S.W.A.T.
Here's what we found in S.W.A.T.. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to S.W.A.T.
S.W.A.T. (2017) is an American action drama television series that reimagines the 1970s classic, centering on Sergeant Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, a Los Angeles native and former Marine. Promoted to lead a specialized S.W.A.T. unit, Hondo endeavors to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community he grew up in, often grappling with the complexities of his dual loyalties. The show is a police procedural, depicting the high-stakes operations of the Special Weapons and Tactics team as they tackle various crimes, from bomb threats and gang warfare to drug trafficking and hostage situations, within the sprawling city of Los Angeles. It explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the personal lives of its diverse ensemble cast while delivering adrenaline-fueled action.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series prominently features Christina 'Chris' Alonso, a main character who is openly bisexual and engages in a polyamorous relationship. The show also dedicates episodes to LGBTQ+ themes, addressing issues such as hate crimes against gay individuals and the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and police. The show explores these topics with a medium to high frequency.
Chris Alonso, a central S.W.A.T. team member, is openly bisexual and enters a polyamorous relationship with a married couple (Ty and Kira) in Season 2, which is depicted and discussed within the narrative. In Season 2, Episode 16, 'Pride,' the episode centers on the murder of a gay couple and an LGBTQ rights festival. During a hostage negotiation, Chris Alonso reveals her bisexuality to connect with the perpetrator, a gay activist. The episode also features Commander Robert Hicks's estranged son, J.P., who is a gay rights activist.
Violence
S.W.A.T. is an action-drama inherently focused on high-intensity violence. It frequently depicts automatic gunfire, brutal fistfights, explosions, and visible blood. Criminals often show indifference to human life, and the show involves pursuits of murderers, drug traffickers, and terror suspects, leading to frequent and stylized violent confrontations. The violence is relentless.
Scary & Intense Content
S.W.A.T. consistently features high-tension, frightening, and intense scenes as a core component of its action-thriller genre. Viewers are exposed to high-stakes tactical operations, bomb threats, gang warfare, hostage situations, and terror attacks. The violence, though stylized, is relentless, creating a continuous sense of danger and suspense for both the characters and the audience.
Would these 3 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-14. This recommendation is due to the series' consistent portrayal of intense action violence, including gunfights and brutal altercations, along with the frequent use of strong language and the presence of frightening and suspenseful scenes. Additionally, the show incorporates mature themes, including romance, implied sexual content, and substance use, which may require parental guidance for viewers under 14.
Good to Know
The series 'S.W.A.T. (2017)' often attempts to address contemporary social issues, including racial tensions and the fraught relationship between marginalized communities and law enforcement. While aiming for relevant commentary, some critics suggest the show often plays it safe, dulled by network television restrictions. The show's focus is primarily on action and police drama, with character-driven storylines that develop over its seasons, allowing for exploration of personal lives alongside professional duties.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families