Television
Shemar Moore talks diversity following ‘S.W.A.T.’ cancellation
Moore got candid about TV diversity on his social media.
The procedural crime-drama ‘S.W.A.T.’, starring ‘Criminal Minds’ alumni Shemar Moore, has been canceled by CBS after six seasons, with the final episode scheduled to air on May 19.
Moore took to Instagram to share his disappointment with the news and how ‘S.W.A.T’ was a huge win for TV diversity.
“‘SWAT’ is the most diverse show on CBS,” Moore said. “CBS, when I got hired to be Hondo on ‘SWAT’, was getting a lot of flak for lack of diversity.
“If I post this, and I think I might, I will get in a lot of trouble with CBS because I’m calling them out. Because they’ve been wonderful to me for 26 out of my 29-year career.
“But to abruptly get told that you’re canceled when you led us to believe last week – and the week before, and the week before that – that we would have some semblance of a season seven to at least say goodbye, if not continue.
“And to abruptly be told, ‘You’re done.’”
Moore fires back
The 53-year-old actor went on to explain that he’s sharing his thoughts out of concern for his family and individuals who worked on the show.
“I will be fine, but I’m upset because I busted my whole entire ass to prove that I could do this, and I did prove that I could do this,” Moore continued. “I understand it’s not personal – it’s business – but I still have faith that ‘SWAT’ will live to see another day.
“So I’m asking my homies, my fans and my baby girls, and the rest of the world who follow me or follow the show, follow the cast, my brothers and my sisters; Make some f**king noise.
“And let them know that canceling ‘SWAT’ is a f**king mistake.”
‘SWAT’ on CBS
‘SWAT’ began airing in November 2017 and will conclude with 128 episodes. Alongside Moore, regular cast members include Alex Russell, Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit and Rochelle Aytes.
President of CBS Entertainment, Amy Reisenbach, announced the cancellation in a statement.
“For six seasons, the amazing talents of the ‘S.W.A.T.’ cast led by Shemar Moore, the writers, producers and crew guided by Executive Producers Shawn Ryan, Andy Dettman and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas brought us compelling, action packed episodes that also addressed important social issues and contributed to the success of our primetime line up,” Reisenbach said.
“We sincerely thank them for their incredible work and passion and also thank our dedicated fans who tuned in every week.”