The new CBS series Sheriff Country has experienced significant viewership growth following the cancellation of its predecessor, S.W.A.T. The procedural drama, which premiered on October 17, 2025, has attracted a steady audience, marking seven consecutive weeks of increased viewership since its debut.
The final episode of S.W.A.T. aired in May 2025, concluding a run that remarkably survived cancellation twice. The series, led by Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr., originally faced cancellation after its sixth season, but CBS reversed that decision to bring the show back for a seventh and final season. Although S.W.A.T. will end, Moore will reprise his role in a spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles.
The replacement show has quickly established itself as a ratings leader. According to data from Nielsen, Sheriff Country has drawn in approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode, consistently outperforming its timeslot competitors. This figure represents an increase of 11% compared to the viewership of S.W.A.T. during its final season in the same time slot.
The early episodes of Sheriff Country have attracted a broader audience as well. Over a 35-day window, the show has accumulated a total of 11.3 million viewers, making it the second most-watched new show in that timeframe, trailing only the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue. Both shows have already secured renewals for a second season.
The success of Sheriff Country can be attributed to its compelling storyline and engaging characters. The show features Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, who navigates the complexities of small-town law enforcement in Edgewater. Alongside her duties, she grapples with a challenging relationship with her ex-con father and personal family mysteries.
The cast also includes Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, and W. Earl Brown, who contribute to the dynamic narrative. Following its December 19 episode, the show will take a hiatus, allowing audiences to catch up with the series during the break.
In conjunction with the success of Sheriff Country, CBS is developing the spinoff S.W.A.T. Exiles, which aims to capture the spirit of its predecessor while introducing new characters. The series will pair Hondo with a younger team, featuring returning actors Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit in their respective roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks. While filming is currently underway, a release date for this new series has yet to be announced.
As Sheriff Country continues to gain traction, CBS is poised to benefit from the series’ popularity, further solidifying its position in the competitive landscape of network television. With viewership numbers reflecting a growing interest, CBS’s strategic programming decisions appear to be paying off as audiences embrace this fresh addition to their lineup.
