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

The cancellation of CBS’s action drama S.W.A.T. has opened the door for its successor, Sheriff Country, which has seen a significant increase in viewership since its premiere in October. The series finale of S.W.A.T. aired in May 2023, concluding a run that had already defied cancellation twice. The procedural, led by Shemar Moore, was initially cut after its sixth season, only to be revived for an additional season, which turned out to be its last.

Since taking over the coveted 8 PM ET Friday timeslot previously occupied by S.W.A.T., Sheriff Country has enjoyed remarkable growth. According to data from Nielsen, the show has recorded an average viewership of approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode over the last seven weeks. This marks an increase of 11% compared to the same timeslot when S.W.A.T. was airing.

The initial episodes of Sheriff Country have attracted a total of 11.3 million viewers when factoring in the 35-day window data, making it the second most-watched new show in that period, trailing only behind the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue. Both series have already been renewed for a second season, reflecting CBS’s confidence in their new programming.

A notable aspect of Sheriff Country is its ability to capture a wider audience through multi-platform viewing, exhibiting a 63% increase in viewership compared to S.W.A.T.. The show stars Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, who navigates her duties in the small town of Edgewater while managing complex personal relationships, including one with her ex-con father and a mystery involving her daughter.

The supporting cast includes Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, and W. Earl Brown. The series plans to go on hiatus after its December 19 episode, providing a break for audiences to catch up.

While Sheriff Country continues to capture viewers, S.W.A.T. is not entirely finished. A spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles is currently in development, featuring Shemar Moore reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. This new series will introduce younger characters, echoing themes similar to those in Top Gun: Maverick. The original cast members Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will return as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively.

While there is no confirmed release date or platform for S.W.A.T. Exiles, it remains a possibility for CBS to showcase this new chapter in a franchise that has garnered a dedicated fanbase. The success of Sheriff Country illustrates the network’s ongoing efforts to adapt and find shows that resonate with viewers, ensuring a dynamic future for CBS programming.