The new series Sheriff Country has experienced significant viewership growth following the cancellation of CBS’s long-running procedural S.W.A.T.. After airing its series finale in May, S.W.A.T. was celebrated for its resilience, having been cancelled and revived twice before its final season. In its place, Sheriff Country, which premiered on October 17, 2025, has quickly gained traction in the ratings.
According to data from Nielsen, Sheriff Country has seen seven consecutive weeks of audience growth since its debut, averaging approximately 6.24 million viewers per episode. This figure marks an 11% increase compared to the viewership during the final season of S.W.A.T.. The series is not only performing well in its timeslot, airing at 8 PM ET on Fridays, but also stands out as the second most-watched new show in a 35-day period, trailing only behind the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue.
The success of Sheriff Country is especially noteworthy considering its multi-platform viewing figures, which show a remarkable 63% increase over S.W.A.T.‘s ratings. This increase includes streaming numbers, indicating a robust interest across various platforms.
The series stars Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, who navigates her duties in the small town of Edgewater while contending with personal challenges, including her complex relationship with her ex-con father and the mysteries surrounding her daughter. The ensemble cast also features Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, and W. Earl Brown.
Despite the promising start to Sheriff Country, viewers of S.W.A.T. will not be left without their fix of action. A spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles is currently in development, aiming to bring back beloved characters, including Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. The new series will introduce younger characters alongside established ones, potentially echoing the successful narrative styles of shows like Top Gun: Maverick.
While filming for S.W.A.T. Exiles is underway, details regarding its release date or network have yet to be disclosed. As CBS enjoys the growing popularity of Sheriff Country, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape its programming future.
In summary, Sheriff Country has not only filled the void left by S.W.A.T. but has also carved out its own success, showcasing the network’s ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive television landscape.
