After the cancellation of CBS’s action drama S.W.A.T. in May 2023, its replacement, Sheriff Country, is experiencing significant growth in viewership. The procedural, which debuted in October, has achieved seven consecutive weeks of audience increases, attracting an impressive average of approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode. This marks a notable 11% increase compared to the same timeslot when S.W.A.T. aired its eighth season.
Viewership Trends and Audience Reception
According to data from Nielsen, Sheriff Country has not only dominated its Friday 8 PM ET timeslot but also amassed 11.3 million viewers within the first 35 days of its release. This impressive figure positions the show as the second most popular new series during that time, just behind the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue. Both programs have already been renewed for a second season.
When including multi-platform viewing metrics, Sheriff Country showcases a striking 63% increase in viewership compared to S.W.A.T.. This surge reflects the show’s appeal as it navigates the complexities of small-town law enforcement, featuring Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, who faces not only professional challenges but also personal dilemmas involving her estranged father and daughter.
Future of the Franchise
The departure of S.W.A.T. has not marked the end of its franchise. A spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles is currently in production, with Shemar Moore set to reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. The new series aims to introduce younger characters while maintaining the original’s essence, reminiscent of the dynamic seen in Top Gun: Maverick. Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will also return as familiar faces from the original series.
As Sheriff Country continues to captivate audiences, it paves the way for renewed interest in the broader franchise. The show is scheduled to go on hiatus after its episode on December 19, 2023, offering viewers an opportunity to catch up before the break.
With CBS enjoying the success of Sheriff Country, the network’s future looks bright, especially with the anticipated arrival of S.W.A.T. Exiles. The evolving landscape of procedural dramas indicates a promising trajectory for both shows as they maintain their connection to audiences across various platforms.
