📺 S.W.A.T. (2017)

The 2017 CBS series S.W.A.T. is a reboot of the original 1975 ABC television series of the same name, created by Robert Hamner. The new series was developed by Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Shawn Ryan, and stars Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, the leader of the LAPD's elite tactical unit. While the 2017 version updates the setting and characters for a modern audience, it retains the core premise of the original: a specialized SWAT team handling high-stakes situations in Los Angeles. The reboot also draws inspiration from the 2003 film adaptation, reintroducing characters like Hondo and Deacon from that movie.

One key change in the 2017 series is its deeper exploration of social issues, particularly the tension between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Hondo, who is Black, often finds himself torn between his loyalty to the police force and his ties to his old neighborhood. This adds a layer of moral complexity absent from the original 1975 series, which focused more on straightforward action. The reboot also features a more diverse ensemble cast, reflecting contemporary television trends. Notably, the series exists in a shared universe with Ryan's earlier FX crime drama The Shield, as evidenced by a crossover appearance from Detective Steve Billings.

The 2017 S.W.A.T. has enjoyed a long run, spanning eight seasons and earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. It was initially canceled after its sixth season in 2023, but public outcry led to a quick reversal, with the show renewed for a seventh and ultimately an eighth season. The series has been praised for its action sequences and character development, though some critics have noted its shift toward more politically charged storytelling in later seasons. Overall, the reboot successfully modernizes the original concept while paying homage to its 1970s roots.