S.W.A.T. has aired on CBS from 2017 through the present, building a steady audience with consistent action and character-driven storytelling. As of 2025, there are 7 seasons of S.W.A.T., and the series is currently renewed for an eighth season. This guide answers how many seasons of S.W.A.T. exist, how many episodes each season contains, the show renewal status, and how to watch or catch up.
How many seasons of S.W.A.T. are there in total
S.W.A.T. is an ongoing American action drama television series that debuted in November 2017. Produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Shaun Redick Yaneley-Arusha and others, it is an adaptation of the 2003 film starring Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell. The series follows a skilled Los Angeles Police Department SWAT team and has earned a reputation for serialized character arcs and intense set pieces. As of 2025, S.W.A.T. has completed 7 seasons, with season 8 already ordered and in active production.
Season by season breakdown of S.W.A.T.
Across its run, S.W.A.T. has delivered a structured progression of longer seasons that balance episodic cases with serialized storytelling. Below is a quick reference table listing each season, its premiere and finale years, the number of episodes, and renewal status.
| Season | Year(s) | Episodes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2017–2018 | 22 | Ended |
| Season 2 | 2018–2019 | 22 | Ended |
| Season 3 | 2019–2020 | 20 | Ended |
| Season 4 | 2p20-2021 | 22 | Ended |
| Season 5 | 2021–2022 | 22 | Ended |
| Season 6 | 2022–2023 | 22 | Ended |
| Season 7 | 2023–2024 | 22 | Ended |
| Season 8 | 2024–2025 (ongoing) | TBD | Aired |
Renewal history and production notes
S.W.A.T. has enjoyed consistent support from CBS, confirming season after season through robust viewer numbers and strong syndication potential. The pattern shows an initial 22-episode first season, followed by mostly 22-episode orders, with small reductions in later years that reflect tighter scripting and focused arcs. Production has navigated strikes and scheduling adjustments while retaining core cast members and showrunners, keeping the series stable and recognizable.
Main cast and characters overview
The longevity of S.W.A.T. owes much to a stable ensemble anchored by Justin Lin as director and later showrunner oversight, plus a committed cast. Core performers include Shemar Moore as Sergeant II David "Deacon" Kay, Alex Russell as Officer James "Jim" Street, Lina Esco as Officer Christina "Chris" Alonso, and Kenny Johnson as Officer Dominique Luca. Later seasons introduced new faces while preserving these central relationships, which sustain audience investment.
Principal cast through the seasons
- Shemar Moore as David "Deacon" Kay
- Alex Russell as James "Jim" Street
- Lina Esco as Christina "Chris" Alonso
- Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca
- David Lim as Victor Tan
- Patrick St. Esprit as Commanding Officer Robert Hicks
- Michele Kalian as Dr. Nadine Hunter (recurring to regular)
How to watch S.W.A.T.: streaming and purchase options
In the United States, S.W.A.T. is available on CBS streaming platforms and through network affiliates. Past seasons frequently rotate into licensed streaming libraries, so availability can shift. As of 2025, you can typically watch current and recent seasons on CBS applications and sites, with earlier seasons offered via subscription video-on-demand services or digital purchase. Check local listings and regional catalogs for the most accurate, up-to-date access details.
International broadcast and regional variations
Outside the United States, S.W.A.T. is distributed by CBS Studios International and local partners. Viewers in Canada often see simulcasts on CTV, while UK audiences can stream via Amazon Prime Video and Channel 5. Australia and several European markets carry dubbed or subtitled feeds on their respective networks. Episode counts and air dates may differ slightly by region due to scheduling and broadcasting windows.
How to catch up if you are new to S.W.A.T.
New viewers can start with Season 1, Episode 1 to experience the origin of the team and key character dynamics. If you prefer sampling, jumping into recent seasons is possible, though you may miss nuanced character growth and recurring antagonist arcs. A recommended path is to proceed chronologically, using streaming platforms that allow binge-watching of full seasons. Factor in roughly 40 to 50 hours for all seasons completed through 7, depending on playback speed and episode length.
Final notes on S.W.A.T. future and what to expect
With a firm eighth season order, S.W.A.T. appears positioned beyond its initial renewal uncertainty and toward a ninth season, subject to future renewals and production planning. While exact plot details are not yet public, the series will likely continue its focus on team cohesion, evolving threats, and personal stakes for its core officers. For the most current renewal information, consult official CBS announcements or trusted entertainment news outlets.