Spoilers for the series finale. S.W.A.T. ends with 20-Squad defeating a group of Russian mercenaries, completing a prisoner exchange and heading out together on another call. Hondo also repairs his relationship with Devin Gamble, who is still on the team two weeks later.
How does the S.W.A.T. series finale end?
The two-part finale aired on May 16, 2025. Its second hour, “Return to Base,” closes the series with the immediate crisis resolved but the squad still on duty. A threat from ex-pat Russian mercenaries known as Red Sword escalates into an assault on SWAT headquarters. Hondo and 20-Squad fight back, stop Dmitri Rykov from escaping and help secure the prisoner exchange that brings American hostages home. CBS lists “Return to Base” as Season 8, Episode 22, with a 43-minute runtime and a TV-14 rating.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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S.W.A.T.: Seasons 1-4 Collection | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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S.W.A.T. Complete Series DVD, 6 Disc Set | $21.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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S.W.A.T.: COMPLETE SERIES DVD | Buy on Amazon | |
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After the danger passes, Hondo begins to address the squad, but a robbery call comes in. The team leaves together, so the final scene does not show 20-Squad disbanding or retiring; it suggests their work continues beyond the series.
What happens in the two-part finale?
“Ride or Die” sets up the crisis
The first part, “Ride or Die,” starts with a high-speed crew hijacking an auto-carrier truck. Hondo’s old rivalry resurfaces when a violent car thief he thought was dead returns, and the case revolves around a mysterious car valued at $60 million. The investigation also pulls in Gamble’s brother, Leon, putting her future in SWAT at risk. The episode was written by Kent Rotherham and directed by Maja Vrvilo.
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“Return to Base” brings the fight to SWAT headquarters
The second part centers on former Russian mercenaries planting hundreds of explosives around Los Angeles to force the release of their leader, Rykov. After he is taken to SWAT headquarters for safekeeping, the building itself comes under attack. Gamble arrives to collect her belongings as the assault unfolds, and the squad joins forces against Red Sword. The episode was written by Matthew Brown and Daniela Labi and directed by Billy Gierhart.
Does Gamble leave 20-Squad?
No. Hondo admits he failed to support Gamble after learning about Leon and tells her that she belongs on the team. He asks her not to transfer. A two-week time jump confirms that she remains with 20-Squad, resolving the finale’s central question about whether she will stay.
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- Complete Series: Enjoy all episodes of the iconic S.W.A.T. TV series in this comprehensive 6-disc DVD set.
- Action-Packed Drama: Follow the high-stakes missions and intense operations of an elite team of special weapons and tactics officers.
- Timeless Classic: Originally aired from 1975 to 1976, this groundbreaking police procedural drama has stood the test of time.
- Bonus Features: Dive deeper into the making of the series with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews.
- Collectible Packaging: The DVD set comes in a sturdy, collectible case, perfect for fans and TV enthusiasts alike.
Where do the other characters end up?
- Tan accepts a new LAPD role as the SWAT mayoral liaison.
- Deacon gives the squad watches engraved with “20 Squad” and “Stay Liquid.”
- Powell and Alfaro share a personal moment when Alfaro tells Powell he is her emergency contact.
- Hondo and the squad remain together when the robbery call sends them back into action.
Why does the show end on another call?
The finale’s last call makes the ending less about closing every character’s story than about confirming the team’s bond. Executive producer Andrew Dettmann framed the story beforehand around whether Hondo could keep together a squad he sees as family. In a May 13, 2025 TV Insider preview, Dettmann said, “He has always referred to and thought of 20-Squad as a family, but now that notion will be tested like never before.” Gamble’s decision to stay, Tan’s new role and the squad’s final departure together provide the answer: their roles may change, but the team is still there.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did the finale air, and where was it listed?
CBS aired “Ride or Die” and “Return to Base” back-to-back on Friday, May 16, 2025. CBS’s announcement scheduled the first hour for 9:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT and the second for 10:00–11:00 p.m. ET/PT, and named Paramount+ as a streaming destination. At the time, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers could access the episodes live through local CBS, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers had next-day on-demand access. Those were the announcement’s 2025 terms; they do not establish current availability or catalog access in every country.
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