Ever since news that Rochelle Aytes was leaving S.W.A.T. as a series regular, fans have been worried about what would happen to Nichelle Carmichael on the CBS procedural drama and how Hondo’s wife and the mother of his child would be written off. While viewers won’t know for sure until the storyline plays out, we’re at least somewhat certain about one thing: Nichelle won’t be killed off.
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What happened to Nichelle Carmichael in S.W.A.T.?
Nichelle was written out of S.W.A.T. in Season 8 after news broke in June 2024 that Rochelle Aytes, who had played Nichelle since Season 3, would not be returning as a series regular. Nichelle’s exit from S.W.A.T. was due to CBS not renewing her contract as a series regular, according to Deadline.
The first was that Aytes wasn’t invited back to be a series regular on S.W.A.T. after CBS reversed its decision to cancel the series following Season 7 and new deals had to be made with the cast. Soon after Aytes was demoted on S.W.A.T., she was approached by CBS for a series regular role on the network’s upcoming medical drama, Watson, also starring Morris Chestnut.
While Aytes is no longer a series regular on S.W.A.T., Deadline reported that she’ll remain as a recurring cast member on the series for season 8 as Sergeant II Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr.’s wife and the mother to their child. Aytes’ recurring role on S.W.A.T. also seemingly confirms that Nichelle won’t be killed off in the series as fans suspected.
“I like them together though. They were so cute together on criminal minds, and again on SWAT. I just hope they don’t kill her off,” a fan wrote in a Reddit thread referring to both Aytes and S.W.A.T. lead Shemar Moore‘s roles on CBS’ Criminal Minds.
Other fans saw Aytes’ demotion as a sign that S.W.A.T. was shifting back to its procedural roots with less of a focus on characters’ personal lives. “Hopefully this means the show will once against be SWAT, not Hondo’s Family and Friends,” a user wrote on Reddit. Hondos family and friends has really ruined the show for me. Another user wrote, “It’s used to be great action now it’s just bullshit and his family.”
Aytes is the third cast member to leave S.W.A.T. since CBS canceled and uncanceled the series. The first two series regulars to leave were Alex Russell, who played Officer III Jim Street, and Kenny Johnson, who played Officer III+1 Dominique Luca. Both actors were original cast members on S.W.A.T. and left in Season 7, which would’ve been the final season.
In Watson, Aytes will play Dr. Mary Morstan, one of the best surgeons on the East Coast and the medical director of a hospital. She’s also described as the “voice of reason” who often serves reality checks to her ex-husband, Dr. Watson (played by Chestnut.) “She has great respect for Watson and, while she appreciates his sleuthing when it comes to medical mysteries, she can also become irritated by his unorthodox approach to the business of medicine,” her character description reads. Watson is expected to premiere in January 2025 as part of CBS’ midseason schedule.
S.W.A.T. is available to stream on Paramount Plus.
