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SWAT star Shemar Moore responds to show's surprise cancellation

shemar moore, swat
SWAT star responds to show's surprise cancellationCBS Photo Archive - Getty Images

SWAT, one of CBS' popular police procedurals, was cancelled this week, with its upcoming season 6 finale now serving as the ultimate series finale.

It's come as a major surprise, especially considering how well these kinds of shows do in the American TV ratings, and star Shemar Moore isn't exactly pleased with the news.

In an video on his Instagram page, the actor, who plays Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, pointed out the show's improving ratings and said: "It makes no sense... We’ve done nothing wrong. We did everything that was asked for."

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He pointed out that SWAT is the most diverse show on CBS, and he is the only African American male lead on a network television show (pointing out that LL Cool J isn't top of the call sheet for NCIS: Los Angeles), and the axing is a blow for representation on screen.

"CBS, when I got hired to be Hondo on SWAT, was getting a lot of flak for lack of diversity... 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," he continued.

shemar moore, swat
CBS Photo Archive - Getty Images

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"But to abruptly get told that you’re cancelled when you led us to believe last week and the week before, and the week before that we would have some semblance of a season 7 to at least say goodbye, if not continue. And to abruptly be told, 'You’re done.' Now there's a lot of politics... it's all about money.

"They told us we're cancelled, but I don't think we're done... [they're] gonna do their math and realise this is not the right move... If it is the end, life will go on. I'm not worried about me, but my crew... a whole lot of people that are abruptly being told that you don't matter, thanks for your services, good luck in finding another job.

shemar moore, swat
CBS Photo Archive - Getty Images

"Make some f**king noise. And let them know that cancelling SWAT is a f**ing mistake."

In a statement, Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said: "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 prime-time lineup.

"We sincerely thank them for their incredible work and passion, and also thank our dedicated fans who tuned in every week."

The aforementioned NCIS: Los Angeles was also announced to be ending with its current season finale this month, while the sitcom Call Me Kat was announced that it had been axed days after airing a season finale.

SWAT airs on CBS in the US, and on Sky Max and NOW in the UK.

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