S.W.A.T.

10 Best Episodes of S.W.A.T. - Season 1

S.W.A.T. is a CBS show that first aired in 2017. It follows a lieutenant torn between loyalty to the streets and duty to his fellow officers when he's tasked to run a highly-trained unit that's the last stop for solving crimes in Los Angeles. Now in its 7th season, the show has delivered some incredible episodes that deserve recognition. For those who want to know the best of the best, we've ranked the top S.W.A.T. episodes and compiled them into this list.

The episodes are ranked based on a variety of factors, including entertainment value, character development, and impact on the show's overall storyline. Each episode is given a score from 0 to 10, with 10 being the best. The episodes are listed in order from highest to lowest score, so you can easily find the best of the best.

So if you're looking for the ultimate S.W.A.T. viewing experience, look no further. Here are the top ranked S.W.A.T. episodes, guaranteed to provide you with the best entertainment possible.

Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 20, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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S.W.A.T. - S1E6

#15 - Octane (Season 1 - Episode 6)

Hondo puts aside his misgivings about Jim Street's recklessness and allows the newbie to go undercover as a broker in a luxury car theft ring to bust a ruthless trafficker. Also, Hondo visits Raymont Harris, the teenager recently shot by a former member of the SWAT team, who is dealing with PTSD.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 1516 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E14

#14 - Ghosts (Season 1 - Episode 14)

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Hondo and the team go on the hunt for a serial killer who escaped justice two years prior by faking his death. Also, Hondo worries that Buck Spivey, the team’s former leader, is spiraling into depression in the aftermath of being fired from the department.

The episode was rated 7.69 from 1181 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E8

#13 - Miracle (Season 1 - Episode 8)

Hondo and the SWAT team are forced to work over their Christmas vacation when a drug cartel is out for blood after their cache of gold bars is stolen. Also, Jessica draws the attention of Michael Plank, president of the Police Commission, when she approaches him with her ideas on how to improve the SWAT division.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 1399 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E12

#12 - Contamination (Season 1 - Episode 12)

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Hondo and the SWAT team join forces with the FBI on a manhunt to find members of a militia group planning a domestic terror attack by weaponizing cyanide. Also, as Jessica’s new police initiatives with Michael Plank, president of the police commission, move forward, she braces herself for the negative impact the plans could have on her relationships within the department.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 1296 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E18

#11 - Patrol (Season 1 - Episode 18)

Hondo confronts his long-held resentment towards his ailing father, Daniel Harrelson, Sr., when he and his sister, Briana, try to convince their dad he’s no longer well enough to live alone. Also, when the SWAT team works as patrol officers for a day, Chris is partnered with Mumford, who intends to make her a surprising offer.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 1122 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E19

#10 - Source (Season 1 - Episode 19)

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Jim Street debates whether or not his mother, Karen, should live with him upon her prison release after Hondo and Chris warn him against it. Also, Hondo and the team are assigned to protect Irina Zemanova, a high-profile Russian journalist visiting Los Angeles, from being assassinated.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 1082 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E20

#9 - Vendetta (Season 1 - Episode 20)

Hondo’s life and career are endangered when his bosses and his godson’s kidnapper, Jae Kim, discover he’s been secretly surveilling Kim with the help of retired DEA agent Katrina Walsh. Also, Street and his newly paroled mother, Karen, both have trouble acclimating to her prison release.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 1076 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E4

#8 - Radical (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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After a domestic bomber dies in a Highland Park explosion, the SWAT team races to find the man's partner before more devices detonate. Also, Hondo reaches out to Buck, his former team leader, when he worries he is isolating himself after his recent firing.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 1671 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E17

#7 - Armory (Season 1 - Episode 17)

As Hondo and SWAT work to de-escalate a hostage situation in which an ex-convict is holding a local family captive, the mission takes a dangerous turn that impacts the team. Also, when Street tires of his complicated romantic entanglements, he agrees to let Chris make over his online dating profile.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 1165 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E16

#6 - Payback (Season 1 - Episode 16)

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When a young heiress, Juliette Carlton, is kidnapped for ransom, Hondo and the SWAT team go on a citywide search to bring her home before she is harmed. Also, the team worries that Mumford is moving too fast when he announces he’s getting married for the fourth time.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 1182 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E11

#5 - K-Town (Season 1 - Episode 11)

Hondo teams up with an old DEA friend, Special Agent Katrina “K.C.” Walsh, on a task force aimed at unmasking the secret leader of a fentanyl drug smuggling ring. Also, Jessica and Michael Plank, president of the Police Commission, begin implementing her new law enforcement community initiatives.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 1326 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E22

#4 - Hoax (Season 1 - Episode 22)

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In the intense episode "Hoax" of the hit show S.W.A.T., the stakes are higher than ever as a fake 911 call sets off a chain of events that lead Hondo and the elite SWAT team on a dangerous mission to thwart a white supremacy group's bombing attacks on the community. The tension is palpable as the team races against time to prevent potential devastation.

Meanwhile, Street finds himself in a personal dilemma when his relationship with his recently paroled mother, Karen, puts his career on the line. The emotional turmoil Street faces adds a layer of complexity to his character, making viewers root for him even more amidst the challenging circumstances he must navigate.

As if the action and personal drama weren't enough, Jessica faces unexpected challenges from her colleague, Michael Plank, who serves as the president of the police commission. The dynamic between Jessica and Michael takes a surprising turn, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats wondering how this curveball will impact the team's dynamics moving forward. With Hondo's father making a return in this episode, family ties and professional responsibilities collide in a gripping narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 1045 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E15

#3 - Crews (Season 1 - Episode 15)

In the gripping episode "Crews" of S.W.A.T., things take a personal turn for Hondo as his criminal informant friend is tragically killed while investigating a dangerous robbery crew. The joint SWAT and FBI task force is on high alert to capture the culprits, but when the leader of the FBI task force starts behaving erratically, Jessica fears for the safety of the entire team out in the field.

Viewers are taken on an intense ride as Hondo navigates the emotional turmoil of losing someone close to him, all while trying to stay focused on bringing the criminals to justice. The tension escalates as the team faces not only the ruthless robbery crew but also internal challenges with the unpredictable behavior of the FBI task force leader.

Despite some critiques of Hollywood clichés, like Hondo miraculously escaping a dangerous situation, and interruptions in the plot with what some viewers call "woke fillers," the episode "Crews" keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its mix of personal stakes, high-stakes crime, and team dynamics. Don't miss this thrilling installment that delves deep into the complexities of loyalty, trust, and the fine line between justice and personal vendettas.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 1192 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E21

#2 - Hunted (Season 1 - Episode 21)

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In the heart-pounding episode "Hunted" of S.W.A.T., Hondo and Deacon find themselves in a high-stakes situation when they are pursued by a dangerous gang of armed mercenaries in the treacherous Angeles Mountains. As they navigate through the rugged terrain, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride as they witness the duo using all their SWAT training and skills to outsmart their relentless hunters.

Meanwhile, tensions rise within the team as Chris takes matters into her own hands to support a female SWAT trainee whom she suspects is facing unfair treatment during evaluations. Her bold move leads to unexpected consequences, shedding light on the complexities of teamwork and individual integrity within the high-pressure world of SWAT operations.

One of the underlying dynamics that adds depth to the episode is the ongoing banter between Hondo and Deacon, with Hondo occasionally teasing Deacon about his racial background. This subtle interplay not only showcases their close bond but also hints at the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape the dynamics within the SWAT team. "Hunted" is a gripping episode that combines intense action sequences with nuanced character dynamics, making it a must-watch for fans of adrenaline-pumping drama.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1043 votes.

S.W.A.T. - S1E10

#1 - Seizure (Season 1 - Episode 10)

In this intense episode of S.W.A.T. titled "Seizure," the stakes are higher than ever as the SWAT team is called in to diffuse a dangerous situation at a prison riot. As they work to rescue civilian hostages, Hondo's sharp instincts lead him to suspect that the inmates may have a hidden agenda driving the chaos. The tension rises as the team navigates through the volatile environment, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of the mission, Deacon's wife, Annie, pays a surprise visit to headquarters to commemorate Deacon's 10th anniversary with the SWAT division. However, what starts as a joyous occasion takes an unexpected turn, adding a personal twist to the already intense situation unfolding at the prison riot. The intersection of personal and professional lives brings a new layer of complexity to the episode, keeping audiences engaged and invested in the characters' journeys.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, from heart-pounding action sequences to poignant moments of personal connection. With the inmates' motives shrouded in mystery and unexpected twists awaiting the team, "Seizure" proves to be a gripping installment that showcases the challenges and triumphs faced by the SWAT team both on the job and in their personal lives.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 1374 votes.

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