CBS’s Sheriff Country Surges in Ratings After S.W.A.T. Cancellation

The cancellation of CBS’s popular action drama S.W.A.T. has paved the way for significant viewership growth for its replacement, Sheriff Country. Following the series finale of S.W.A.T. in May 2023, the new procedural has captured audience interest, marking a successful debut in its Friday evening timeslot.

, which starred Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr., had a tumultuous journey, facing cancellation twice before concluding with its seventh season. Despite its end, S.W.A.T. will continue in a new spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles, where Moore’s character will lead a younger team.

In contrast, Sheriff Country debuted on October 17, 2025, in the same 8 PM ET Friday slot previously occupied by S.W.A.T.. The series has experienced a remarkable seven consecutive weeks of growth since its premiere. According to data from Nielsen, the show has attracted approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode, an increase of 11% compared to the ratings during the final season of S.W.A.T.

The early episodes of Sheriff Country have garnered an impressive total of 11.3 million viewers within a 35-day viewing window, making it the second highest-rated new show in that period, behind the spinoff of Blue Bloods, Boston Blue. Both series have also been renewed for a second season, reflecting CBS’s confidence in their performance.

When considering multi-platform viewing, including streaming, Sheriff Country shows a substantial 63% increase in viewership compared to what S.W.A.T. achieved in its final season. The new show, which is a spinoff of the successful Fire Country series, features Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, who navigates the complexities of small-town life in Edgewater while managing personal challenges, including her relationship with her ex-con father and a mystery involving her daughter.

The cast further includes Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, and W. Earl Brown. Following its upcoming episode on December 19, Sheriff Country will take a hiatus, giving new viewers an opportunity to catch up on the series.

While CBS revels in the success of Sheriff Country, anticipation grows for the S.W.A.T. spinoff S.W.A.T. Exiles. The new series promises to pair Hondo with a fresh group of characters, mirroring the dynamics seen in Top Gun: Maverick. Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will reprise their roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively, in the premiere episode. Although filming is currently underway, a release date or platform for S.W.A.T. Exiles has yet to be announced.

As CBS continues to explore new narratives within its established franchises, both Sheriff Country and the upcoming S.W.A.T. Exiles reflect the network’s commitment to delivering engaging content that resonates with viewers.