S.W.A.T. season 8: everything we know about the new season

Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in S.W.A.T. season 8

(Image credit: Bill Inoshita/CBS)

After a thrilling S.W.A.T. season 7, both on screen and off, it's time to look ahead to S.W.A.T. season 8.

S.W.A.T. was saved twice by CBS executives; it was initially cancelled outright after season 6 (due to a licensing issue with Sony) and then a shortened final season (season 7) was greenlit. Then, in spring 2024, CBS ordered another season of the popular police procedural.

"Here at CBS, we always 'stay liquid' and love a good dramatic twist, especially when it leads to an eighth season of S.W.A.T.!," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment in a statement. "The show continues to resonate with viewers thanks to our talented cast led by Shemar Moore and our amazing writers and producers who keep the show relevant and action-packed. We're very pleased to renew it again and incredibly grateful to our partners at Sony, CBS Studios and Shemar for working so closely with us to bring it back for next season."

Here's everything we know about S.W.A.T. season 8.

Next episode of S.W.A.T. season 8

S.W.A.T. season 8 airs Fridays at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS< with new episodes available to stream the following day on Paramount Plus.

Here's everything we know about the next new episode airing December 13:

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 8: "Left of Boom"

If you've cut the cord, you can also watch CBS shows like S.W.A.T. via streaming platforms Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.

For UK viewers, all seasons of S.W.A.T. are available on Sky TV. The first four seasons are also available on Prime Video.

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode guide

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 1: "Vanished"
"The team races to find a group of missing students and their bus driver, Hondo's former high school football coach; Hicks has reservations regarding Hondo's new team addition, Devin Gamble, a cop with a family background deeply entrenched in crime. "

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 2:
"When a spree of brutal stash house robberies spills into Los Angeles, the team joins with the sheriff's department's gang unit to unmask a violent crew who leaves no witness alive."

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 3: "Life"
"The team faces a prison hostage situation, only to be thrown into deeper danger when a bomb explodes, freeing maximum-security prisoners from their cells, including someone with a personal grudge against Hondo."

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 4: "The Sepulveda Protocol"
"A blackout throws the city into chaos, forcing 20-Squad onto the streets for an emergency patrol day, which quickly escalates when Hondo and team uncover a terror threat."

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 5: "Human Interest"
"Tan is left reeling when his girlfriend is kidnapped; a violent cartel leader may be behind the abduction."

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 6: "Hot Button"
"When back-to-back shootings at women's clinics leave two healthcare providers dead, Hondo and the team investigate whether the shootings were politically motivated."

S.W.A.T. season 8 episode 7: "Home"
"When two students are brutally attacked, 20-Squad contends with a possible honour killing; Hondo and Nichelle have their first parenting dispute while searching for a suitable daycare."

S.W.A.T. season 8 premise

Here's the S.W.A.T. synopsis from CBS:

"S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, an L.A. born and raised S.W.A.T. Sergeant who leads an elite tactical team that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to the community where he was raised and his brothers in blue, Hondo works to bridge the divide between his two worlds as he grapples with new parenthood alongside his wife Nichelle. Rounding out 20-Squad are David 'Deacon' Kay, a dedicated family man and experienced officer; Victor Tan, newly single and eager to embrace a leadership role on the team; and Zoe Powell, a cocky newcomer working to find her place on the squad. Finally, Commander Robert Hicks oversees all of Metro S.W.A.T. Led by Hondo, 20-Squad embraces their differences and works together to save lives and protect their city in an increasingly troubled world."

S.W.A.T. season 8 cast

We can safely assume that the season 7 cast will return including:

Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds) as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson
Jay Harrington (Better Off Ted) as David "Deacon" Kay
David Lim (Quantico) as Victor Tam
Patrick St. Esprit (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) as Commander Robert Hicks
Rochelle Aytes (Trick 'r Treat) as Nichelle
Anna Enger Ritch (The Haunting of Hill House) as Zoe