When S.W.A.T. wrapped its eight-season run, fans and cast alike hoped for a seamless continuation. Instead, Sony opted for a fresh start—launching S.W.A.T. Exiles with Shemar Moore’s Hondo at the helm and no mention of the beloved ensemble. Jay Harrington (Deacon Kay) has since opened up about the surprising announcement and what it meant for him personally. Let’s dive into the full story.
The Surprise Announcement That Caught Him Off Guard
No Warning, No Heads-Up
Jay Harrington shared with TVLine that he had “not once” heard rumors of a spinoff during Season 8’s filmingReddit+15The Laconia Daily Sun+15New York Post+15IMDb+2IMDb+2IMDb+2parade.com+6Collider+6New York Post+6. In his mind, the show was either wrapping up or continuing—not spawning a new series.
Shemar Moore Reached Out First
A Text from a Brother, Not a Studio
The day before the public announcement, Harrington received a personal text from Shemar Moore, who said: “This is what’s going on…your reps will find out shortly.” That personal gesture helped soften the blow—even though their agents were still left in the dark Collider+7The Laconia Daily Sun+7IMDb+7.
“You Don’t Get Owed Things Just Because You Put in Your Time”
Tough But True Hollywood Realities
Despite feeling blindsided, Harrington drew from his years in the industry and stated plainly:
“You don’t get ‘owed’ things just because you put in your time.” GeekSided+5parade.com+5Collider+5
He recognized that while a courtesy would’ve been appreciated, the decision wasn’t personal—it was business.
The Sting of Being Overlooked
Hurt Felt in Silence—Status Quo Maintained
What bothered Jay most was that during the Exiles announcement, no mention was made of the original castToofab+1Reddit+1parade.com+15The Laconia Daily Sun+15Cirrkus News+15. That oversight stung—but it didn’t overshadow his pride in what the team had built over eight seasons.
Still “Brothers for Years” with Shemar Moore
No Grudges, Only Gratitude
Despite the awkward rollout, Jay emphasized the bond with Shemar remains unbroken. He texted Shemar saying, “I’m sure you did your best.” Their relationship, he assures us, is as solid as ever New York Post+4The Laconia Daily Sun+4GeekSided+4.
Open to the Future—Acting or Directing
Never Say Never
Jay doesn’t rule out participating in S.W.A.T. Exiles—either in character or behind the camera. He’s expressed interest in a return, whether on-screen or directing ComingSoon+9The Laconia Daily Sun+9New York Post+9.
Fellow Cast Echoes the Disappointment
David Lim Felt the Same Sting
Co-star David Lim (Victor Tan) also voiced disappointment. He shared on social media how the announcement came “just two days after our finale” and lacked any acknowledgment of the main cast’s contribution IMDb+13The Laconia Daily Sun+13ComingSoon+13.
Is This Just Showbiz—or Something More?
A “Fine Line” Between Business and Respect
Harrington stressed that it’s natural for studios to move on. Still, he hoped for a bit more transparency—a “heads-up” could have eased the surprise New York Post+5parade.com+5Collider+5.
The Larger Picture—Franchise Renewed, Cast Reset
Fresh Start vs. Familiar Faces
S.W.A.T. Exiles represents a deliberate “clean break”—retaining Moore and production crew while introducing an entirely new unit. The decision was swift, aiming to preserve momentum and jobs .
Jay Harrington’s Bottom Line
Pride in the Past, Optimism for the Future
Jay finds strength in his eight-year legacy on S.W.A.T. He doesn’t blame anyone—he’s proud of the journey and willing to embrace whatever lies ahead IMDb+4Collider+4GeekSided+4.
What It Means for Fans
Old Guard vs. New Guard
Fans are left wondering: will original favorites like Deacon or Tan ever reappear in Exiles? Both actors are open to it—but only if it’s the right fit IMDb.
Lessons Learned—In Hollywood and Beyond
You’re Valued, But Not Guaranteed
Jay’s reaction highlights a universal truth: loyalty and longevity don’t guarantee future roles. But respect and communication can go a long way in preserving goodwill.
Final Takeaway
Harrington’s honesty and grace shine through. He was stung—but not broken. He didn’t feel entitled, but he did value recognition. And above all, he’s sending a clear message: You can invest years into a project, but in the end, respect matters more than entitlement.
Conclusion
Jay Harrington’s response to the S.W.A.T: Exiles announcement was measured and mature. He didn’t lash out—he reflected. He acknowledged the pain, embraced the business realities, and held onto the friendships and pride built across eight seasons. His willingness to keep doors open—rather than burning bridges—speaks volumes about his character. In a business that often feels transactional, Harrington’s approach reminds us that dignity and empathy still matter.
FAQs
1. Was Jay Harrington informed about S.W.A.T. Exiles before the public announcement?
No—he first learned about the spinoff via a text from Shemar Moore, a day before the news went publicWikipedia+12The Laconia Daily Sun+12GeekSided+12.
2. Why didn’t Jay Harrington feel entitled to a role in Exiles?
He respects the business side of entertainment and said, “You don’t get owed things just because you put in your time.” He believes opportunity should come through merit, not seniority The Laconia Daily Sun+6parade.com+6IMDb+6.
3. Did the announcement of Exiles mention the original cast?
No—Jay expressed disappointment that none of the main cast were acknowledged in the initial announcementReddit+15The Laconia Daily Sun+15New York Post+15.
4. Is Jay open to appearing in S.W.A.T. Exiles or directing episodes?
Yes—he says “never say never”, and is open to future opportunities, whether acting or directing The Laconia Daily Sun+1New York Post+1.
5. How does Jay view his relationship with Shemar Moore after all this?
Strong and supportive. Jay said, “We’ve been brothers for years,” and he believes Shemar did his best to personally inform everyone GeekSided+1Cirrkus News+1.
