7 long-running shows to watch if you like 'S.W.A.T.'

S.W.A.T. is a police procedural television series developed from the 1975 television series of the same name and the 2003 film. It premiered on CBS in 2017. After six seasons, in May 2023, the show was axed but renewed within days for Season 7.

The show has surprised fans as it got renewed for Season 8 which premiered in October 2024.

LAPD Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, a former Marine appointed to command the city's prestigious Special Weapons and Tactics squad, is the subject of the show.

S.W.A.T. delivers high-stakes action, complex team relationships, and captivating character arcs, making it a favorite among fans. For many years, this show has provided the ideal balance of thrilling crime-solving and impactful human moments.

But after binge-watching every episode, what do you watch? Fortunately, a few enduring shows manage to capture a comparable blend of emotional storytelling and heart-pounding drama.

Here is a list of 7 long-running shows to watch if you like S.W.A.T.

**Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.**

NCIS, The Rookie, and 5 other long-running shows to watch if you like S.W.A.T.

1) NCIS (Seasons: 22 – ongoing)

NCIS follows the cases of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, combining military drama, forensics, and humor. Its engaging mix of investigative work and character relationships has made it a staple for procedural drama fans.

Cases handled by the Major Case Response Team of NCIS involve, by default, some large crimes against the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Led by the former FBI special agent Alden Parker - erstwhile headed by the brilliant but tough, even complex Leroy Jethro Gibbs, headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard. Ranging from death to treason and force protection - the toughest of tough.

Now in its 22nd season, it began as a JAG spin-off in 2003. It is also the seventh-longest-running scripted series overall.

If you enjoy the thrilling tactical action and team dynamics of S.W.A.T., NCIS offers similar excitement with a focus on military investigations and a highly skilled team, led by a tough, dedicated leader.

Where to watch: Paramount+, Netflix, Prime Video (earlier seasons)

2) Chicago P.D. (Seasons: 12 – ongoing)

Set in Chicago, this drama follows the elite Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department as they fight organized crime and drug trafficking, among other cases. With intense action and emotional depth, it has captivated fans since its debut.

The Chicago Police Department's District 21 is divided into two divisions: the Intelligence Unit, which deals with serious crimes like organized crime, drug trafficking, and high-profile murders, and the uniformed officers who patrol the streets and deal with street crimes.

For fans of intense, high-stakes crime-solving like in S.W.A.T., Chicago P.D. offers action-packed episodes and strong character development as its elite Intelligence Unit tackles organized crime and complex cases.

Where to watch: Peacock, Hulu

3) Criminal Minds (Seasons: 16, and a reboot – Criminal Minds: Evolution)

The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (B.A.U.), situated in Quantico, Virginia, profiles and tracks down dangerous criminals in Criminal Minds. When local police call the team to investigate violent, serial crimes, they use victimology and psychological profiling to find elusive culprits, or "unsubs."

The B.A.U. works relentlessly, conducting in-depth investigations and psychological analysis, but the demanding nature of their employment has a negative impact on their personal lives. Although they are devoted to one another, they frequently struggle to keep their family life stable.

If viewers like the psychological intensity and crime-solving teamwork of S.W.A.T., Criminal Minds brings the same with the B.A.U. catching dangerous criminals in high-pressure situations.

Where to watch: Paramount+, Hulu, Prime Video

4) Blue Bloods (Seasons: 14)

The Reagan family, New York City's First Family of Law Enforcement, is the subject of Blue Bloods. NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan has to juggle running the world's biggest police department and taking care of his own family.

While protecting their city, his son Danny, a seasoned investigator and veteran of the Iraq War; daughter Erin, an assistant district attorney; and Jamie, a Harvard law graduate who became a police officer, all deal with moral and personal issues.

For viewers who enjoy S.W.A.T.'s mix of action and family bonds, Blue Bloods blends law enforcement work with family drama centered around the Reagan family in NYC.

Where to watch: Paramount+, Hulu

5) The Rookie (Seasons: 6 – ongoing)

In The Rookie, 40-year-old John Nolan leaves behind his small-town life to fulfill his dream of becoming part of the Los Angeles Police Department. The oldest rookie in the department, Nolan faces hardships from starting over, the dangers of his job, and even suspicion from his colleagues.

He must demonstrate that his life experience, tenacity, and sense of humor can provide him with the advantage required to thrive in the uncertain field of law enforcement through a blend of comedy, drama, and action.

Both shows focus on the growth of their lead characters. S.W.A.T. follows Sergeant Hondo as he balances leading a special ops unit with his loyalty to the community, while The Rookie tracks Nolan’s journey as the oldest rookie cop, adapting to the challenges of law enforcement.

Where to watch: Hulu, ABC, Disney+ (select regions)

6) Hawaii Five-0 - Seasons: 10

Despite his desire to exact revenge for the killing of his father, Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) accepts the Governor's invitation to head the Hawaii Five-0 task team.

He enlists his father's case detective, Danny Williams (Scott Caan); a former police officer accused of corruption, Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim); a cadet who is almost finished with his degree, Kono Kalakaua (Grace Park); a temporary member, Lori Weston (Lauren German); Steve's girlfriend, Catharine Rollins (Michelle Borth); and a former SWAT leader, Captain Lou Grover (Chi McBride).

The investigators are members of an elite task force whose goal is to eradicate crime from Aloha State's beaches. Despite their disagreements, the brazen team is committed to ridding the 50th state of the country of its nefarious elements.

For fans of elite task forces like in S.W.A.T., Hawaii Five-0 offers a mix of action, teamwork, and complex cases, all set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii.

Where to watch: Paramount+, Prime Video

7) SEAL Team (Seasons: 7)

SEAL Team tracks the elite Navy SEALs as they fight the personal toll on their life while taking on risky operations throughout the world.

Under the leadership of Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz), the squad consists of devoted soldier Sonny Quinn, motivated young SEAL Clay Spenser, trusty confidant Ray Perry, and important assistance from Lt. Cdr. Eric Blackburn, CIA analyst Mandy Ellis, and Ensign Lisa Davis.

This close-knit group tackles the most difficult tasks at home and on the battlefield with everlasting devotion and patriotism.

If you like the military operations in S.W.A.T., SEAL Team focuses on Navy SEALs executing dangerous missions while dealing with personal struggles, showcasing loyalty, dedication, and intense action.

Where to watch: Paramount+

These shows, from police procedurals to military operations, share the emotional depth, high-pressure situations, and camaraderie that make S.W.A.T. so popular. Viewers can stream the show on Netflix and Prime Video.

Edited by Sugnik Mondal