TV viewers tuning into their usual Friday night line-up on CBS might be disappointed to realize that their favorite shows like Blue Bloods and S.W.A.T. won’t be airing tonight. The reason for this change is quite simple: the beginning of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament.
This major sporting event kicked off on March 21 and is set to captivate audiences until April 8, during which the national championship game will take place. Several networks, including CBS, TNT, TBS, and TruTV, are broadcasting the games, which are also available for online streaming via Max (covering TNT, TBS, and TruTV games), Paramount+ (for CBS games), and through the March Madness Live app.
Because March Madness games are occupying the airtime, shows like S.W.A.T., Fire Country, and Blue Bloods have been temporarily bumped from the schedule. Particularly on CBS, several games are airing tonight instead of the regular programming. The match between Duke and Vermont is scheduled at 7:10 p.m. ET, with Wisconsin vs. James Madison following at 9:40 p.m. ET.
Regular programming including S.W.A.T., Fire Country, and Blue Bloods is set to resume in two weeks on Friday, April 5. Therefore, fans can expect to sit through another round of basketball on March 29, with the matchups yet to be determined.
Once S.W.A.T. is back, viewers will finally learn the fate of Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson) after a tense cliffhanger. The episode titled “Last Call” will see Hondo (Shemar Moore) and the 20-Squad on a citywide manhunt for a robbery crew.
The return episode of Fire Country is notably named “This Storm Will Pass,” featuring the station 42 crew facing down a fire tornado that threatens Edgewater with grave danger.
For the famous Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, details on what to expect in its return episode are still under wraps.
Interested in more? Blue Bloods developments include Frank uncovering a hidden connection to his son’s killer.
FAQ: Why Are Popular TV Shows Like ‘Blue Bloods’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ Not Airing?
Q: Why aren’t ‘Blue Bloods’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ on tonight?
A: These shows are not airing because of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament’s coverage on CBS.
Q: When will ‘Blue Bloods’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ return?
A: Both shows are scheduled to return to their regular Friday night time slots on April 5.
Q: Can I still watch the NCAA games if I don’t have cable?
A: Yes, you can stream the games using Max, Paramount+, and the March Madness Live app, depending on the network broadcasting the particular game you’re interested in.
Q: What can viewers expect when ‘S.W.A.T.’ returns?
A: Viewers will see the aftermath of Dominique Luca’s shooting and a citywide manhunt perpetrated by Hondo and his team.
Q: What’s next for ‘Fire Country’ when it comes back on air?
A: An episode titled “This Storm Will Pass” will focus on the crew combating a rare and dangerous fire tornado.
Q: Are there details available about the next ‘Blue Bloods’ episode?
A: No specific details have been released about the next ‘Blue Bloods’ episode featuring Tom Selleck’s character as of now.
Conclusion
While fans of ‘Blue Bloods,’ ‘S.W.A.T.,’ and ‘Fire Country’ may be disheartened by the temporary shift in their TV routines due to the NCAA March Madness, the excitement of the tournament serves as a unique event captivating millions. Understanding the significant viewership and scheduling conflicts it creates, networks like CBS have opted to prioritize the live sports broadcast. The anticipation for the return of these beloved series builds as their hiatus fuels speculation and excitement for the dramatic storylines they promise to explore in April. Meanwhile, basketball enthusiasts have a thrilling few weeks of games ahead, as the energy of March Madness unfolds.