After Blue Bloods’ Cancelation, CBS’ Replacement Show Absolutely Must Not Suffer The Same Fate

Blue Bloods came to an end in December 2024 with its season 14 finale, much to fans’ dismay, and another CBS TV series (which could also be canceled soon) replaced it in the network’s Friday lineup. The cancelation of Blue Bloods was met with animosity as many viewers (and the cast itself) attempted to save it. Unfortunately, they weren’t successful and CBS held strong in its decision to end the police procedural drama. Now, a different established TV show with many seasons has replaced the former beloved series, and it cannot afford to face the same fate as Blue Bloods.

CBS canceled Blue Bloods due to wanting to freshen up the network’s schedule. The series lasted for 14 seasons and 293 episodes, after all. However, many believe that the cost of producing the police procedural TV show also played a part in CBS cutting it from its lineup, even though the cast and crew reportedly agreed to take a 25 percent pay cut for season 14 (per The Hollywood Reporter). So, despite its popularity and ratings success, Blue Bloods is over. Another popular police procedural series has taken its place, but its future is as unclear as Blue Bloods‘ was.

CBS’ Replacement For Blue Bloods Was A Surprising Choice

S.W.A.T. Has Taken Over Blue Bloods’ Timeslot

While the second half of Blue Bloods season 14 was airing on CBS, so was the first half of S.W.A.T. season 8. New episodes of both TV shows premiered on Fridays, with S.W.A.T. at 8 pm ET and Blue Bloods at 10 pm ET. However, once Blue Bloods season 14 ended, S.W.A.T. took over its 10 pm ET timeslot on Fridays on CBS, while NCIS: Sydney season 2 replaced S.W.A.T. at 8 pm ET.

Of course, succeeding Blue Bloods is seemingly good news for S.W.A.T. The older series ran for 14 seasons and received great ratings, suggesting CBS has faith in the newer series. Nevertheless, CBS choosing S.W.A.T. as Blue Bloods‘ replacement is confusing because it has significantly lower ratings than its predecessor. Plus, it has already been canceled twice before. So, it’s just strange that CBS seemingly expects S.W.A.T. season 8 to match or even beat Blue Bloods‘ performance when it simply can’t.

Canceling S.W.A.T. After Blue Bloods’ Ending Would Be Very Frustrating

S.W.A.T. Has Been Canceled Before

As mentioned above, CBS has canceled S.W.A.T. twice before. Ahead of the season 6 finale, the network canceled the action drama but reversed its decision just a few days later following fan outcry. Still, CBS made it clear that S.W.A.T. was being picked up for a seventh and final season. That declaration would turn out to be a lie, though. The network renewed S.W.A.T. for season 8 a month before the season 7 finale, and as of the writing of this article, season 9’s status is unclear.

With the future of S.W.A.T. uncertain, it’s a frustrating time to be a fan of CBS police procedurals that air on Fridays at 10 pm ET. Viewers have already been forced to say goodbye to Blue Bloods. So, the network canceling its replacement would be inconsistent and cruel. CBS would also then have to find another Blue Bloods successor. Unfortunately, S.W.A.T. getting canceled after season 8 is a very real possibility. Fans should prepare themselves for the worst once the time for CBS to decide S.W.A.T.‘s future comes around.

Is S.W.A.T. Likely To Be Renewed Or Canceled?

CBS Hasn’t Made A Decision Concerning S.W.A.T. Season 9

S.W.A.T.‘s future probably won’t be decided until spring 2025 (per Deadline). However, it does not look good for the police procedural action drama series. Although it has moved to Blue Bloods‘ timeslot for the second half of season 8, the show’s ratings have dipped from the first half. Perhaps CBS should have kept S.W.A.T. in its initial spot in the Friday lineup.

According to TVLine, though, S.W.A.T. season 8, episode 10 did experience a 12 percent increase in viewership compared to the previous hour. However, episode 10’s ratings (3.4 million) are still inferior to Blue Bloods season 14’s average (5.07 million). If Blue Bloods couldn’t survive with these numbers, surely S.W.A.T. can’t either. Nevertheless, fans will just have to wait to see if season 8 has a miraculous turnaround or if CBS still sees potential in S.W.A.T. and renews it for season 9.