Executive Producer Discusses S.W.A.T. Season 9 Possibilities: “We’ll See Where The Chips Fall”

S. W.A. T. Season 9 remains a topic of interest as creator and executive producer Shawn Ryan shares insights on the future of this action-packed series. Starring Shemar Moore, S. W.A. T. has demonstrated remarkable resilience at CBS, successfully bouncing back from cancellation threats not just once, but twice. Currently, the show is in the midst of its eighth season, featuring an impressive lineup of 22 episodes. Despite its loyal fanbase and solid ratings, speculation surrounding the show’s continuation lingers.

In a recent discussion with Deadline, while promoting his Netflix series The Night Agent, Ryan addressed inquiries about the potential for S. W.A. T. Season 9. Ryan, who was the showrunner until Andrew Dettman took over in Season 7, acknowledged that the series has considerable support from CBS executives. He referenced David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance Media, who is currently in the process of acquiring CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global. However, Ryan also indicated that the renewal outlook is clouded by uncertainty.

“It’s been called the final season the last three or four seasons, hasn’t it?”

“The show I think is beloved in the executive ranks at CBS, the show is beloved by our audience. The show creatively, I’m happy and somewhat embarrassed to say, hasn’t dropped a step since I handed over the showrunning reins to Andy Dettman. But we also understand that a corporate change is happening in that world. I know David Ellison, I wrote a movie for him back in the day.”

“I don’t know what the plans are. I don’t know what the criteria for renewal is going to be. It seems like it could be much different than years past. I don’t know if it’s an advantage or disadvantage that we’re produced by an outside studio this year. I think economics are going to play into things, so it’s all uncertain, but we’re just going to continue to make the best show we can that our audience loves, and we’ll see where the chips fall. And that’s what we’ve done the last few seasons. We’re really proud of the legacy of that show.”

Understanding the Status of S. W.A. T.Season 9

Timelines for Renewal and Cancellation Decisions

According to the interview with Deadline, there are key updates regarding the status of CBS shows. Firstly, renewal announcements are not anticipated until March or April, which coincides with the expected completion of the deal between Skydance and Paramount. Furthermore, discussions concerning the future of S. W.A. T. Season 9 have not yet commenced between the production team and the CBS network.

The implications of Skydance’s new parent ownership for CBS’s existing programming lineup remain unclear. Nonetheless, past negotiation hurdles are likely to resurface. These challenges typically revolve around determining episode counts and license fees—the financial terms under which CBS airs a show. Historical disagreements between CBS and production partner Sony Pictures Television on these financial aspects previously prompted Ryan to intervene, keeping the show’s budget in check to facilitate renewal.

It is expected that this contentious dynamic will persist regarding Season 9. The network’s current renewal activity remains limited, with CBS only renewing the legal dramedy Matlock thus far, while rival networks like ABC and NBC have moved forward with multiple renewals of their own series.

Analyzing S. W.A. T.’s Renewal Possibilities

CBS Should Provide a Fitting Conclusion

Ryan’s connection with Ellison, stemming from their collaboration on an abandoned adaptation of Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, raises questions about how this history might influence the renewal decision for S. W.A. T.. Given the show’s recent shift to replace Blue Bloods in its timeslot, it would be prudent for CBS to allow this veteran series to conclude on a satisfactory note. However, predicting financial outcomes remains challenging.

For now, fans of S. W.A. T. can only hope for news that honors the legacy of a show that has captured audiences’ hearts and minds over the years.

Source: Deadline

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