SWAT is expanding its reach as the Sony Pictures Television-produced procedural has for the first time sold in syndication and will begin airing on the AMC Networks-backed WeTV starting Nov. 12. The deal covers the first six seasons of the Shemar Moore-led drama from exec producer Shawn Ryan. The upcoming seventh and final season of the CBS series is not included in the deal with WeTV.
This marks the first time that SWAT will air on cable. The series, a reboot of the 1975 show of the same name, is also available on Netflix, Hulu, and in syndication on Nexstar-backed networks.
“SWAT is one of those high-octane procedurals that continues to captivate audiences and grow its viewership,” said Monica Veiga, senior vp U.S. distribution at Sony Pictures Television. “We’re thrilled to partner with AMC Networks to bring this fan-favorite to their viewers.”
The syndication deal arrives after SWAT was brought back from the dead earlier this year for a seventh and final season after CBS and producers Sony TV reached a new deal for an abbreviated 13-episode order. CBS initially canceled the show after its sixth season as the network sought a reduced licensing fee from Sony. The indie studio, where Ryan has been based with an overall deal since 2011, opted instead to keep the fees even with last year and the prolific producer and showrunner found a way to reduce the show’s costs.
Ryan developed the series alongside Aaron Rahsaan Thomas.
The WeTV deal will allow Sony to generate more revenue from the series as it heads into the smallest order in its run. SWAT seasons typically run around 22 episodes, save for season four which was truncated because of the pandemic.
WeTV also airs syndicated repeats of dramas including 911, Bones, Criminal Minds, CSI: Miami, Law & Order, Monk, and NCIS.
Overall, the expansion of SWAT to cable and syndication on WeTV represents a significant milestone for the series. The decision to expand to a new platform signals a recognition of the show’s popularity and a strategic move to reach a wider audience.
By entering into a syndication deal with WeTV, Sony Pictures Television is positioning SWAT to continue thriving even as it enters its final season. This expansion allows the studio to capitalize on the show’s success and generate additional revenue from licensing the series to a new network. With the show already available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, the addition of cable and syndication on WeTV further enhances SWAT’s visibility and accessibility to viewers.
The success of SWAT and its expansion to WeTV is a testament to the enduring appeal of the series. As it reaches new audiences through syndication, the show’s legacy is cemented, and its impact on the television landscape is solidified. With its compelling storytelling, dynamic characters, and action-packed scenes, SWAT has carved out a prominent place in the procedural drama genre, and its continued expansion into new territories serves as a testament to its lasting influence.
