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!
When violence erupts at a popular food truck festival, the team must contend with a deadly cartel determined to recover a large lost drug shipment at any cost.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 437 votes.
When a cop on the verge of shutting down a major drug operation is abducted, Hondo and the squad race to save one of their own before it's too late; Luca grows concerned about sudden changes in Hicks' behavior.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 520 votes.
The team works with the FBI to hunt one of its most-wanted fugitives; Hondo and Nichelle are faced with an unexpected development in her pregnancy.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 430 votes.
The SWAT team races to locate a young boy abducted from a homeless shelter. Also, Street allows his personal history to cloud his judgement on the kidnapping case, and Hondo and Nichelle find themselves at odds over their spiritual beliefs.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 471 votes.
During a trip to Bangkok to train alongside Thailand’s premiere S.W.A.T. team, Hondo and his former military buddy Joe (guest star Sean Maguire) stumble upon a wide-ranging heroin operation with ties to Los Angeles and find themselves on the run from a powerful drug kingpin.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 596 votes.
When the team stops the flash-mob robbery of a department store, they fear the crime was designed to distract from something more sinister – murder. Also, Hondo enlists Street to connect with Powell after she ignores orders in the field.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 534 votes.
The team races to uncover the identities of kidnappers holding a prison guard's family hostage; Tan is faced with a difficult personal decision.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 407 votes.
The team races to stop a violent rampage with ties to a painful chapter from Hicks' past.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 468 votes.
When Hicks insists SWAT participate in Patrol Day in an effort to engage more meaningfully with the community, Hondo and Deacon have their hands full mentoring the newest members of the team; a suspended Tan investigates a mystery close to home.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 435 votes.
When an intruder breaks into the home of a Hollywood actress, Hondo and the team are forced to partner with an old nemesis to track down a dangerous criminal; Tan struggles to find the perfect anniversary gift for his wife.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 487 votes.
SWAT teams with Major Crimes for a high-stakes mission to extract an undercover officer from a dangerous crime ring.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 445 votes.
When the team's armored vehicle is stolen, they must stop the vehicle from being used in a potential terrorist attack; Hondo and Nischelle prepare for their baby's gender reveal party.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 523 votes.
When a convicted killer makes a prison break, the team works to protect the people on his hit list; Hondo unexpectedly crosses paths with an old flame.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 522 votes.
The team works with the DEA and their iron-jawed leader, Mack Boyle, to stop a ruthless cartel boss waging war on the streets of Los Angeles as he exacts revenge on those who killed his son.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 419 votes.
In the action-packed episode "Thai Another Day" of S.W.A.T., viewers are in for a thrilling ride as Hondo, Deacon, and Tan join forces with Thailand's top-notch S.W.A.T. team. Their mission? To take down a dangerous drug lord whose heroin empire extends its deadly reach all the way to the streets of Los Angeles.
As the intense plot unfolds, the team faces challenges that push their skills to the limit. With high-stakes risks and unexpected twists, this episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The collaboration between the American and Thai S.W.A.T. teams adds a unique dynamic to the mission, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in combating crime.
Despite some humorous moments and questionable decisions by certain characters, "Thai Another Day" delivers the adrenaline-fueled action and suspense that fans of S.W.A.T. have come to love. With its gripping storyline and engaging ensemble cast, this episode showcases the team's determination to bring justice to the streets, no matter the obstacles they face.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 547 votes.
