More, More, More with S.W.A.T.'s Shemar Moore!

Shemar Moore won a Daytime Emmy during his nine-year run as Malcolm on The Young and the Restless (Y&R), was a Soul Train host for four years and spent 11 seasons on Criminal Minds as Derek. Moore’s S.W.A.T. has had some close calls with cancellation, but in April 2024, CBS announced that it was renewing the show for an eighth season.

In a recent interview with emmy, Moore weighed in on his show's future and its passionate fanbase. 

After CBS canceled S.W.A.T. last year, you made a video, fans protested and the show was given another season. Then Netflix began streaming five seasons last May, and it soared to the Top 10.

None of us saw that coming. I think the cancellation and pickup made people curious. It’s a dream come true to be the lead, and I’d like to say it’s all about me. “Shemar’s eyebrows, they workin’ Netflix!” But it takes a village. We are about 300 people, making a show that is resonating all over the world. If this [had been] the end, [I’d] stand proud and grateful.

Why has S.W.A.T. resonated?

Because everybody likes a good time. You hear that theme song, man, and you know you’re getting motorcycle chases, hand-to-hand combat, me hanging off a helicopter. I can’t say we’re the best show, but we’re a unique show. We’re an action movie, but on TV.

This reboot centered on a Black LAPD officer trying to change the system from within, and Black Lives Matter came during your run. What has it been like to tell this story?

In real life, you’re either Black or white. You gotta pick. I happen to be both, but Hondo is Black. For him, the question is, “Is he Black or is he blue?” His struggle has been trying to bridge that gap, get the respect and create unity. You mentioned Black Lives Matter, but we also talk about school shootings, human trafficking, suicide by cop. For a show to be fantastic and big and still stay grounded in topics with a sense of authenticity and humanity, that’s powerful.

Since joining Y&R in 1994, you’ve been a CBS man —

Forever! Network television is safe, because it’s a large audience, but you can still be creative. With Y&R, I got paid to fall on my face. This smile might have gotten me in the door, but I knew I had to work to stay. So I got into class, and I still study. I’m a sponge. I watch other talented actors, so I have evolved and grown. Without Y&R, there is no Criminal Minds. Without Criminal Minds, there’s no S.W.A.T. I’m excited for the next chapter. There’s gonna be one — and it’s not gonna be so safe!

This article originally appeared in emmy magazine issue #3, 2024.