Advertisement

SWAT bosses promise to "do better" for season 4 following George Floyd's death

Photo credit: CBS
Photo credit: CBS

From Digital Spy

The executive producers of CBS series SWAT, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Shawn Ryan, have vowed to "do better" in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Following the death of George Floyd – who died in police custody after a white police officer kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25 – Black Lives Matter protests have been taking place not only across America, but the world.

Photo credit: CBS
Photo credit: CBS

Related: Law & Order spin-off producer fired for threatening to shoot looters

As many celebrities have lent their support to the Black Lives Matter movement, the team behind SWAT have promised that season four will better explore themes of racism and police violence.

"Frustrated, angry, but determined to do better. On-screen and off," Thomas tweeted, before sharing a longer statement from the show's writers' room.

"When SWAT 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 (played by Shemar Moore), an African-American cop who has one foot firmly planted in each world."

"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," the statement continued.

"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."

TV Line reports that the series had planned to end season three with an episode that split time between the present-day and a teenage Hondo and his father during the 1992 LA riots.

Production on the season was later halted due to the pandemic and the episode had been expect to air as part of season four, which premieres in 2021.


For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.


Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.

Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now.

You Might Also Like