CBS canceled Blue Bloods due to wanting to freshen up the network’s schedule. The series lasted for 14 seasons and 293 episodes, after all. However, many believe that the cost of producing the police procedural TV show also played a part in CBS cutting it from its lineup, even though the cast and crew reportedly agreed to take a 25 percent pay cut for season 14 (per The Hollywood Reporter). So, despite its popularity and ratings success, Blue Bloods is over. Another popular police procedural series has taken its place, but its future is as unclear as Blue Bloods‘ was.
CBS’ Replacement For Blue Bloods Was A Surprising Choice
S.W.A.T. Has Taken Over Blue Bloods’ Timeslot
While the second half of Blue Bloods season 14 was airing on CBS, so was the first half of S.W.A.T. season 8. New episodes of both TV shows premiered on Fridays, with S.W.A.T. at 8 pm ET and Blue Bloods at 10 pm ET. However, once Blue Bloods season 14 ended, S.W.A.T. took over its 10 pm ET timeslot on Fridays on CBS, while NCIS: Sydney season 2 replaced S.W.A.T. at 8 pm ET.
So, it’s just strange that CBS seemingly expects S.W.A.T. season 8 to match or even beat Blue Bloods‘ performance when it simply can’t.
Canceling S.W.A.T. After Blue Bloods’ Ending Would Be Very Frustrating
S.W.A.T. Has Been Canceled Before
As mentioned above, CBS has canceled S.W.A.T. twice before. Ahead of the season 6 finale, the network canceled the action drama but reversed its decision just a few days later following fan outcry. Still, CBS made it clear that S.W.A.T. was being picked up for a seventh and final season. That declaration would turn out to be a lie, though. The network renewed S.W.A.T. for season 8 a month before the season 7 finale, and as of the writing of this article, season 9’s status is unclear.
