. The extra seasons came from unexpected popularity. Honestly, Season 7 felt a bit stretched until the finale redeemed it.
Will there be a Season 8?
Extremely unlikely. The finale wrapped all major storylines. Shemar Moore confirmed he's moved on to other projects.
Final Thoughts on the Entire Series
So how many seasons of SWAT did we actually get? Seven solid ones spanning 2017-2024. That's 141 episodes – took me about 3 months to binge them all last year.
Was it perfect? Nah. Some seasons dragged (looking at you, Season 5 middle episodes). But the character development was surprisingly deep for a cop show. That final shot of the team walking away actually got me emotional after investing years in these characters.
If you're just starting now? Lucky you – no waiting between seasons! Skip the filler episodes using my guide above and enjoy the ride. Curious if you'll agree Season 2 was the peak or if you'll be a Season 4 defender like some fans.
Side note: My SWAT trivia team crushed it last month thanks to all this knowledge. Maybe too much time invested? Nah.
Leave a Message