Just days after S.W.A.T. aired what was believed to be its series finale, CBS has officially greenlit a spinoff, and fans are already fired up. But wait—there’s more. Not only is the spinoff happening, but the title has been revealed, and a fan-favorite character is confirmed to return.
Yes, S.W.A.T. may have wrapped up its eighth season, but the story is far from over. In fact, it’s just getting started.
The Title Has Been Revealed — Say Hello to “S.W.A.T.: Next Gen”
A Fresh Take With Familiar Roots
CBS has officially named the new series “S.W.A.T.: Next Gen.” As the title suggests, the show will focus on a younger, newly formed tactical squad tasked with taking on high-risk threats while carrying the legacy of the original 20-Squad.
This title makes it clear: the franchise is evolving. It’s no longer just about the old guard—it’s about who comes next.
Shemar Moore Is Back as Hondo
Hondo Returns as Mentor and Executive Producer
Fan-favorite Shemar Moore will reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, but in a slightly different capacity. While still a tactical presence, he’s stepping into the role of mentor, trainer, and overseer of the new squad.
This transition mirrors Moore’s real-life role as he also returns behind the scenes as executive producer, helping guide the new generation both on and off screen.
In a statement, Moore said:
“Hondo’s story isn’t done. He’s just getting started—this time, with a new team, new rules, and a whole new fight.”
What “S.W.A.T.: Next Gen” Is All About
New Faces, Bigger Stakes
While the original S.W.A.T. focused on Hondo and his elite Los Angeles-based team, Next Gen shifts gears. The new series will:
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Introduce a young, diverse group of recruits
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Take on national and international missions
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Dive into modern threats like cyber-terrorism, AI-fueled crime, and cartel warfare
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Continue S.W.A.T.’s tradition of tackling social and cultural issues
This isn’t just a continuation—it’s an expansion of the universe, built for the next chapter of policing and tactical response.
The New Team — Who’s In “Next Gen”?
A Preview of the New Cast
While full casting hasn’t been released yet, CBS has teased a few early character profiles:
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Jordan Cruz: A driven ex-Marine turned SWAT recruit who struggles with trauma and leadership.
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Tasha Lin: A tech wizard with zero field experience—and something to prove.
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Isaiah Cole: A former gang member turned officer with street instincts that sometimes clash with protocol.
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Alex Vega: A fearless rookie who rises quickly but may be hiding a personal agenda.
Expect these new characters to clash, grow, and redefine what it means to wear the badge.
Where the Story Picks Up After Season 8
“20-Squad Stays Liquid” Was the Setup All Along
In the Season 8 finale, Hondo left viewers with a cryptic message:
“20-Squad stays liquid.”
Turns out, that wasn’t just poetic flair. It was a setup for the spinoff. The new team will operate as a mobile tactical unit, shifting between cities, regions, and even countries.
This dynamic approach allows the show to:
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Keep stories fresh
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Explore different environments and communities
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Increase the scope of their missions beyond Los Angeles
The Tone: Fresh, Fast, and Real
Still Gritty — With a Modern Twist
S.W.A.T.: Next Gen will retain the core DNA of the original series:
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High-octane tactical missions
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Tight-knit team dynamics
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Real-world social themes
But it will lean into modern-day concerns, including:
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Data surveillance
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Media transparency
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The ethics of modern policing
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Diversity in leadership and training
In other words: same intensity, more introspection.
The Creative Team Behind “Next Gen”
Familiar Names Lead the Charge
The spinoff will be developed by:
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Shawn Ryan, co-creator of S.W.A.T.
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Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, original showrunner
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Shemar Moore, executive producer
These veterans understand what made S.W.A.T. work and are bringing that experience to a fresher, bolder narrative framework.
How CBS Is Expanding the S.W.A.T. Universe
From Standalone to Shared Universe
Between NCIS, FBI, and now S.W.A.T., CBS has found a goldmine in the interconnected procedural universe.
There are already rumors of:
