‘Fault Page’: Shemar Moore Condemns SWAT Series Cancellation

SWAT frontman Shemar Moore took to Instagram to express his disappointment and dismay at CBS’ decision to cancel the series, which has featured him since 2017 as LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.

As reported by Variety, the actor took the floor by sharing a video in which he highlights the success of SWAT, whose current (and now final) season averages 6.8 million viewers per episode.

“For CBS, for the last two years, we’ve been a hit… we’ve done nothing wrong. We did everything that was asked of us“, he declares.

He goes on to point out that he was the only African-American male actor on television to lead a series — not including streaming or cable shows — adding that beyond his personal position, “SWAT is the most diverse show on CBS.“

broken promises

In the video, the actor specifically reveals that CBS promised them at least a seventh season to end the series, while hoping that a sequel could always happen.

CBS, when I was cast as Hondo on SWAT, was taking a lot of flak for the lack of diversity. If I publish this, and I believe I will, I will be in a lot of trouble with CBS because I will call them to order. Because they’ve been great to me for 26 of my 29-year career. But suddenly you’re told to cancel it, when you led us to believe last week — and the week before, and the week before that — that we’d have some semblance of a seventh season to at least say goodbye or move on. And if you suddenly say: “It’s over”.

While he’s personally disappointed, the actor says he’s mostly worried about those who worked and contributed to the series. “I take care of my family, my team. Writers, producers, shop assistants, costume designers, sound mixers, choir members, construction crews, a whole bunch of people who are suddenly told, “You don’t matter. Sorry, thanks for your service. Good luck and find a new job.’ And it’s not good for me.“

Call for help and return to the criminal mind?

But Shemar Moore still has hope for the series for which he gave everything: “I’m fine but I’m nervous because I proved I could do it and I proved I could do it“- added the actor. “I understand it’s not personal, it’s business, but I still believe SWAT will live to see another day.“

The actor is now appealing to his fans to save the show. Since then, the hashtag #SaveSWAT has been shared on social media.

I’m asking my friends, my fans and my little girls and the rest of the world who follow me or follow the TV series, follow the actors, my brothers and my sisters: make some noise… and let them know that canceling SWAT is a b… mistake.

Will the actor’s call for help make a difference? Only the future will tell. Meanwhile, will she return to Criminal Minds? Here’s what you think in the comments accompanying the video: “terribly sad. It’s a perfect time to return for the next season of Criminal Minds, though.” To be continued.

SWAT can be seen on TF1 as well as streaming on Amazon Prime Video.