The upcoming shift in CBS’ programming lineup has been revealed: S.W.A.T. will replace Blue Bloods in its coveted Friday night time slot. The long-running police procedural Blue Bloods, which debuted in 2010, will conclude its 14-season run with its current season. After airing the first 10 episodes from February to May, the final eight episodes will air Fridays at 10:00 p.m. ET through December 13.
Blue Bloods follows the Reagan family, a multi-generational law enforcement team in New York City, and has maintained a steady core cast, including Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Tom Selleck, and more. After 14 seasons, the series will wrap up, leaving a gap in its time slot.
S.W.A.T. Takes Over Friday Night Time Slot
CBS has confirmed that S.W.A.T., the action-packed procedural about a Los Angeles-based Special Weapons and Tactics team, will take over the 10:00 p.m. ET slot beginning Friday, January 31, 2025. The show, starring Shemar Moore and based on both the 1975 series and The Shield, is currently airing season 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET. With the time change, S.W.A.T. will be the sole police procedural on Fridays at prime time, following the firefighter drama Fire Country at 9:00 p.m. ET.
As part of this shift, CBS will move S.W.A.T. to its new spot after a brief hiatus. The show, rumored to have a 22-episode season, is expected to air at a regular weekly pace, with the season finale likely scheduled for May.
What This Means for S.W.A.T.‘s Future
This change will likely not disrupt S.W.A.T.’s overall season schedule, but the move to the 10:00 p.m. time slot could offer the show a new opportunity to grow its audience. While Blue Bloods’ departure leaves a void for loyal viewers, it also means S.W.A.T. will now be the primary CBS procedural on Friday nights, giving it more visibility. However, its performance in the new time slot remains to be seen.
SWAT’s history has been tumultuous—after season 6, CBS canceled the series, only to reverse the decision and renew it for a final season. Later, the network again reconsidered its cancellation, ultimately ordering a new season. Whether S.W.A.T.‘s time slot switch will secure its future or if it faces another potential cancellation remains unclear.
Our Take
CBS is essentially replacing one long-running procedural (Blue Bloods) with another (S.W.A.T.), but the latter’s rocky past raises questions about its stability. If S.W.A.T. thrives in its new time slot, it could continue to captivate viewers. If not, CBS might find itself back in the programming shuffle once again.
