Watch S.W.A.T.

S.W.A.T. is a gripping action-drama series that aired on ABC from 1975 to 1976. It stars notable actor Steve Forrest, known for his brooding charisma and commanding screen presence, in the lead role. Conceived at a time when crime dramas were gaining popularity, S.W.A.T. effectively marries suspense, drama, and action with episodic storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In the series, Forrest plays character Lt. Dan "Hondo" Harrelson, the zealous leader of an elite division of the Los Angeles Police Department - the Special Weapons And Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team. His squad consists of five hand-picked, highly-trained officers with distinct personalities and backgrounds. They are charged with tackling high-risk situations that go beyond the scope of conventional policing, where their specialized skills are put to the rigorous test. From hostage situations to bomb threats, from gang violence to armed robbery, each episode presents a unique mission, adding to the unpredictability and variation in plotlines.

While Forrest's Lt. Hondo forms the ethical and dramatic heart of the show, his team includes Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay, played brilliantly by Rod Perry, an African American actor who was a standout performer of his time. The rest of the squad comprises Officer Jim Street (Robert Urich), Officer Dominic Luca (Mark Shera), and Officer T.J. McCabe (James Coleman). The interplay between these characters, their camaraderie, and the occasional clash of ideals contributes to the deeper narrative undercurrents that make the show more than just a typical police drama.

The series doesn't shy away from exploring the personal lives of the characters, intertwining their off-duty experiences with the challenges of their adrenaline-charged profession. The character development is done in a way that cuts through the surface level, reflecting their evolving perspectives and engagement with the demanding realities surrounding law enforcement.

S.W.A.T. also has a knack for portraying the complex relationship between the police force and the public, with its substantial share of triumphs and complications. The writers delicately balance the portrayal of S.W.A.T. as part of the solution and occasionally being perceived as part of the problem. This nuance adds another dimension to the narrative, keeping it relevant and rooted in reality.

Visually, S.W.A.T. packs a punch with its gritty ambiance and realistic portrayal of the 70s era's urban socio-political landscape. The series embraced the cinema v

S.W.A.T. is a series that ran for 8 seasons (157 episodes) between February 24, 1975 and on ABC