The announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles, the upcoming spinoff featuring Shemar Moore reprising his role as Hondo, has stirred emotions among the original S.W.A.T. cast members. Notably absent from the new project is Jay Harrington, who portrayed Sergeant II David “Deacon” Kay in the original S.W.A.T. series. Until now, Harrington has remained silent on the matter.
Deacon’s Story Arc in Season 8
In the eighth and final season of S.W.A.T., Harrington’s character, Deacon, faced a significant storyline involving his potential retirement. This plotline explored Deacon’s internal struggle between his dedication to the team and his desire to prioritize family life. Despite the tension, Harrington confirmed to TV Insider in May 2024 that he had no intentions of departing the series, stating, “I’m not leaving, and we have two episodes left that will really define what happens next.”
The Spinoff Announcement
Following the cancellation of S.W.A.T. in March 2025, Sony Pictures Television swiftly announced S.W.A.T. Exiles, with Moore set to lead a new team of recruits. The decision to move forward with the spinoff was made without prior consultation with the original cast, leaving many, including Harrington, unaware of the plans.
Harrington’s Response
As of now, Jay Harrington has not publicly commented on his exclusion from the spinoff. Fans continue to express their support for the actor and his portrayal of Deacon, hoping that future projects will allow him to return to the screen.
