The Recruit SWAT
Netflix / CBS
Given the success of the series, many believed that they could expect Centineo’s Owen Hendricks to return for a third season. After all, the series did make its way onto the streamers’ Global Top 10 charts. However, dashing all hope and evidently viewing things in a different light, Netflix has decided to cancel the series instead of renewing it. Although a bitter pill for fans of the series, The Recruit’s cancelation may allow Netflix to add another action drama, S.W.A.T., onto the platform in its stead.

Netflix has not offered an official explanation regarding their decision to cancel The Recruit. However, it is worth noting that the streamer takes some time to make its cancelation decisions and analyze a show’s performance and viewership over the long run. In retrospect, The Recruit was possibly already on the short end of the stick before Season 2 aired. While the second season was initially set to have eight episodes, matching its debut season, Netflix subsequently reduced the count to six episodes. For a US drama series, a six-episode season is rather short, pushing writers and creators to condense stories, possibly taking away from the overall effect of the storyline.

‘S.W.A.T.’ Would Be a Perfect Replacement for ‘The Recruit’
Noah Centineo in The Recruit
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The series has faced multiple cancelations by CBS over the years. The action drama was initially canceled in 2023 after a six-season run, a decision that was then overturned mere days after its announcement. It was instead reported that Season 7 of the series would be its final run. However, this decision was also overturned in May 2024, with the show being renewed for Season 8. Now, S.W.A.T. has been canceled for a third time, and fans are in an uproar. It has been reported that the latest cancelation announcement may not be reversed as CBS has opted out of renewal talks altogether and needs to make room on its release schedule for previously announced spinoff shows, leaving no room for S. W. A. T. Season 9.

How Does ‘S.W.A.T.’ Compare to ‘The Recruit’?
Still from Rogue Agent
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Moreover, given that the series already has its own established following, Netflix will likely not have to worry about viewership in acquiring S.W.A.T. With proven audience appeal, evident from its long run, S.W.A.T. would ensure immediate engagement upon its addition to the streamer. Given that the first seven seasons of the show are currently streaming on Netflix US, S. W. A. T. star Shemar Moore has already called on Netflix to pick the series up.

“So Netflix, if you’re interested in a show that is on autopilot that the world is watching, we’d love to come play.”