The television landscape is witnessing a significant shift in viewer preferences following the cancellation of CBS’s action drama, S.W.A.T.. Its replacement, Sheriff Country, is experiencing a remarkable surge in viewership, marking a notable success for the network. The series finale of S.W.A.T. aired in May 2023, bringing closure to a show that had previously faced cancellation twice but managed to return to the airwaves.
Since its premiere on October 17, 2025, Sheriff Country has consistently grown its audience, achieving seven consecutive weeks of increasing viewership. According to data from Nielsen, the show has garnered an impressive average of approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode. This figure represents an 11% increase compared to the viewership of S.W.A.T. during its final season.
The initial episodes of Sheriff Country have attracted a cumulative total of 11.3 million viewers when considering a 35-day window, making it the second most-watched new show in that timeframe, right behind the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue. Both series have already secured renewals for a second season, highlighting their growing popularity.
When considering multi-platform viewing, including streaming options, Sheriff Country has achieved a remarkable 63% increase in viewership compared to its predecessor. The show, which is a spinoff of the successful series Fire Country, stars Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox. In this role, she navigates the complexities of small-town law enforcement in Edgewater while managing complicated family dynamics, including a challenging relationship with her ex-con father.
Alongside Baccarin, the cast of Sheriff Country features notable actors such as Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, and W. Earl Brown. As the show approaches its first season’s conclusion, it is set to go on hiatus after its December 19 episode, giving viewers an opportunity to catch up on the unfolding storylines.
Meanwhile, the S.W.A.T. franchise continues to evolve. A new spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles is currently in development, featuring Shemar Moore reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. The format will echo elements of Top Gun: Maverick, pairing Hondo with a younger ensemble cast. Familiar faces such as Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will return as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively, appearing in the series premiere.
While the release date and platform for S.W.A.T. Exiles remain unconfirmed, its development indicates CBS’s commitment to expanding the franchise, particularly amidst the current success of Sheriff Country. As audiences continue to engage with these evolving narratives, the landscape of procedural dramas on CBS is poised for exciting changes in the near future.
