Just when fans were bracing themselves for the final goodbye, Sony drops a bombshell: a brand-new S.W.A.T. spinoff is in the works, and Shemar Moore is officially set to return as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
After months of speculation and fan-led campaigns demanding more, it looks like S.W.A.T. isn’t ready to holster its badge just yet. But this isn’t just another season—this is a whole new chapter.
What We Know About the Spinoff So Far
Sony’s Official Confirmation
Sony Pictures Television, which co-produces S.W.A.T. with CBS, has confirmed that development is underway for a spinoff series starring Shemar Moore. It’s being described as a “fresh take” on the world of S.W.A.T.—keeping Hondo at the center, but introducing new characters, new conflicts, and a possibly new setting.
Shemar Moore Is All In
Hondo’s Story Isn’t Finished Yet
Shemar Moore made it clear after the show’s cancellation that he wasn’t ready to walk away. Now, it seems like he won’t have to.
In a recent social media post, Moore said:
“You thought Hondo was done? Not yet. We’re cooking something new. Different, but still S.W.A.T..”
Translation? We’re getting the same grit and intensity—but in a new package.
Why a Spinoff Makes More Sense Than Ever
Fan Support Was Overwhelming
Let’s not forget the firestorm that erupted when CBS canceled S.W.A.T.—twice. Fans protested. Petitions soared past 50,000 signatures. #SaveSWAT trended for days.
Sony heard the noise, and this spinoff feels like a direct answer to the outcry.
A Smart Business Move for Sony
Unlike CBS, Sony owns the series. So while CBS hesitated due to licensing costs, Sony sees long-term value in continuing the franchise—especially with a bankable star like Moore at the helm.
What Could the Spinoff Be About?
Theories Are Flying
While Sony is keeping details under wraps, fans are already guessing:
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Hondo relocates to lead a new S.W.A.T. unit in a different city (Miami, Houston, Atlanta?)
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A mentor storyline where Hondo trains the next generation
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A darker, more serialized take exploring corruption, trauma, and systemic challenges in law enforcement
Whatever the direction, Moore’s presence guarantees the heart of the original series won’t be lost.
Will Any Original Cast Members Return?
The Door Is Open
No official confirmations yet, but sources say the spinoff might include guest appearances from fan favorites like:
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Lina Esco (Chris)
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Alex Russell (Street)
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Jay Harrington (Deacon)
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David Lim (Tan)
Even if it’s a reboot of sorts, the S.W.A.T. family ties run deep—don’t be surprised if familiar faces show up.
CBS and the Franchise Split
Why CBS Stepped Away
Despite S.W.A.T. pulling consistent ratings, CBS repeatedly cited cost of licensing from Sony as a barrier. While CBS is moving toward fully-owned productions (Tracker, Fire Country), Sony is keeping the S.W.A.T. torch alive on its own terms.
The spinoff might land on streaming platforms (like Netflix, Prime Video, or even a Sony-owned service) instead of broadcast TV.
What Fans Want to See in the Spinoff
High on the Wish List:
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Hondo’s deeper backstory
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Tough, high-stakes missions like the early seasons
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Realistic takes on modern policing
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Female leads and new team dynamics
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Appearances from OG team members—even just for closure
How This Could Revive the S.W.A.T. Universe
A Franchise in the Making?
If this spinoff hits, Sony might look to build a full S.W.A.T. universe, a la FBI or NCIS. Think:
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S.W.A.T.: Chicago
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S.W.A.T.: Borderline
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S.W.A.T.: Legacy (featuring the kids of OG members years later)
This spinoff could be the seed of a much larger franchise.
Will It Capture the Same Magic?
That’s the big question.
With Shemar Moore leading the charge, the odds are good. But fans are wary of reboots and spin-offs that lose the soul of the original. The key? Keep the character-driven storytelling, real-world stakes, and emotional grit that made S.W.A.T.so powerful in the first place.
Production Timeline & Release Date
When Can We Expect It?
Insiders suggest the series is in early development, with casting underway and a pilot script already drafted. If all goes well, filming could begin early 2026, aiming for a late 2026 or early 2027 release.
What Platform Will Air the Spinoff?
Streaming May Be the Future
With CBS out of the picture, Sony is reportedly shopping the project to:
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Netflix (where S.W.A.T. already trends in some countries)
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Amazon Prime Video
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Apple TV+
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Or even Paramount+—though that would be ironic after CBS dropped it
Could This Actually Be Better Than the Original?
It’s possible. By freeing itself from network constraints, the spinoff could:
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Dive deeper into controversial topics
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Offer more serialized storytelling
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Feature grittier action and more realistic pacing
This could allow the writers and actors to take bigger risks—and that might be exactly what the franchise needs.
Conclusion
Just when fans thought the S.W.A.T. story was over, Sony and Shemar Moore flipped the script. This spinoff isn’t just a consolation prize—it could be the start of something bold, fresh, and even more meaningful than what came before.
Hondo’s not done. Neither is this franchise.
FAQs
Q1: Is Shemar Moore returning in the same role?
A1: Yes! Moore will reprise his iconic role as Hondo, continuing the story from the original series.
Q2: Is this spinoff connected to the original S.W.A.T. timeline?
A2: Most likely. Though it’s a new direction, it’s expected to pick up where Hondo left off.
Q3: Will other S.W.A.T. cast members return?
A3: There’s no official confirmation, but the door is open for guest appearances and crossovers.
Q4: Where will the spinoff air?
A4: It hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to land on a major streaming platform.
Q5: When will the S.W.A.T. spinoff release?
A5: It’s in early development, but a late 2026 release is currently the goal.
