The network first canceled SWAT after season 6. However, its passionate audience rallied to convince CBS to change its mind, and they were successful. Then, SWAT season 7 was supposed to be its last before CBS reversed its decision again and renewed it for an eighth season. Now, the original series is over for good, while a spinoff is in the works.
Sony Is Moving Fast On The SWAT Exiles Spinoff
Production Begins Soon
Just a couple of months after CBS announced SWAT had been canceled for the third and last time, reports surprisingly revealed that a spinoff was in development. The upcoming TV series, SWAT Exiles, will feature the return of Shemar Moore as Hondo. In it, Hondo will come out of retirement to lead a new, experimental SWAT team full of rookies.
The catch is that SWAT Exiles isn’t expected to air on CBS. Instead, Sony Pictures Television is in the process of shopping the offshoot around to networks and streaming services. Although it doesn’t have an official home yet, filming SWAT Exiles is scheduled to begin in September 2025. The cast and crew are seemingly hard at work and passionate about making the spinoff.
With its production start date looming, SWAT Exiles could be ready as early as mid-season in 2026 (given that they don’t run into any issues). It all depends on whether it ends up on network TV or streaming, though. Streaming certainly has more options, whereas broadcast TV has limited timeslots. Nevertheless, the SWAT spinoff is moving fast.
SWAT Season 8 Landing On Netflix In September Is Great Timing To Boost Excitement For The Spinoff
The Hype For SWAT Exiles Will Only Grow
Netflix is set to add SWAT season 8 to its library on September 15, 2025. At long last, all the cop show’s seasons will be available to stream on one platform. With this update, the spinoff is in a great position. Network TV series historically perform well on streaming, meaning SWAT will very likely start trending just as SWAT Exiles begins filming.
SWAT season 8’s arrival on Netflix should amp up excitement for the spinoff, which will probably premiere sometime during the first half of 2026, based on its production start date. Old and new fans alike will watch the original show’s final episodes, generating hype for the franchise’s future. Ultimately, SWAT‘s streaming update will only serve to benefit SWAT Exiles.
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