Shemar Moore is unhappy that after six seasons and stellar ratings, CBS has pulled the plug on “S.W.A.T.”
Moore, 53, has played LAPD Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson since the network police drama, which is in partnership with Sony, debuted in 2017. Despite beating out its Friday night primetime competition season after season, the cast and crew were informed that their final episode will be airing on May 19.
The series lead was more than displeased when the actor addressed fans in a recorded video on May 6 about “SWAT” being canceled — just one day after news broke.
“It makes no sense,” said Moore, before advising supporters to read articles stating that the show’s ratings were at an impressive all-time high.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “S.W.AT.” “grew its total audience over last season, averaging 6.82 million viewers over seven days (per Nielsen) vs. 6.41 million in 2021–22. Its adults 18-49 rating slipped a little, from 0.8 to 0.67, but that still ranks among the top 20 dramas on ad-supported TV.”
“We’ve been killing it,” said Moore in the seven-minute video posted on Instagram. During the impassioned speech, Moore expressed a hint of weariness, noting that he has enjoyed a successful 26-year relationship with the network.
He became a household name after being cast on “The Young & the Restless,” where he played Malcolm Winters for 11 years. He also starred in CBS’ long-running program “Criminal Minds” for 11 years before moving to the lead role on “S.W.AT.”
“I will get in a lot of trouble with CBS because I’m calling ‘em out. ‘Cause they’ve been wonderful to me for 26 out of my 29-year career,” said the ’90s heartthrob.
“But to abruptly get told you’re canceled when you led us to believe last week, and the week before, and the week before that, that we would have some semblance of a season 7 to at least say goodbye, if not continue. And to abruptly be told, ‘You’re done.’ … It’s all about money, y’all. It’s all about money,” explained Moore.
He further dug into CBS, slamming their decision as a step back for the network’s diversity efforts. “Let me tell the truth, we’re diverse. Did you know that I am the only African American male lead on network television?” said the actor. “Not streaming, not cable, network television.”
In the end, Moore said, “CBS is either going to wake up and realize they made a mistake. Sony is gonna do their math and realize that this is not the right move.” He implored his fans to “make some f—king noise and let ‘em know that canceling S.W.A.T. is a f—king mistake.”
In the comments, fans sounded off with mixed responses to his post. Two different comments read:
“Biggest mistake in the world. SWAT FAM IS THE BEST! I hope it’s not the end! Thank you for this. We are all with you and making noise for y’all!!! Sending love”
“Wow Shemar. I love you but what a disappointment. You are using the race card to not get canceled.”
Moore’s timing to call out CBS oddly came just two days before he returned for a guest appearance on “The Young & the Restless.“
Why cancel a program with substance? What is the real reason? You cannot say it is not one of the best program on TV. Is it because an intelligent black man is over his team and they mess real real. I am truly disappointed.
I am with Shemar Moore, CBS you are totally wrong for canceling SWAT totally, I am a consistent viewer of SWAT, you are making a gregious mistake by canceling SWAT. DO NOT CANCEL SWAT!!!!!
I hope very much this is not a racial issue, because an intelligent Black Man is head of his own unit, please say it ain’t so. This is one of the most successful show on television right now and have a lot of viewers you cannot deny that and guess what I am sure you CBS cannot find a better show right now nor can you find a show as good, so let the show run it’s course no matter how long that maybe you will be glad you did.
CBS, why?? Why??? This is the most watched show
the most diverse show. Swat has substance, the show deals with everyday situations. We got a chance to see inside their personal lives and how they deal with their issues. You need to have a change of heart and put them back on the schedule for the fall. This will be a BIG loss
Not surprised by the move they normally make one black man. Feel that america is fair but at the end they find out too
This is because a black man is in charge and not a white man. I hope all of CBS rating go down. Shemar start your own show on OWN or BET.
Y’ALL MAKING A BIG MISTAKE TAKING SWAT OFF THE AIR I HOPE YOU RECONSIDER LEAVING SWAT ON THE AIR ALOT OF PEOPLE LIKE SWAT AND WATCHES SWAT.
IM SO VERY DISAPPOINTED. I LOVE THIS WHOLE LOMEUP ON FRIDAY. WHAT ARE WE TO DO NOW?
PLEASE DONT CANCEL THE SHOW. I LOVE SHEMAR…
He paid his dues. Great show and story lines. You’re not going to find a better leading man on tv.Shame on you.
This is one of the best shows on television currently!! Great story lines dealing with current events and awesome actors, especially Shemar Moore!! He’s a great actor plus very easy on the eyes!!