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!
SWAT hunts down a Chilean arms dealer after he kidnaps a woman and her daughter from a party in L.A. with unexpected intentions. Crossing paths with his brother, Tan is forced to come clean to his family about his divorce from Bonnie, while Hondo discovers that Hicks has received a job offer that could lure him away from SWAT.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 363 votes.
As 20-Squad scrambles to track down a cold-blooded sniper terrorizing Los Angeles, Hondo discovers a link to his own South L.A. neighborhood that brings a personal twist to the hunt for the deadly shooter. Meanwhile, Tan finds himself questioning his leadership abilities while Powell and Alfaro compete in a classic game of SWAT tag.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 348 votes.
When a crew of violent eco-terrorists abducts the teenage son of an energy company executive, SWAT must untangle the kidnappers' twisted motives before carrying out a high-stakes rescue mission. Meanwhile, Hondo's involvement in a shooting draws outrage from the very community he's dedicated his career to protecting. And, as Deacon is called on to help with the escalating crisis, he's forced to confront nagging doubts about his retirement.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 337 votes.
After a prison transport van overturns, Hondo and the team hunt down three female fugitives, including a serial killer on the verge of a rampage. Also, with Annieβs return to work, Deacon struggles to maintain a work life balance, and Luca does his best to teach Kelly to drive.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 364 votes.
20-Squad must leap into action when Yakuza assassins descend on L.A., targeting a number of mysterious Japanese ex-pats. Meanwhile, Nichelle finds her job on the line at the inspector general's office when a colleague accuses her of taking bribes.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 354 votes.
The SWAT team faces off with a family of doomsday preppers barricaded inside their fortress of a home, and Deacon finds himself at the center of the storm. Also, Tan clashes with a reporter covering the situation and Powell grapples with meeting the child she gave up for adoption 18 years ago.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 355 votes.
The team heads to Mexico to escort a fugitive back to the States when things go awry and Hondo has to save an old witness tied to the case.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 437 votes.
Tan finds himself on a one-man mission to save his new love interest and her journalist co-workers when mercenaries take over a black-tie correspondents' dinner. After the group escapes, it's up to SWAT to track down the well-trained gunmen.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 335 votes.
While training with Long Beach SWAT, Street discovers a biker club has stolen a cache of armor-piercing bullets and brings 20-Squad into the hunt for the gang before they can pull off a daring and deadly heist. As Hondo struggles with changes at work, Nichelle finds herself at odds with her former colleague Bruce.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 369 votes.
When a female robbery crew "honeytraps" and kills several rich VIPs, Hondo and 20-Squad are called in to assist FBI Agent Jackie Vasquez in capturing the dangerous fugitives before the death toll rises. Commander Hicks is shocked when his new love, Maggie, abruptly ends their relationship without rhyme or reason. With help from Deacon and Dr. Wendy, Hicks makes an important decision about his romantic future.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 347 votes.
Hondo and Hicks desperately search for Powell, who's gone missing in Mexico City along with a thermobaric bomb capable of killing thousands. Deacon's pride gets injured in a boxing match with Rocker.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 377 votes.
After the shocking shooting of a member of 20-Squad, Hondo and the team launch a citywide manhunt for the robbery crew responsible. Meanwhile, Deacon's plans for his future hit a snag, and Powell and Alfaro clash over a tricky issue.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 367 votes.
In the intense episode "Twenty Squad" of S.W.A.T., the team is faced with their most dangerous threat yet as a violent group of extremists plans to wreak havoc by setting off explosives in Los Angeles. The stakes are sky-high, with the potential to cause mass casualties and devastation on a massive scale. The SWAT team must act swiftly and strategically to prevent this catastrophic event from unfolding.
One of the standout moments in this episode comes from the character Annie, whose actions and decisions stir up mixed emotions among viewers. Her conflicting feelings towards Deacon's return to the team after retirement reveal layers of complexity in their relationship. The tension between personal desires and professional duties adds a compelling dynamic to the storyline, making for a gripping narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the drama unfolds, eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed a minor slip-up in the dialogue, adding a touch of behind-the-scenes fun to the viewing experience. Despite this small hiccup, the high-octane action and emotional twists in "Twenty Squad" make it a must-watch episode that showcases the resilience and bravery of the SWAT team in the face of unimaginable challenges.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 328 votes.
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