The cancellation of CBS’s action drama S.W.A.T. has paved the way for a new procedural, Sheriff Country, which is experiencing significant viewership growth. Following its series finale in May, S.W.A.T. made headlines for surviving two cancellation attempts during its run. Lead actor Shemar Moore will continue his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. in an upcoming spinoff, but for now, Sheriff Country is making waves in the same timeslot.
Since its debut on October 17, 2025, Sheriff Country has recorded an impressive seven consecutive weeks of increasing viewership. According to data from Nielsen, the series has attracted approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode, outperforming S.W.A.T. by 11% in the same timeslot. The show has gained further traction, accumulating a total of 11.3 million viewers when considering the 35-day window data. This places Sheriff Country as the second-highest new show in that timeframe, just behind the spinoff of Blue Bloods, Boston Blue.
The series, set in the fictional small town of Edgewater, stars Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox. Her character navigates the complexities of law enforcement while managing personal relationships, including those with her ex-con father and a mysterious subplot involving her daughter. The ensemble cast also includes Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, and W. Earl Brown.
As Sheriff Country continues to attract viewers, it has led to anticipation for the forthcoming spinoff of S.W.A.T., titled S.W.A.T. Exiles. This new series aims to bring a fresh perspective by pairing Hondo with a younger team of characters. Familiar faces from the original series, including Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit, will reprise their roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively. Currently in production, the spinoff does not yet have a confirmed release date or platform.
With Sheriff Country performing well, CBS appears to be on a successful trajectory. The show is scheduled to take a break after its December 19 episode, giving viewers ample time to catch up. The success of these new series highlights the network’s ability to pivot and adapt in a competitive television landscape, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.
