Swagger Cancelled After Two Seasons — Star O’Shea Jackson Jr. Speaks Out
Swagger left it all on the court in the Season 2 finale, which will now serve as the series finale.
Apple TV+ has cancelled the basketball drama after two seasons, TVLine has confirmed.
Series creator Reggie Rock Bythewood paid tribute to the show Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “What an amazing adventure. In our two seasons, we have launched careers, disrupted genre, brought forth humanity through our characters, told stories we care deeply about, revolutionized the way to shoot basketball and had fun. That’s a blessing.
“Apple, while you are not ordering a Season 3, I made the show I wanted to make. Thank you for that,” he added. “Cast, writers and crew, you have my gratitude. Walk on the set with Swagger. Walk off the set with Swagger… For our FAMbase, you lifted us in ways we could have never imagined. To the industry, don’t take your foot off the gas. Keep telling our stories.”
O’Shea Jackson Jr., who played Coach Ike Edwards in both seasons, also shared his thoughts about the show’s cancellation. “Damn near no promotion,” he wrote. “Couldn’t even talk about it when it aired because of the strike. And it still got up to Apple’s Top 4. But ‘the numbers weren’t there.’ Right. Ima miss my boys.”
Inspired by NBA great Kevin Durant’s personal experiences, Swagger tackled the complex world of youth basketball, and the players, their families and coaches who “walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, and opportunism and corruption,” per the official synopsis. “Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.”
Season 2 ended with — Spoiler Alert! — Cedar Cove losing their big game against rivals from Hilltop Central. The guys were devastated by the loss, especially since this was their last game together, and sobbed in the locker room while Coach Edwards (Jackson) consoled them. The vibe was more upbeat at the end-of-season banquet as the squad’s outgoing seniors revealed where they were headed after graduation. (Read our finale recap here.)
How do you feel about Swagger’s cancellation? What would you have liked to see in a potential Season 3?
I’m very sad about this for many reasons (excellent show where we cared about the characters; I grew up in that area; real show about hardworking kids; it tackled heartbreaking topics about abuse and inequity; et al), but I am thankful for all who were a part of making it. Swagger!
This was a good show but I am actually glad they are ending after high school.
There was no natural way to continue this at college without a heavy cast overhaul.
My guess is Ike would have started as an assistant at Georgetown and by mid season taken over as coach and saved the Hoyas’ year. It would just be too illogical.
this was a good show. making you think and having kids know that it’s not always easy in life. but then what do you expect? the show with a lot of violence always stay on. hopefully someone like Oprah will pick it up. Apply has really changed and greed as set in like everyone else. we will miss this show. Blessings to all. PH
Too unrealistic with politics and not enough hoops/The Marvels’ misstep.
I feel like they knew season 2 was it. I’m glad they wrapped on the story line. That show touched me with several standout episodes.
It didn’t really have anywhere to go after that last season..it would have become a “Love & Basketball” reboot if they went into the college stuff.. and it would have been too cheesy to try to put everyone in the same college. The second season finale was a perfect ending.
I enjoyed the series ! I wasn’t shocked this was the last season with that open ended finale! They could gone another season where Jace went to college and showed his and crystals journey … and pop in on some of the guys depending on the college 🤷🏽♀️
Apple definitely dropped the ball on this one. Swagger was an amazing show! I hope another network picks it up!
Search for another network, because I need a season 3!! The ppl want to see them in college. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I mad it got canceled that was one my favorite shows to watch because I can kind of relate to it being from the struggle
Im watching now. Its a GREAT show that is actually a very close depiction of youth ball and the personalities are a vibe.
bring swagger back
This is a huge bummer. I really enjoyed the show, and it saddens me that this was the last season. It had so much potential and gave voice to voices that are shunned, quieted, ridiculed. Life shouldn’t always be a numbers game because certain topics will be relatable to people who have thrown in the towel, or who are near doing so. Shows like this matter and are impactful and empowering to a hushed and beaten down soul because the characters faced difficult obstacles, supported each other, and moved through and beyond. I’m glad it existed but a little more could have been even more impactful.
I pray another network picks up the show. It inspired the young people at the school I am employed with to work harder and be better. I can’t believe Apple cancelled this phenomenal show.
Bring Back Swagger!!!!!
There is no reason this show should have been cancelled. It was a great family show that had grit and expose the truth aspiring about basketball players from the hood.
We need more shows like SWAGGER. Maybe another network can pick it up and the strike didn’t help since no one could promote it or talk about it. Shame on you Apple T.V.
Great show. I loved how it shows what people go through in every day life. Would have loved to see another season. A lot of people can relate to these things that happen and it’s good to see it on tv without the violence all the time. Bring swagger to another network. I’m sure a lot of people would love to see what happens with everyone. SWAGGER ON ME SWAGGER ON 3!