When you think of S.W.A.T., words like teamwork, loyalty, and brotherhood come to mind. It’s what made the series a hit and kept fans glued for seven seasons. But now, that unity is being tested off-screen.
Actor David Lim, who played Officer Victor Tan, has spoken out about Shemar Moore’s upcoming spinoff, and he’s not sugarcoating it. His reaction? It hurts.
In his own words, it “stings.” And fans are listening.
Who Is David Lim in the SWAT Universe?
A Core Player from Day One
David Lim joined S.W.A.T. in Season 1 and quickly became one of the show’s emotional anchors. As Officer Victor Tan, Lim’s portrayal of a grounded, street-savvy cop won over audiences and gave the show depth beyond its action scenes.
Lim wasn’t just along for the ride—he helped drive the car.
The Spinoff That Sparked It All
What’s the New Show About?
CBS announced a S.W.A.T. spinoff led by Shemar Moore, who plays Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The new series is expected to take the franchise in a fresh direction with a new cast and likely a new location.
But there’s a catch: none of the original cast members have been invited back.
David Lim’s Reaction: Candid and Painful
“It Felt Like We Were Brushed Aside”
In a recent interview, Lim opened up about the decision to exclude the original cast:
“It felt like we were brushed aside. Like we didn’t matter. That stings after putting years into building this show.”
He emphasized that he wasn’t asking for a guarantee—just some recognition.
“We weren’t expecting starring roles. But a phone call? A thank you? Something?”
That silence spoke volumes—and it hurt.
Why His Words Hit So Hard
1. It’s Not About Screen Time—It’s About Respect
Lim made it clear this wasn’t a tantrum over being left out. It was about the lack of acknowledgment for years of hard work and commitment.
2. Fans Love Legacy—and Hate Disrespect
TV fandoms are fiercely loyal. And when an actor who helped save a nearly cancelled show feels discarded, the audience feels it too.
Shemar Moore’s Role: Leading Man & Producer
A Double-Edged Sword
Shemar Moore isn’t just starring in the spinoff—he’s executive producing it. That gives him significant influence over casting, tone, and direction.
That’s why David Lim’s comments carry even more weight: they imply the team you worked alongside for years didn’t even include you in the next chapter.
Still No Response
As of now, Shemar Moore has not addressed Lim’s comments publicly. The silence is starting to feel louder.
Hollywood’s Repeat Offense: Erasing the Foundation
This isn’t just a SWAT issue. Hollywood has a habit of creating spin-offs that:
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Ignore the original cast
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Chase newer, younger audiences
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Forget who made the show a success in the first place
We’ve seen it with The Walking Dead, NCIS, and even Grey’s Anatomy spin-offs. But SWAT fans are pushing back.
Fans React: Support for Lim Is Pouring In
“David Deserves Better”
Reddit threads, Instagram posts, and tweets flooded in after Lim’s comments:
“Tan was one of the most consistent and real characters. This is wrong.”
“Respect the cast that built the show. Don’t just reboot and forget.”
Others Say: Let’s Wait and See
Some fans are more cautious:
“Spin-offs are supposed to be new. But I get why David’s hurt.”
Still, even the optimistic voices agree: how the original cast was treated doesn’t feel right.
Could This Hurt the Spinoff’s Success?
Alienating the Core Audience Is Risky
The original SWAT has a loyal base that fought to keep it alive when CBS nearly cancelled it. That same base may now be less inclined to support the new series.
Legacy Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
You can reinvent, sure. But you can’t act like the past didn’t exist. That’s where many franchises go wrong, and where this spinoff could stumble before it even starts.
What Should CBS and Moore Have Done Differently?
1. Offer Cameos or Mentions
Even a one-scene appearance or name-drop would have softened the blow.
2. Make a Statement Acknowledging the Original Cast
A simple “we thank our incredible cast” would’ve gone a long way.
3. Open the Door, Don’t Slam It
Leaving room for future crossovers or appearances would make the transition feel inclusive, not exclusive.
Could There Still Be a Reunion or Redemption Arc?
Lim Hasn’t Burned the Bridge
David Lim’s words, while honest, weren’t hostile. He didn’t slam the door—he just said he was hurt.
That leaves room for CBS or Moore to make amends and potentially bring legacy characters back, even in small ways.
A Wake-Up Call for Showrunners Everywhere
Lim’s reaction is a cautionary tale for any studio planning spin-offs or reboots:
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Loyalty matters.
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Legacy builds franchises.
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Respect isn’t expensive—but losing it is.
In the content-saturated streaming era, authenticity and loyalty are more powerful than flashy rebrands.
Conclusion: Not Just Another TV Drama
This controversy isn’t just about a show. It’s about how we value the people behind it. David Lim’s candid remarks struck a nerve because they reflect a truth most viewers feel:
Characters matter. But so do the actors who bring them to life.
If the SWAT franchise wants to thrive, it needs to honor its roots—even as it grows new branches.
FAQs
1. What exactly did David Lim say about the spinoff?
He said it “stings” that none of the original cast was included or acknowledged, and that it felt like they were “brushed aside.”
2. Is Shemar Moore responsible for the casting decisions?
As an executive producer, Moore likely has influence. However, he has not made any public statements about the controversy yet.
3. Will any of the original cast appear in the spinoff?
So far, there’s no confirmation. But fans are pushing for cameos or acknowledgments.
4. Is the spinoff replacing the current SWAT show?
No. The spinoff is expected to exist separately, although the original show’s future is still being debated season to season.
5. Has CBS responded to David Lim’s comments?
No official network response has been issued as of now.
Custom Message:
“You can build a new chapter—but never forget who wrote the first pages. Loyalty, respect, and legacy aren’t optional in storytelling—they’re the soul of it.”
