The cancellation comes despite the drama rising in the ratings year-to-year with its sixth season. It may ultimately have the largest linear viewership of any show cancelled by a broadcast network this year. The cancellation comes after CBS and lead studio Sony Pictures Television failed to reach a financial agreement. The drama's prior renewals came with a guarantee of a flat license fee CBS paid to Sony. However, the studio needed to raise that fee in order to manage the show's current financial model - with CBS not being able to negotiate a compromise deal. The gap between the two sides remained too extensive even as both sides operated in good faith to achieve a renewal.
The drama starred Shemar Moore, Alex Russell, Kenny Johnson, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Rochelle Aytes and Jay Harrington.
Shawn Ryan and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas developed the drama based on the 1975 television series and 2003 feature film of the same name. They executive produced with Justin Lin, Neal Moritz, Marney Hochman, Pavun Shetty, Billy Gierhart, Andy Dettman and Paul Bernard.
"For six seasons, the amazing talents of the S.W.A.T. cast led by Shemar Moore, the writers, producers and crew guided by Executive Producers Shawn Ryan, Andy Dettman and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas brought us compelling, action packed episodes that also addressed important social issues and contributed to the success of our primetime line up," said Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment. "We sincerely thank them for their incredible work and passion and also thank our dedicated fans who tuned in every week."
