“End of an Era: What CBS’ 2025 Finale Schedule Means for S.W.A.T. and FBI Fans”

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CBS Sets Finale Dates Including ’S.W.A.T.’ & ’FBI: Most Wanted’

Introduction — The Curtain Falls on Some Beloved Crime Dramas

If you’ve been glued to your screen watching S.W.A.T. or the FBI: Most Wanted family, you may want to get comfy — because the network giant CBS has officially set the final curtain dates for both shows, plus FBI: International.

In this article, I’ll break down what we know: exact air dates, what’s ahead for fans, and what these finales mean for the future of CBS’s crime-drama legacy.

Why the 2025 Finale Schedule Matters

The End of an Era

After years of fast-paced stakes, missions, and procedural drama, S.W.A.T., FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International are wrapping up for good. That’s more than just TV scheduling — it’s a turning point for fans who’ve followed the characters and stories for seasons.

A Strategic CBS Decision

CBS isn’t just clearing time slots — they’re reshaping their prime-time slate. By ending multiple crime-drama franchises, the network may be positioning itself to refresh with new content or spin-offs. It’s a bold move that could redefine what “CBS drama night” looks like.

The Official Finale Dates — Mark Your Calendar

Here’s when the final episodes will air:

  • FBI: International — Two-part series finale:

    • Part 1: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT)

    • Part 2: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT)

  • FBI: Most Wanted — Series finale:

    • Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

  • S.W.A.T. — Two-hour final episode:

    • Friday, May 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM ET (with extended runtime) on CBS.

Why These Shows Are Ending — The CBS Decision Behind the Fade Out

A Formal Cancellation

All three series — S.W.A.T., FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International — were officially canceled by CBS in early 2025.

For S.W.A.T., this marks the end of an eight-season run, and producers have acknowledged how tough that decision was — calling it “heartbreaking.”

Changing Tides for Broadcast Television

Budget pressures, shifting viewer habits, and evolving network strategies have likely contributed. CBS appears to be reassessing what kinds of dramas remain sustainable or scalable in the modern TV landscape.

What the Final Episodes Promise — What Fans Should Know

S.W.A.T.’s Final Mission

According to the finale synopsis, S.W.A.T.’s final two-hour episode ramps up with a dramatic, high-stakes storyline: a hijacked auto carrier truck shatters Los Angeles peace. The plot pushes the show’s protagonists — especially Hondo and his squad — to face ghosts from their past, and tests loyalties, courage, and survival in a city-wide threat.

FBI: International & Most Wanted — Tying Loose Ends

  • FBI: International sends the Fly Team overseas, culminating their final hunt after a global threat. The two-parter finale promises closure to cross-border drama, tied-up missions, and a farewell to international intrigue.

  • FBI: Most Wanted ends on domestic turf — the Fugitive Task Force hunts down a rogue government operative planning a terror attack. The series finale seems designed to give fans a last major case before farewell.

Fan Reactions & Industry Buzz

Mixed Emotions from Fans

The response from the fan community has been emotional — some are sad, others are angry. On Reddit and fan forums, comments reflect disbelief and frustration: one user wrote:

“This is sad… totally shocking that they canceled BOTH of them.”

Another lamented:

“Don’t expect another miraculous reprieve; this time the decision is believed to be final.”

It’s clear: many viewers feel these shows still had stories left to tell.

Industry Observers Weigh In

Some critics see this as part of a larger shift in how networks handle legacy crime-drama franchises. With changing viewer habits — streaming, binge-watching, and short seasons — big procedural shows are becoming harder to justify. CBS, like other networks, may be hedging toward smaller, more agile series that fit modern consumption patterns.

What This Means for the Future of CBS Crime Dramas

Fresh Openings Will Emerge

With these endings, CBS clears valuable prime-time real estate. That opens opportunities for new shows — maybe a next-gen procedural, a spin-off, or even something completely different.

The network might also lean into shorter-form series, limited runs, or streaming-friendly formats, aligning with evolving audience preferences.

Legacy Influence Lives On

Even if S.W.A.T. and FBI spin-offs are gone, their influence remains. Writers, producers, and showrunners from these shows may pivot to new projects — and some storylines or character archetypes could resurface elsewhere.

How to Get the Most Out of These Final Episodes

Plan Ahead — Mark the Dates & Tune In Live

If you watch live or care about social buzz and water-cooler moments — set a reminder. For S.W.A.T., that’s Friday, May 16; for FBI: International and Most Wanted, key dates are May 13 and May 20.

Avoid Spoilers — and Consider a Watch Party

Expect social media blowups right after episodes air. If you want to keep it spoiler-free, mute hashtags until you’ve seen them. Or better yet — organize a watch-party with friends. It’s a fitting way to send these shows off with fan-fare.

Reflect as You Watch — Appreciate the Journey

These finales aren’t just about wrapping plots. They’re about closure — for characters, for fans, and for years of storytelling. Watching with that in mind might make the journey feel more meaningful.

Conclusion — A Goodbye Is Never Just an End; It’s a New Beginning

CBS’s decision to end S.W.A.T., FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International marks the close of a significant chapter in network television. For many fans, it’s bittersweet — a farewell to beloved characters and long-running narratives. But it also signals change: a shift in what network TV values, how stories are told, and what the future holds for crime dramas.

If you’ve followed these series, treat the final episodes as a celebration — of drama, loyalty, tension, and thrills. It’s a final ride that deserves a front-row seat. And who knows? Maybe what comes next will surprise us all.

FAQs

Q1: Why is CBS canceling S.W.A.T., FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International?
A: CBS cited a network-wide shake-up in their detection of what’s sustainable in modern television. As viewing habits evolve and production becomes costlier, these long-running procedurals likely no longer fit the network’s strategic direction.

Q2: Are the finales two-hour episodes, or a normal length?
A: For S.W.A.T., the finale is a two-hour special. FBI: International ends with a two-part series finale spread over May 13 and May 20. FBI: Most Wanted concludes with a standard-length single episode on May 20.

Q3: Could the shows be revived later — like what happened before?
A: There’s no public indication of revival. While some fans hope for a last-minute comeback, CBS appears firm: these are official series finales.

Q4: What should fans expect — cliffhangers or full closure?
A: Based on official synopses, the final episodes seem structured for closure. S.W.A.T.’s last mission, FBI: International’s final case overseas, and FBI: Most Wanted’s final task all promise resolution — giving fans a proper farewell.

Q5: Where can I watch these final episodes if I don’t have cable?
A: As with past seasons, CBS typically makes finale episodes available on its streaming or on-demand platforms shortly after live airing. Check local listings or CBS’s digital service depending on your region.

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