CBS crime thriller drama SWAT has been renewed for a fourth season. Some details of the plot have been revealed.
The coronavirus pandemic has doubtlessly impacted the entertainment industry on a large scale. Several upcoming titles have been either postponed or canceled due to production works being put on hold.
Similarly, the season three finale of CBS series SWAT was nearly finished when production was shut down. Due to this circumstance, the final episode of the season was cut short and delayed. Fans need not worry though because the network will compensate for this episode.
SWAT renewed for season four
CBS recently confirmed that the crime thriller series SWAT will be returning for a fourth season. Considering the previous ratings of the show, this announcement came quite shocking for fans and critics alike.
The viewership of SWAT‘s third installment certainly dipped a little when compared to its first two seasons. Season three averaged a 0.57 rating in the 18-49 demographic and raked only 3.99 million overall viewers. Compared to season two and season one, this is down by 27% and 25%, respectively.
Fortunately, it appears that CBS is giving the show another chance to prove its worth to the network. Although not confirmed, there have been speculations that the decision to renew SWAT was influenced by the result of TVLine’s annual bubble show poll. In this census, the CBS drama landed on the top with 111,000 votes.
It just happened! @swatcbs picked up for Season 4! Thanks to our #SwatSquad who made their voices heard that you wanted us back! We owe our fans everything. https://t.co/UPvrI6DaPV
— SWATWritersRoom (@SWATWritersRoom) May 6, 2020
Plot and cast
SWAT centers on Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore), a Los Angeles native and former marine. He has been tapped to lead a new Special Weapons and Tactics unit (S.W.A.T.) of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Additionally, showrunner Shawn Ryan revealed that some scenes from the cut season three finale will premiere on an early episode of season four. In an interview about SWAT’s third season, the showrunner stated,
“The episode split time between present-day action and a teenage Hondo and his father during the L.A. riots.”
Basing on this statement, viewers can conclude that the upcoming season will look back at the riots through the point of view of teenage Hondo.
As for the cast, fans will likely see familiar faces for the upcoming season. This includes Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Jay Harrington, Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, David Lim, and Patrick St. Esprit. Shemar Moore, Amy Farrington, Debbie Allen, Obba Babatundé, Gabrielle Dennis, as well as Deshae Frost will also reprise their role for season four.
Shemar Moore reacts to renewal news
As soon as CBS dropped the renewal news, lead cast Shemar Moore gave a message to all his fans and SWAT enthusiasts. He said,
“We did it and it’s only possible because you ride with us every week! Season 4, HERE WE COME.”
Basing on this statement, fans of the series can expect another energetic portrayal from Shemar Moore. This is something that viewers would certainly look forward to.
Unfortunately, as of press time, there are no announcements regarding the premiere schedule of SWAT season four. Hence, devotees would likely witness the fourth installment after a long haul.
So, #SWAT fans! Time for a new sweatshirt. We’ve been renewed! Season 4. Thank you CBS and SONY! Thanks everyone for watching! #rollSWAT @swatcbs https://t.co/FtYC42HfI8 pic.twitter.com/FVZJepUIfx
— Aaron Rahsaan Thomas (@ARThomasTV) May 6, 2020
Image Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes TV/Youtube Screenshot