S.W.A.T. has been a strong contender in the CBS primetime lineup since its debut, proving its ability to endure for six seasons. However, with older shows sticking around longer than expected and new shows filling out the lineup, the competition on the network has become more fierce than ever.
As the current season of S.W.A.T. wraps up in May, there has been no official word on a S.W.A.T. Season 7, leaving fans wondering about the fate of their favorite show.
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The Importance of Viewer Reception
The probability of a S.W.A.T. Season 7 may be decided by how viewers receive the events in the current season. With just two months remaining, the series will have to wrap up in a way that could serve as a satisfying conclusion to the series but also leave enough room for potential future seasons. Dangling narrative hooks will have to be more understated than they would be with an early renewal.
According to reports, budget cuts across CBS programming are the major issue with the ongoing negotiations. S.W.A.T. is an action-heavy show in a way that even other police procedurals can’t keep up with, making it more expensive to produce. If budget cuts are too dire, the show could find itself losing a piece of its identity.
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Declining Linear Ratings and the Rise of Streaming
S.W.A.T. also suffers from a context where linear ratings are declining across the board. Scripted content and even live shows like sports and pro wrestling are increasingly moving to streaming. These increasingly important shows existing in the streaming space instead of on traditional television are harming network shows like S.W.A.T. due to fewer lead-in opportunities.
The fate of S.W.A.T. Season 7 is uncertain. With intense competition on the network, budget cuts, and declining linear ratings, the show may face an uphill battle for renewal. However, the strong reception of the current season could potentially sway the decision in favor of a renewal. Fans will have to wait and see what happens in the coming months.
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