Veteran actor Jay Harrington, known for his role as Sgt. David “Deacon” Kay on S.W.A.T., recently broke his silence on the controversial rollout of the new spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles. While he admits he was disappointed—especially that the original cast wasn’t acknowledged—his comments reflect both maturity and understanding of the industry’s harsh realities.
📞 Blindside Announcement via Text
Harrington revealed during an interview with TVLine that he and the rest of the longtime cast weren’t informed about the spinoff until co-star Shemar Moore personally texted them the night before the public announcementreddit.com+15laconiadailysun.com+15ground.news+15ground.news+4en.wikipedia.org+4geeksided.com+4networktoday.org+3screenrant.com+3ground.news+3. As one of the show’s co-leads, Harrington said, “I did not have a spinoff on my bingo card”—and added that reps were equally unaware .
😢 “It Stung”—But Not For Too Long
Understandably, Harrington was hurt. “Of course you’re going to feel stung,” he admitted parade.com+1toofab.com+1. Yet he balanced that emotion with realism: “You don’t get owed things just because you put in your time.” He stressed that while courtesy matters, entitlement does not collider.com+4parade.com+4ground.news+4.
📣 Studio OS Noted, Passage Moves Forward
He expressed disappointment not at being left out, but at how the studio failed to acknowledge the cast publicly: “When they announced it, we weren’t mentioned at all.” But that sting didn’t linger, because Harrington remains proud of eight seasons of work ground.news+10laconiadailysun.com+10toofab.com+10.
👏 Respect Unfaltering—Brotherhood Stays Intact
Despite the spinoff excluding most original stars, Harrington emphasized that his bond with Shemar Moore is unbreakable: “I’m sure you did your best. We’ve been brothers for years.” He reiterated that he holds no grudges and appreciates Moore’s effort dailygossip.info+5laconiadailysun.com+5geeksided.com+5.
🔄 Open to the Future—Paths Remain Open
Although he wasn’t part of Exiles, Harrington didn’t slam the door. He’s open to stepping in either as an actor or director if the opportunity arises. For him, it’s not about feeling entitled—it’s about meaningful participationgeeksided.com+8laconiadailysun.com+8collider.com+8.
🎯 Why His POV Matters
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🎭 Fresh insight from a lead actor who truly built the show’s foundation
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🤝 Balance of hurt and professionalism—a rare humility in these situations
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🧩 Reminder that recognition matters, even when not demanded
Harrington’s approach is a masterclass in class: emotional honesty, industry smarts, and unwavering grace.
✅ Conclusion
Jay Harrington’s response to the S.W.A.T. spinoff news is measured yet firm. He was hurt—but not entitled. He wasn’t involved—but holds no grudges. He remains open—but never demands. In a world of headlines, this is a grounded, honest reflection from a star unwilling to throw shade—but unwilling to remain silent.
🙋 5 Unique FAQs About Harrington and the Spinoff Controversy
**Q1: How did Jay Harrington learn about the spinoff?
A: Shemar Moore personally texted him and the cast the evening before the official announcement dailygossip.info+12laconiadailysun.com+12nypost.com+12.
**Q2: Why was he disappointed?
A: The cast wasn’t acknowledged at all in the public launch—that hurt, even if they didn’t feel entitled .
**Q3: Does he hold a grudge against Moore?
A: Not at all. They remain close friends, and Harrington appreciates Moore’s transparency .
**Q4: Will he join S.W.A.T. Exiles?
A: Possibly. He’s open to acting or directing in it if approached .
**Q5: What’s next for S.W.A.T. original cast?
A: While the spinoff launches with new characters and Shemar Moore, Sony has left doors open—though nothing’s official yet .
