When CBS confirmed a S.W.A.T. spinoff centered on Shemar Moore’s Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, fans were thrilled that the story wasn’t over. Yet, many are already asking the obvious question: if the entire original cast returns, is this truly a spinoff—or is it just Season 9 with a different label?
The idea isn’t far-fetched. Television history has plenty of examples where a “spinoff” blurred into a direct continuation. For S.W.A.T., bringing back the full 20-Squad cast could essentially erase the sense of closure and transform the new show into the next chapter of the series fans weren’t ready to lose.
Why the Original Cast Defines S.W.A.T.
The heartbeat of S.W.A.T. has always been its ensemble. Hondo may be the face of the show, but the emotional impact comes from the relationships between team members:
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Deacon (Jay Harrington): The voice of wisdom and stability.
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Street (Alex Russell): The hotheaded rookie who matured into a loyal fighter.
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Luca (Kenny Johnson): The big-hearted teammate who always lightened the tension.
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Chris (Lina Esco): A groundbreaking character whose departure still lingers with fans.
Together, they gave S.W.A.T. its unique balance of adrenaline-fueled action and heartfelt camaraderie. Without them, any spinoff risks feeling incomplete.
A Spinoff or Season 9 in Disguise?
If CBS decides to bring back all the original cast members, fans will likely stop seeing it as a brand-new series. Instead, it would simply feel like S.W.A.T. Season 9—same characters, same squad, same chemistry, just under a different title.
While that may seem like semantics, branding it as a “spinoff” could be a smart move by CBS to market it as fresh, even though the DNA remains identical.
Lessons From Other TV Spinoffs
Television has pulled this move before.
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Frasier spun off from Cheers, but with many overlapping characters and cameos, it often felt like a direct continuation of its predecessor’s universe.
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NCIS originated as a JAG spinoff, but by establishing its own ensemble, it quickly stood apart.
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Law & Order: Organized Crime brought back Elliot Stabler, which to many fans felt like the SVU continuation they had been waiting for.
If S.W.A.T.’s spinoff leans heavily on returning the full cast, it could end up following the Organized Crime model—less a spinoff, more a revival.
The Risk of Reuniting Everyone
Bringing everyone back has its risks. The show could lose the sense of evolution that spinoffs typically thrive on. Instead of breaking new ground, it might look like the network simply slapped a new name on the same show to stretch its lifespan.
Audiences are savvy. If it’s going to be S.W.A.T. Season 9 in all but name, the writers will need to justify why this “new” show exists and how it expands the story in ways the original series couldn’t.
Why Fans Wouldn’t Complain
Here’s the twist: most fans wouldn’t mind at all. When CBS briefly canceled S.W.A.T. before its final renewal, fan outrage was massive. Viewers clearly weren’t ready to say goodbye. If the spinoff secretly functions as Season 9, it could be the gift fans didn’t expect but always wanted.
After all, audiences tune in for Hondo and his squad, not just the title on the opening credits.
A Middle Ground: Blending Old and New
The smartest play may be balance. Bring back a couple of core squad members to anchor Hondo’s story, but leave room for new characters, new settings, and new dynamics. That way, the spinoff honors its roots while carving out its own identity.
This would prevent it from being S.W.A.T. Season 9 in disguise while still satisfying longtime viewers who crave familiarity.
Conclusion
If CBS reunites the complete original cast, Hondo’s spinoff will essentially function as S.W.A.T. Season 9. And honestly? Fans might prefer it that way. The heart of the show has always been 20-Squad, and seeing them back together would erase any lingering disappointment over the series’ end.
The real challenge will be balance—giving fans the reunion they want while proving the spinoff is more than just a recycled continuation. Whether it’s marketed as a fresh start or Season 9 in disguise, one thing is clear: Hondo and his team still have unfinished business.
FAQs
1. Could Hondo’s spinoff really bring back the entire 20-Squad?
It’s possible, but CBS hasn’t confirmed. Bringing back everyone risks turning it into a direct continuation rather than a spinoff.
2. Why would CBS label it a spinoff if it’s just Season 9?
Branding it as a spinoff allows the network to market it as new while avoiding the baggage of numbering seasons.
3. Do fans actually want the whole cast back?
Yes—most fans still want closure and would embrace the return of familiar squad members.
4. What’s the downside of reuniting everyone?
It risks stalling creative growth. The show could feel repetitive if it doesn’t introduce fresh storylines and characters.
5. What’s the best path forward for the spinoff?
A mix of old and new: keep a couple of beloved characters, introduce new ones, and strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation.
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This article was written with passion and precision to capture the fan-driven debate over whether Hondo’s spinoff should reunite the original squad—or evolve into something entirely new.
