One of the writers on S.W.A.T. offers a clarifying response on the status of season 9, also detailing why the show’s cancellation was reversed twice. Although there is no word yet on whether the Shemar Moore-led CBS show will be coming back for a ninth installment, the long-running action procedural is unique because it has twice survived cancellation. The unexpected renewals came about as CBS and producing partner Sony Pictures Television were able to come to terms on the right amount to keep the show going.
In a comment posted to /r/television on Reddit, one of the writers on S.W.A.T. responded to a question about what happened with the procedural’s reversed cancellation. The writer explained that CBS and Sony initially could not work out a deal on season 7 due to disagreements over money. However, producers stepped in and argued that they could deliver the show for the price CBS wanted. This is why S.W.A.T. season 7 consisted of 13 episodes, as fewer episodes mean less money.
The writer went on to explain that, because of the reduced budget, S.W.A.T. season 7 included the departure of key cast members. But as filming for season 7 was underway, Sony and CBS announced that they were renewing the currently airing S.W.A.T. season 8 for a full season of 22 episodes. The writer credits the show’s fortunes to the fact that it is a profitable series for Sony, considering international rights and streaming. It also performs well in the ratings for CBS. In the full response, which is included below, the writer mentions that season 8 was not pitched as the final season, although the writer has not heard anything about season 9:
This may be long winded, but here we go:
Towards the end of Season 6, Sony and CBS couldn’t work out a deal for S7 due to $$ issues, so CBS formally cancelled the show. Producers stepped in and said “We can still deliver a good show for the price CBS wants.” 72 hours later, CBS and Sony agreed to pick up Season 7 — the “final season” — at a reduced 13 episode order. (In the broadcast model, fewer episodes per season ultimately means less $$$ for the studio, so Sony wasn’t thrilled on that front.)
Reduced budget in S7 necessitated painful cuts, including regular cast members. We picked up immediately after the strike ended and wrote 13 episodes, including a “series finale.” While we were FILMING the finale, Sony and CBS announced that they’d found a way to make the budget for a full, 22-episode Season 8 work. (Full disclosure: I do not know the inner workings of this negotiation, as I’d already been “unemployed” for a few months. The room had wrapped before production finished.)
My personal theory: the show is profitable for Sony (especially internationally and with streaming), and it’s a reliable enough performer for CBS that they like keeping it on the schedule. TV economics are changing, and we’re kind of just riding the wave on our little matte black SWAT surfboard until we get swept down to the depths of cancellation.
Currently, we’re in the middle of writing, producing, and airing Season 8. Yes, 20 Squad has a different look, but we’re still trying to tell fun, compelling stories every week.
We have heard nothing about a Season 9, but this season wasn’t pitched as “the final season” like Season 7 was. So… who knows.
A Renewal Could Happen
The writer’s recap of what happened matches with previous details from The Hollywood Reporter, which mentioned that series creator and executive producer Shawn Ryan was not aware of the failed negotiations between CBS and Sony. Once he learned of the news, he agreed to work within the reduced license fee that CBS proposed for season 7. There has not been the same detailed reporting on S.W.A.T. season 8 and beyond, although it looks to be the case that the two sides were able to agree on a way to make a full season work.
The license fee refers to the money that a network pays a production studio in order to air a series.
Even though S.W.A.T. season 9 has not been confirmed, there is no reason that the same pattern couldn’t repeat itself. With the changing TV landscape and declining advertising revenue, networks are looking for ways to cut costs. That often means spending less on main cast members or cancelling long-running series, which tend to be more expensive. But as long as CBS and Sony continue to agree on money, S.W.A.T. may be successful enough to last another season or two.
Our Take On S.W.A.T. Season 9’s Chances
It’s Looking Good
S.W.A.T. season 8 will replace Blue Bloods, which is ending on December 13, on the schedule. It may be the case that CBS won’t want to do away with two popular shows so close together. But, in any case, as we move closer to the new year, renewals and cancellation news is expected to flood in from various broadcast networks.
Source: Reddit