In comments to TVLine, Dettmann reacts to the news that the S.W.A.T. season 8 finale will now double as the series finale. Dettman, who has been showrunner and executive producer for the past number of seasons, taking over for creator Shawn Ryan, shares that the S.W.A.T. season 8 finale was designed to also function as a series finale. Still, in the quote below, Dettmann adds a caveat:

“Having learned our lesson over the last couple of years, we designed the season finale keeping in mind that it could be the series finale. And wanting to go out on a high note either way, we’re not buttoning anything up in a manner that would put an end to 20-Squad.”

There Will Be A Measure Of Closure
Hondo (Shemar Moore) looking at someone and frowning in SWAT season 8, episode 8
Dettmann mentions in his comments that the CBS stalwart has faced this scenario a few times before. The producers kept that in mind, writing the finale in such a way that it would also work as a last goodbye. S.W.A.T. is currently filming its last few episodes, with season 8 consisting of 22 overall. It is possible, at this stage, that plans could be tweaked to allow for appearances from past S.W.A.T. characters.

A composite image features the cast of SWAT in a cropped promotional poster in the background with the SWAT team in uniform and armed in the foreground
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Dettmann adds that the finale is not meant to be definitive. Although unlikely, Moore has publicly asked Netflix and other platforms to consider picking up the action drama. There is a possibility that it could happen, with S.W.A.T. performing well on Netflix. However, at this stage, there is no indication that producers at Sony Pictures Television are moving the procedural elsewhere.

Our Take On S.W.A.T. Coming To An End
It Had A Healthy Run
Shemar Moore as Hondo with his arm around the shoulder of Kenny Johnson as Dominque Luca in S.W.A.T.
It is unfortunate for viewers that S.W.A.T. season 9 won’t be happening, albeit it’s nothing short of impressive that the drama was deemed popular enough to claw its way back from cancellation on two separate occasions. If there was one caveat though, it would be great if the series finale could be a more definitive celebration of the show’s history. That would include surprise returns.

S.W.A.T. season 8 airs Fridays at 10 PM ET on CBS

This action-packed series follows a specialized tactical unit in the Los Angeles Police Department, led by Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The team tackles high-stakes crimes in the city while addressing issues of race, loyalty, and justice. The series is notable for its intense action sequences and the personal dramas of its members.