Biggest TV Cancellations of 2025: S.W.A.T., FBI, and Others That Let Fans Down
S.W.A.T., Found, and FBI are among the shows that fans are grieving in 2025.
CBS put viewers through an emotional rollercoaster with S.W.A.T., which debuted in 2017 and spanned six seasons before announcing that season 7 would be its final chapter. However, the network reversed that call, bringing S.W.A.T. back for season 8, but the celebration was short-lived, as CBS ultimately canceled the show again in March.
Though S.W.A.T. received a spinoff from Sony Pictures Television, the situation became more complex as Shemar Moore was the only cast member to return. The spinoff garnered attention for not featuring Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh, and Niko Pepaj, who have remained silent about their future with the franchise.
Meanwhile, NBC shocked fans in May by pulling the plug on Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, Found, The Irrational, and Suits LA. NBC has since renewed The Hunting Party and Brilliant Minds, but those are the only freshman shows that survived, alongside Grosse Pointe Garden Society, which remains in limbo.
NBC’s drastic cuts are after the network signed an 11-year deal with the NBA, an agreement worth nearly $2.5 billion annually, allowing NBC to air up to 100 regular-season games, thereby impacting the amount of original programming set to air this fall.
Scroll down for the most disappointing TV cancellations of 2025 thus far:
‘S.W.A.T.’
Despite multiple cancellations before its series finale in May, the development of a spinoff by Sony Pictures Television seemed promising. Overall reactions have been mixed, particularly as everyone—except for Moore—did not return.
Moore, defending himself as the sole original star on S.W.A.T. Exiles, stated in a May Instagram video, “I’m not claiming I’m Tom Brady, but I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. That’s not arrogance. That’s not ego. It’s a fact. I’m the quarterback. I’m Shemar Moore a.k.a Hondo. But I had a squad. A strong squad. A family. A team. And I want to express my love, respect, and appreciation for them now, because I know they’re watching this.”
‘The Equalizer’
Based on the original series, The Equalizer, which launched in 2021, focused on Queen Latifah‘s character using her mysterious background and skills to assist those with nowhere else to turn. Just days before the conclusion of its fifth season, CBS announced the cancellation of The Equalizer.
The decision not to revive The Equalizer followed fan inquiries online about why every Sunday show on CBS—including Tracker and Watson—was postponed. The answer lay in sports, as CBS hosts football broadcasts, disrupting the airtime of Tracker, Watson, and The Equalizer.
‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’
Viewers were left puzzled by CBS’s decision to cancel FBI: International after four seasons and FBI: Most Wanted after six seasons. Fortunately, fans can still look forward to the original FBI series—plus, a new FBI spinoff titled CIA arriving this fall.
‘The Conners’
The final season of The Conners, a spinoff from Roseanne, reminded viewers of how much they will miss this iconic fictional family.
‘9-1-1: Lone Star’
While viewers anticipate the upcoming 9-1-1: Nashville, they had to bid farewell to its first spinoff, which left a bittersweet mark.
‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’
HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls faced a significant blow when Reneé Rapp exited the series. The show was only able to release one scene without Rapp’s character, Leighton, before its cancellation in March.
‘Found’
NBC’s decision to cancel a show that showcased Shanola Hampton as a kidnapping survivor, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar portraying her unstable captor, was disheartening. This was even more disappointing as the news arrived just days before the finale, which ended on several cliffhangers.
‘Heartstopper’
After setting record-breaking viewership with its initial two seasons, Netflix didn’t hurry to renew Heartstopper following the premiere of season 3 in 2024. Instead, Netflix opted for a film to properly conclude the love story of Nick and Charlie.
‘Hysteria!’
Peacock discovered a unique blend of horror and humor with Hysteria!, a coming-of-age show. Unfortunately, it was among many shows that could have thrived with a weekly release instead of an all-at-once drop, which led to it being a one-and-done series, joining Teacup.
‘Based on a True Story’
Another Peacock series that struggled to find its audience was Based on a True Story. Despite being canceled after two seasons, the show showcased an intriguing premise as Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina worked together to solve murders set against the backdrop of a fictional serial killer portrayed by Tom Bateman.
