CBS is consistently the most-watched TV network, thanks in no small part to its slate of crime procedurals. But we’re not talking about hard-hitting series like HBO’s “The Wire” or “True Detective.” CBS procedurals have made a name for themselves for being the comfort food of crime dramas—the types of series that you can put on in the background and check in on from time to time. But after the recent events involving the senseless killing of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that have erupted all over, it appears that the producers of one CBS series, “S.W.A.T.,’ are going to include the more contemporary issues surrounding racism and policing in the upcoming fourth season.
As you might have guessed from the title, “S.W.A.T.” is the reboot of the classic cop series and tells the story of an elite group of police officers led by Daniel Harrelson (Shemar Moore). And in a new tweet, the writers and producers of the series understand that they have a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the issues that are making headlines this week due to the fact that their lead character is a Black police officer.
“When ‘S.W.A.T.’ began three years ago on CBS, as writers we examined the intersection of black communities and law enforcement through the eyes of Daniel ‘condo’ Harrelson, an African-American cop who has one foot firmly planted in each world,” said a statement from the “S.W.A.T.” Writers’ Room Twitter account. “Since then we have continued to tell stories that have explored themes of race and policing in minority communities. We also asked questions about what is required to build trust and bridge these two worlds.”
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The statement added, “We are watching recent events in horror and sadness along with everyone else, and we will continue to mine the truth about these issues in the writing of our upcoming season as we all work towards a fairer, better system. In the meantime, we encourage protestors to express their frustrations peacefully and implore law enforcement to deescalate conflicts, not exacerbate them, as people work through their understandable anger and grief.”
As mentioned, “S.W.A.T.” stars Moore and was developed by Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Shawn Ryan. Much like the rest of the TV series airing currently, the upcoming season of the series seems to be on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the third season is still airing on CBS.