This article is part of a directory: S.W.A.T. Season 7: Release Date, Cast & Everything We Know

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Summary

  • Two original SWAT cast members, Kenneth "Kenny" Johnson and Alex Russell, will only recur in the final episodes of season 7.
  • The renewal of SWAT season 7 was confirmed after negotiations, but it will be the last season.
  • SWAT season 7 premieres on February 16 at 8 PM ET on CBS.

SWAT season 7 has demoted two original cast members for the final episodes. Returning to CBS after a complicated cancellation and then a reversal due to an issue that came down to budgeting and licensing fees, SWAT will see Anna Enger Ritch upgraded to a main cast member after recurring for most of season 6 as Zoe Powell. But that's more cast shifts to come.

TVLine now confirms that original cast members Kenneth “Kenny” Johnson and Alex Russell, who respectively play Dominique Luca and Jim Street, will only recur during SWAT season 7. Despite the change in status and that they'll make their last appearances before the series finale, showrunner Alex Dettmann ensures a satisfying ending for the two originals. Read his comment below:

“Looking at [Season 7] being the final 13 [episodes], we wanted to give everybody their proper curtain call, so the episodes that we have for them are really focused on their characters and the evolution of their storylines.

“I’m really excited about the episodes we have for [Luca and Street]. The idea for the final 13 was that, if this was the end for us, nobody feels like they were underserved. There are some really good episodes fo Alex and Kenny, for Street and Luca.”

Every Major SWAT Exit, Explained

An early departure from SWAT involved Stephanie Sigman, who played the role of Jessica Cortez. Initially the Commanding Officer of the LAPD Metropolitan Division and love interest of lead character Hondo (Shemar Moore), it was explained that Cortez left the LAPD for a job at the FBI. Off-camera, it was explained that Sigman left the CBS series to explore other opportunities.

This would be similar to why Lina Esco left SWAT, exiting the role of Christina Alonso after five seasons. Although the character moves to focus on helping immigrants in the U.S., the departure is very amicable. Alonso remains in a relationship with Street, and there are questions about whether Alonso could cameo in the final season.

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Related
When Will SWAT Season 6 Release On Netflix?

Now that SWAT fans know that the CBS procedural series will continue and end with season 7, the wait for season 6’s arrival on Netflix begins.

Darryl Henderson, whom Hondo adopted, is likewise integral to the series. He's the son of Hondo's best friend Leroy (played by Michael Beach), and Hondo becomes a surrogate father to the recurring character. In a similar situation to Street and Luca, Darryl is simply off to college in the previous seasons. There could be room for him to have a fitting farewell in the upcoming SWAT season 7.

SWAT season 7 debuts Friday, February 16 at 8 PM ET on CBS.

Source: TVLine