Of the 26 scripted CBS TV series we tracked last year, the SWAT TV show reboot ranked 14th in terms of its demo ratings and 17th when we sort by average total audience size. While those numbers were good enough to stave off the Television Vulture, the crime thriller was by no means a runaway hit. Now that it is back for a second season, can Hondo and company draw a larger audience and boost those Nielsen ratings, or will it fall further? Will SWAT be cancelled or renewed for season three? Stay tuned. *Status update below.
A CBS action-adventure drama, SWAT stars Shemar Moore, Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Jay Harrington, Lina Esco, Peter Onorati, David Lim, and Patrick St. Esprit. The crime thriller centers on Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Moore). A lifetime Los Angeles local and former Marine, Hondo has been tapped to lead a new “last stop” Special Weapons and Tactics unit. Thanks to his background, he is uniquely qualified to lead the team in a manner that also builds a bridge to the community he holds so dear. Hondo’s group includes the seasoned David “Deacon” Kay (Harrington), newcomer Jim Street (Russell), and canine trainer Christina “Chris” Alonso (Esco). They work under the supervision of L.A. Metro Captain Jessica Cortez (Sigman), a dedicated professional who also has a personal connection to Hondo. Meanwhile, Mumford (Onorati) leads a rival unit.
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show’s likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly in the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available — typically around 11:30am EST/8:30am PST. Refresh to see the latest.
5/17 update: You can see the latest night’s ratings in context.
Note: If you’re not seeing the updated chart, please try reloading the page or view it here.
For comparisons: The first season of SWAT on CBS averaged a 0.94 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.894 million viewers.
Note: These are the Live + Same Day Ratings which include “live” viewing plus delayed DVR viewing, up until 3am local time that same night. Ratings marked with an “*” are the fast affiliate ratings and will be updated with the Live+SD numbers when they are made available. Typically, networks get paid for C+3 ratings which includes DVR viewing within three days of the original airing when commercials are watched. Those numbers are rarely released to the press.
What do you think? Do you like the SWAT TV show? Should it be cancelled or renewed for a third season on CBS?
*5/9/19 update: CBS has renewed SWAT for a third season.
Love the show and hope it’s renewed for several more seasons. The topics they show are current. Some people had issues with the polyamorous relationship and that’s because they have their own personal issues that they can’t handle sexuality . To me it isn’t a problem, not my cup of tea, but not an issue for me. I feel that the more issues discussed the better.
SWAT and Seal Team need to stay on tv. So many shows have been cancelled and replaced with real tv for the younger crowd. SWAT and Seal Team are both fantastic shows and the older crowd prefers, especially ones that are retired officers or were in the military. Please keep both shows.
Love SWAT!! It is a great show! I had seen season one and subscribed to CBS just for season 2 of SWAT! I hope their will be a season 3 and many more to follow!
RENEw! Great writing
LOVE SWAT ! The stories are good, reasonably realistic and good acting.
The school shooting episode brought tears. Deacon stressing over money is real. It brings home the fact these guys aren’t making a lot of money.
Some have complained about the menage storyline. Sorry, but it’s real. While you may not approve, does not make it not happening. At least they’re presenting it in an adult way.
Don’t discount it because of one element.
Love the show …. have watched every episode. I hope it comes back, but agree with the threesome. But I will continue to watch just hope not much of that. Please tenew
I love the show. I hope it last!
Lose the social agenda crap, stick with good law enforcement driven episodes.
We have watched SWAT since the very first show but getting a little mundane. Moore seems to solve all the problems by himself. Team? Not sure he could do anything without his glove Lose it please.
he was much more pleasant to watch in Criminal Minds. Too much like a thug in this….Yes, character is from the streets….but he should have evolved more to become a SWAT leader…..
We were really enjoying SWAT until the sexuality started to be an important part of a SWAT story line, bi sexual and now three some..gone too far
Yeah, this is not the type of show that people watch for that kind of crap. Unfortunately, there are a lot of sick writers and producers these days that get off on shoving crazy sexual lifestyles in our faces, no matter what the show is. Too bad, because I liked this show. It was a nice throwback to the shows I watched as a kid.
We love the show but will NO LONGER WATCH IT. Every show has to have gay life style added to it. Sorry but everyone does not approve and now you have added a “three some” life style. stick to cop story lines and leave the rest out. Very sad about not watching it anymore!
I agree with Gerald Muha. Will no longer watch SWAT for the same reason.
spot on ….It’s supposed to be an action show …..not a three way action show..
It was 1 of our favorite show.we watched everyone and coukdnt wait for the next. However we won’t watch anymore. Morally the show is in the trash and we believe it promotes sexual behavior that shouldn’t be on a show unless that show is considered as trash. We are SO DISAPPOINTED
Ye I would love to see season 3 of swat I love the show
My wife and I have enjoyed the last two years of Swat but tonight, November 5, 2018 we turned it off in the middle for good. Again, we like the show and the action but don’t like how you shove the bisexuality and polyamorous in our face. We know people have this life style and glad they are free in America to pursue whatever lifestyle they want but to make it part of Swat is a mistake. And to use a young little girl at a family to inquire of her aunt if she had a date with a girl… Read more »
I totally agree with your opinion. I posted a similar complaint about the female character and I do not like Hondo’s, I’m going to fix the racial atmosphere around here, character. It is California and Hollywood trying to get their 2c worth on law enforcement.
love SWAT! Hope it makes it
SWAT has got to be the whole family’s favourite show! Sure hope it comes back. I find the story lines good, the acting and the action