Concerns Rise Over S.W.A.T.’s Future as Potential Replacement for Blue Bloods Following Recent Update

The recent news from CBS regarding the scheduling shift of Blue Bloods for S.W.A.T. has stirred mixed emotions among fans. Initially celebrated as an opportunity for S.W.A.T. to step into the coveted Friday 10 p.m. ET time slot in January, this transition arrives in the wake of Blue Bloods’ unexpected cancellation. While this development presents a chance for S.W.A.T. to capture more viewers, the uncertainty surrounding its future casts a shadow on this change.

Currently, the fate of S.W.A.T. season 9 remains unclear, leading to concerns that the show, despite its dedicated fanbase, might experience a similar fate as Blue Bloods. Having navigated through eight seasons, S.W.A.T. has a history of cancellations that raises legitimate concerns about its longevity. Although the storyline arcs continue to inspire hope among viewers, the latest ratings suggest a potential decline that could jeopardize the series.

S.W.A.T. Season 8’s Ratings Are Considerably Lower Than Blue Bloods Season 14

S.W.A.T. Has a Lot to Make Up For

Despite enjoying a broad fan base, Blue Bloods season 14 outperformed S.W.A.T. in terms of viewership. As per a report by TV Line, Blue Bloods achieved an impressive average of 7.9 million viewers compared to S.W.A.T.‘s 5.6 million. This disparity becomes even more pronounced when considering their rankings, with Blue Bloods positioned sixth overall and S.W.A.T. lagging behind in sixteenth place.

While these ratings reflect the initial part of the 2024-2025 TV season, during which the two shows occupied different time slots, the stark difference remains significant. The transition of S.W.A.T. to the former Blue Bloods time slot opens up the possibility for improved ratings and audience growth. However, the high expectations from Blue Bloods‘ loyal viewers puts immense pressure on S.W.A.T. to rise to the occasion.

Could S.W.A.T. Be Canceled Again?

S.W.A.T. Already Has A History Of Cancellations

Kenny Johnson as Dominque Luca in S.W.A.T.

Despite its lower ratings, S.W.A.T. has maintained a degree of stability in its viewership over the past year. The move to a prime time 10 p.m. slot on Friday has the potential to attract a larger audience and enhance its rankings. However, the abrupt cancellation of Blue Bloods despite its strong ratings illustrates that viewership alone does not guarantee a show’s continued airing.

The complex equation determining a show’s renewal often involves several factors including production costs. Generally, longer-running series tend to come with higher costs, which often leads networks to favor shorter-lived shows. While Blue Bloods is an outlier with its impressive 14-season run, S.W.A.T.‘s eight seasons suggest a comparatively lower financial burden, enhancing its chances for renewal.

Nonetheless, S.W.A.T. faces challenges due to its tumultuous past. After a six-season run, CBS originally canceled S.W.A.T. before backtracking and renewing it for a final seventh season. Although the show was later reinstated for an eighth season, the original cancellation created premature endings for many characters, raising concerns about its vulnerability to further cancellations.

Canceling S.W.A.T. Would Be A Mistake After Blue Bloods

It Would Be Continuing A Dangerous Trend

The cancellation of Blue Bloods was met with widespread disappointment, showcasing its enduring popularity with both audiences and cast members alike. The remarkable ratings achieved during the 2024/2025 season underscored the show’s ability to engage viewers even well into its run. Consequently, the move to replace Blue Bloods with S.W.A.T. raises concerns that CBS might repeat its missteps by prematurely canceling another well-loved series.

Maintaining S.W.A.T. amidst recent decisions regarding its future could serve as a positive step for CBS, potentially marking the network’s commitment to nurturing its shows. Given the disappointment surrounding Blue Bloods’ end, allowing S.W.A.T. to continue its journey in the 10 p.m. time slot could heal some of the discontent among loyal viewers.

Ultimately, CBS faces an opportunity to pivot away from its current trend of canceling beloved series. There are still compelling stories waiting to be told in S.W.A.T., just as there were in Blue Bloods. After a turbulent history of decisions regarding its future, committing to S.W.A.T. may provide the network the chance to rebuild trust with its audience.

Source: TV Line

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