How has SWAT explained Street and Luca's reduced screentime?

When we learned that we wouldn’t see as much of Street and Luca in SWAT’s final season, we were definitely disappointed. Their characters will get to say goodbye, but they have been missing since the beginning of the season.

Of course, the series had to explain their disappearances. It couldn’t just be “our TV show needed to save money.” This is not a series like Boston Legal that continued to break the fourth wall by mentioning seasons and network decisions.

So, how would the show reduce the characters’ time? What does this mean for how things will come to an end for them?

Luca is dealing with family issues in SWAT Season 7

The way to write out Luca for some of the episodes was simple, with the sixth season setting things up. The show opted to work with the stereotypical “family issues” explanation, which does fit well for the series.

During the sixth season, Luca found out that he had a half-sister. They two got to a good place during the season, and it would make sense for him to want to spend time with her. He also has a few things to deal with when it comes to his brother.

Street is in San Diego in SWAT

As for Street, he is in San Diego. He’s headed back to Long Beach, where he will be able to train the newer SWAT officers. This is a great storyline that offers us a look at how Street can continue to move through the ranks as the show comes to an end.

He, Tan, and Powell are the youngest members of the team. They will be the ones taking over as Hondo, Deacon, and Luca retire.

Of course, we still need to see Street return, and we’d love an update on how he and Chris are doing before the end of the series.

SWAT airs on Fridays on Fridays at 8/7c on CBS. Catch up the following day on Paramount+.