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 dec 14, 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!
Hondo, his father Daniel Sr. and his teen charge Darryl confront the history of racial tension in Los Angeles between law enforcement and the Black community, through flashbacks to the city in 1992 following the Rodney King verdict. Also, the SWAT team pursues El Diablo’s scattered drug cartel hiding in the city and a Jihadist group detonating bombs in coordinated attacks,
The episode was rated 7.56 from 430 votes.
Chris brings the SWAT team into her personal mission to save a teenage girl from a charismatic, predatory religious leader using his church for illicit gain. Also, Hondo receives troubling news about Darryl related to Leroy, Darryl's father, being released from prison, and Tan's wedding planning hits a snag.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 336 votes.
The SWAT team acts as a domestic surveillance unit for the CIA to confirm whether an international crime lord has resurfaced in Los Angeles after being off-grid for years. Also, Tan’s mother, Chan Fei, is a victim of racial discrimination, and Hondo encounters his ex-girlfriend Nichelle, for the first time since their breakup.
The episode was rated 7.63 from 393 votes.
SWAT searches for a group of extremists carrying out coordinated attacks against local businesses.
The episode was rated 7.63 from 109 votes.
Hondo is conflicted when the mayor asks him to be the public face of a new outreach campaign meant to improve the LAPD's stature within the Black community. Also, the team's search for a lone bomber reminds Tan of a difficult chapter in his childhood, and Chris pushes herself even further to surpass Street and Tan in a SWAT leadership competition.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 369 votes.
The SWAT team searches for a rogue member of an extremist group planning to attack the memorial service of a famous musician who was outspoken about police brutality. Also, tension mounts between Hondo and Leroy, Darryl's father, when Leroy is released from prison early.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 381 votes.
Hondo is conflicted when Leroy, his incarcerated childhood friend and Darryl's father, asks him to speak on his behalf at a parole hearing. Also, SWAT helps the FBI track down a mob informant on the run from the crime family he is meant to testify against, and the team dynamic becomes complicated when Street and Tan sign up for a leadership competition Chris has been training months for.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 381 votes.
In the intense episode "Under Fire" of S.W.A.T., the stakes are higher than ever as the SWAT team faces a dangerous sniper targeting the Los Angeles Fire Department. The tension is palpable as fires are set across the city, creating a gripping challenge for the team as they race against time to catch the elusive culprit.
Meanwhile, the personal dynamics within the team come to the forefront, adding layers of complexity to the already high-pressure situation. The rivalry between Chris, Street, and Tan reaches a boiling point when Tan discovers an internal betting pool predicting the next leader of the SWAT team. This internal conflict adds a compelling element of competition and camaraderie amidst the chaos of the mission.
As if the professional challenges weren't enough, Street finds himself grappling with personal issues as his relationship with Molly is tested by his troubled past involving his incarcerated mother. The emotional turmoil adds a poignant touch to the episode, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the characters and their lives beyond the action-packed missions. "Under Fire" proves to be a gripping blend of suspense, competition, and personal drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 274 votes.
