Shemar Moore is holding on to hope for S.W.A.T.’s future. Just hours after news broke on Thursday, March 6, that CBS had canceled the series for the third time, the show’s leading star addressed the situation in an Instagram video.
Moore took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the fans who have supported him and remained optimistic that the drama could still find a new home.
“To my homies, to my fans, to my baby girls and to Hollywood — yeah, I said it — to Hollywood. The game,” he began. “I said I wasn’t going to do this, but I can’t help it. I’m gonna do it because it’s who I am. It’s how my mama raised me.
Own your dignity, tell the truth. She can’t stand a liar, so I ain’t lying, and I’m telling the truth. S.W.A.T., here we are, season eight, three weeks away from the finale, we are canceled again. It sucks. It’s sad.”
Reflecting on the show’s turbulent renewal history, Moore acknowledged, “Uncanceled twice, two years in a row, uncancelled, canceled, uncancelled.”
He continued, “Now I don’t know my history, but how many shows get to say that? I’m gonna say none, or I’m gonna say that we’re close to one of the none. But we did that. We did that, and we are so proud.”
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Moore went on to reveal that earlier in the day, he had given a farewell speech to the show’s crew, whom he described as “the best” in the business.
“There’s nothing I can say to make this sound nice, good, optimistic, nothing,” he recalled telling them. “But I said, ‘Be proud. Be proud because we defied the odds, and we made a hit television show that the world loved to watch.”
He also had a message for the network, addressing CBS directly. “I say to CBS, if you’re done — I know it’s about money, optics, politics — I don’t think you’re making the right choice. I’ll say that. But if you are done, I say thank you, genuinely, honestly, from my heart.”
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Moore continued, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the show.
“Thank you for the honor. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for the ride,” he said. “If you change your mind, I promise you will make a lot of people smile.”
Later in the video, Moore reflected on his 31-year acting career, attributing “90%” of his success to CBS shows, including The Young and the Restless, Criminal Minds, and S.W.A.T. He also made it clear that he is ready for new opportunities.
“I ain’t done yet. My knees are ready. I lost 20 pounds. I’m ready to go,” he declared.
“Blowback” – When classified information falls into the wrong hands, the team races to stop a dangerous plot targeting former members of the U.S. military.
Also, Luca is faced with a challenging choice when a family member suddenly falls ill, on S.W.A.T., Friday, March 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Moore also took a moment to jokingly pitch the show to other networks, saying, “Hey, Netflix, how you doing?”
He continued, “Netflix, if you’re interested in a show that is in autopilot that the world is watching, we’d love to come play. NBC, Fox, ABC, hey, you want to come flirt with me? You’re invited to the barbecue. Pick your favorite restaurant. I will pay the bill.”
“The family over at S.W.A.T., we ain’t done chasing bad guys and helicopter chases and motorcycle chases and car chases and blowing up stuff,” he added. Wrapping up his video, he shared his plans for the immediate future, stating, “I bow out gracefully, and I’m excited about my new chapter.
Right now, I’m just gonna chase around my little baby girl, my little daughter, but then I’ll get back on the saddle, put my cape on and go be Shemar Franklin Moore.”
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In the post’s caption, Moore reinforced his determination to keep his character, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, alive.
“SWAT IS CANCELED…. AGAIN!!! After 8 seasons… CANCELED… maybe this time for good!!!” he wrote. “But my momma didn’t raise NO QUITTER!!! No Matter what, I AM GRATEFUL n THANKFUL!!!
Almost 31 years in this game of Hollywood… JOURNEY OF A DREAMER!!! To my Homies, Fans, Baby Girls, SWAT CREW, and Hollywood…. I say THANK YOU!!!! And “FILL THE GAPS n STAY LIQUID… ROLL SWAT”!!!!.”
S.W.A.T. airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
