Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Boilerplate police procedural has violence, kids in danger.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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S.W.A.T.
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this show is an engaging choice for teens, offering action and intense moments while tackling serious issues like violence, relationships, and representation. While many praise its character development and relatable themes, some criticize its politically correct approach and portrayal of sensitive topics, suggesting it's best viewed with parental guidance.
- action packed
- complex themes
- character growth
- parental guidance
- representation issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Loosely based on the 2003 feature film of the same name (itself inspired by a TV show from the 1970s), S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, whose new job is heading a specialized tactical unit of the LAPD. He's a former Marine who's served honorably as an officer but now comes under fire from colleagues who aren't sure he can make the grade. Hondo's elite unit includes David "Deacon" Kay (Jay Harrington), an experienced S.W.A.T. officer who's committed to his work but feels like he should have gotten Hondo's job; Christina Alonso (Lina Esco), a hard-boiled K9 trainer; and Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson), an expert driver who's new to the unit and has some brash ways that fellow officers don't always appreciate. Leading the unit is Jessica Cortez (Stephanie Sigman), L.A. Metro captain who's a dynamo at work -- and Hondo's main squeeze when she's not on the clock. Los Angeles is a pretty dangerous place. But with these men and women on the job, crime does not pay.
Is It Any Good?
Shemar Moore is magnetic, strong-jawed, and compelling, but he's marooned in this blah by-the-numbers police drama. You know what you'll see here, because you've already seen it: lots of serious dudes in uniform with jacked arms, chain link fences slowly sliding shut, sweaty criminals with suspicious facial hair who loom over piteously crying damsels, twirling their mustaches in utter villainy. Don't worry, ma'am, the S.W.A.T. team is coming, riding a big hunk of machinery so big, bad, and American that those bad guys will just throw up their hands and give up.
There are consolations. There's the previously mentioned Moore, the chemistry he has with love interest (and boss) Jessica, the many female and non-white faces matter-of-factly doing business in the S.W.A.T. command center and on the street. But it's not enough. There are better crime-and-investigation dramas to spend your spare time on.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about shows they've seen that are similar to S.W.A.T. How is this show like those shows? How is it different?
Why are law enforcement units such an enduring setting for TV dramas? Why does it make for interesting television?
Do you often watch shows with a lot of physical altercations and violence? Should children be allowed to watch? At what age? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 2, 2017
- Cast : Shemar Moore , Stephanie Sigman , Alex Russell , Lina Esco
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : August 13, 2020
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