Swat: The TV Show, The Movie, and Their Complex Relationship

The question of whether the current SWAT TV show is based on the movie or vice versa has puzzled fans for years. To unravel this mystery, we need to delve into the history and origins of these productions.

Origins of SWAT TV Show (1975-1979)

Before the current SWAT TV show was broadcast by ABC Television Network, owned by Disney Enterprises, beginning in 1975, there was an earlier SWAT TV series. This original series, which aired from 1975 to 1979, was a police drama that followed the adventures of cops in the Special Weapons and Training (SWAT) team of Los Angeles, California.

SWAT was created by Dick Wolf, who later went on to create franchises such as Miami Vice and NYPD Blue. The first season was particularly popular, with a pilot episode directed by Don Simpson and-screened in primetime on March 24, 1975, on ABC. The show starred Steve Forrest as Deputy Chief Danny Craft, Rod Perry, who played Novice SWATTed Will Henriksen, and several others, including Larry Probably, David LaRosa, and Mel McGoweran.

Swat Movie: A Resurrection

The movie Swat, released in 1974, was actually based on this earlier SWAT TV series. Directed by Sidney J. Furie, the film starred Charles Bronson as a SWAT team leader and Jennifer Warren as a rookie cop. The movie features a lot of action and was highly successful, leading to a theatrical release and later, the revival of the TV series.

Interestingly, the movie Swat led to a resurgence of the original SWAT TV series by giving it a fresh set of audiences and reviving the interest in the show. The movie helped to create a cultural zeitgeist that allowed for the rebirth of the show as a series.

The Current SWAT Show (2018-Present)

More than four decades later, the current SWAT series, which was developed by A.C. Antion and produced by 20th Century Television, is once again based on the movie and the original TV series. The show premiered in 2018 and has since become a popular series on streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max.

The current SWAT follows the story of a team of elite police officers who use advanced training and technology to combat crime in the city of Rockport, California. Fans of the original TV series and the 1974 movie will find familiar themes and parallels in the show. Both the movie and the original TV series revolved around the high-stakes and intense action of SWAT operations, which is also a central feature of the current show.

Complex Relationships Between SWAT Media

The relationship between the TV show, the movie, and the current series is not as straightforward as it initially seems. Each production has influenced the others, creating a complex web of inspiration and legacy. While the 1975 series was the original inspiration for the 1974 movie, the movie, in turn, sparked a renewed interest in the original series, leading to its revival. Similarly, the current SWAT TV series is heavily influenced by both the movie and the original series, continuing the legacy of the franchise.

Conclusion

The story of SWAT is a fascinating one, showcasing the complex interplay between different media formats and the enduring appeal of a well-told tale. Whether you watch the original TV series, the 1974 Swat movie, or the current SWAT show, you can experience the essence of the founding team of the Special Weapons and Training unit and the intense camaraderie and professionalism that defines their operations.

For those interested in learning more about the history and legacy of SWAT, we highly recommend checking out the original TV series, the 1974 movie, and the current SWAT show.