After years of building one of CBS’s most adrenaline-fueled franchises, David Lim—who played Officer Victor Tan on S.W.A.T.—is speaking out. And he’s not sugarcoating a thing.
In a raw and honest moment, Lim called out the network and producers for brushing aside the original cast in favor of a new Shemar Moore-led spinoff. His words hit hard, sparking a storm of debate online.
So what happened? And what does this mean for S.W.A.T. fans moving forward?
Let’s break it down.
The Spinoff No One Saw Coming
Shemar Moore to Headline “S.W.A.T.: Exiles”
CBS recently announced a new chapter in the S.W.A.T. universe, tentatively titled S.W.A.T.: Exiles. This 10-episode series will follow Moore’s character, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, as he leads a fresh team in a different city after stepping away from Los Angeles.
Sounds exciting, right?
Well, maybe not for everyone.
David Lim Drops the Bombshell
: “We Were Brushed Aside” — What Lim Actually Said
In an interview with People Magazine, David Lim didn’t mince words:
“We were brushed aside. It felt like everything we built for seven seasons got thrown out the window. Not even a call to say thanks.”
That kind of honesty from a seasoned cast member? It resonates—and it stings.
Why His Words Matter
Lim has been with S.W.A.T. since nearly the beginning. His character, Officer Victor Tan, became a fan favorite for his loyalty, humanity, and grounded presence.
When someone like Lim speaks up, fans listen.
Fans React With Shock and Support
“No Tan, No Watch” — Fan Campaigns Erupt
As soon as Lim’s comments hit the internet, social media lit up:
-
#RespectSWATCast began trending on X (formerly Twitter)
-
Reddit threads popped up with titles like “CBS, What Are You Doing?”
-
Instagram was flooded with tributes to the original cast
Fans weren’t just upset—they were angry. Many felt betrayed by the idea of a reboot that didn’t include the team they’d come to love.
What About the Rest of the Original Cast?
Silence Speaks Volumes
So far, other original cast members—including Alex Russell (Street), Kenny Johnson (Luca), and Jay Harrington (Deacon)—have remained quiet. Whether out of professionalism or frustration, no one else has publicly backed or bashed the spinoff.
But make no mistake: Lim’s comments reflect a larger sentiment brewing behind the scenes.
Is Shemar Moore to Blame?
Leading the Charge, Not the Casting
Some fans have directed frustration at Shemar Moore, who is both star and executive producer of S.W.A.T. and its spinoff.
But let’s be fair: Moore may not be calling all the shots.
Still, his silence on the matter has left people wondering—why hasn’t he responded to Lim’s criticism?
CBS’s Risky Strategy
A Spinoff Without the Soul?
It’s risky to take a beloved show and launch a new version while cutting ties with the cast that made it special.
CBS has done this before (NCIS: New Orleans, anyone?)—and it doesn’t always end well. Fans want continuity, legacy, and respect for characters they’ve invested in for years.
What Makes a Great Spinoff?
Inclusion and Evolution, Not Erasure
The best spinoffs (Better Call Saul, Frasier) build on what came before. They nod to the past while creating something fresh.
What CBS risks doing here is burning bridges instead of building them.
Behind the Scenes: Licensing and Money Talks
Sony vs. CBS: The Studio Drama
Part of the tension comes from the fact that S.W.A.T. is produced by Sony Pictures Television, not CBS Studios. That means CBS had to license each season—a costly process.
With S.W.A.T.: Exiles, CBS can likely streamline production and cut costs… but at what emotional cost to the fanbase?
David Lim Deserved Better
7 Seasons of Loyalty Deserve a Seat at the Table
Lim’s commitment to the show and his fans was real. To not even be offered a cameo, a consult, or a simple “thank you” in this next chapter?
That’s not just bad business—it’s bad form.
Could This Hurt the Spinoff Before It Starts?
Absolutely.
Fan Trust Is Fragile
You can have flashy new characters, global storylines, and explosive action…
But if you lose the heart of the show, you lose the audience.
And right now? That heart is bruised.
Will CBS Respond?
The Network Has Yet to Make a Statement
So far, CBS has not commented on Lim’s interview or the controversy surrounding the spinoff. But if fan pressure grows loud enough, they may be forced to respond—or even reconsider the scope of S.W.A.T.: Exiles.
What’s Next for David Lim?
Lim hasn’t announced a new role just yet, but don’t be surprised if he pops up in a streaming series or film soon. He’s talented, relatable, and now? He’s got fans rallying behind him like never before.
Will the Spinoff Include Redemption?
Could S.W.A.T.: Exiles course-correct before its premiere?
Sure. A few guest appearances, some acknowledgment of the old team, or even a flashback or two could go a long way in healing the wound.
The question is: Will CBS listen in time?
Conclusion
When a cast member like David Lim speaks up, it’s not just drama—it’s a signal.
A signal that loyalty matters. That fans remember who built the house, not just who’s moving in next. And that replacing heart with hype rarely works out in the long run.
CBS still has a chance to make things right. But if they keep brushing aside the original cast like yesterday’s news, they might find themselves with a flashy new series—and no one left to watch it.
FAQs
Q1: Why did David Lim speak out about the S.W.A.T. spinoff?
A1: Lim felt the original cast was excluded from the new series without recognition or appreciation for their work over 7+ seasons.
Q2: What is the new S.W.A.T. spinoff called?
A2: The spinoff is tentatively titled S.W.A.T.: Exiles and will star Shemar Moore as Hondo in a new setting with a new team.
Q3: Is Shemar Moore at fault for the controversy?
A3: While he leads and executive produces the spinoff, the full creative decisions likely come from CBS and Sony. However, fans wish he’d speak up in support of the original cast.
Q4: Could David Lim still return in a cameo?
A4: It’s possible if CBS chooses to include original characters in future episodes, but as of now, no invitations have been made.
Q5: Will the spinoff succeed without the original cast?
A5: That remains to be seen. Fan backlash could impact viewership unless CBS addresses the concerns and bridges the gap.
Custom Message:
Thank you for supporting original storytelling. Let’s keep holding networks accountable for the shows—and the people—we love. #RespectTheOriginals #SWATForever
