As S.W.A.T. wraps up after eight seasons, star Shemar Moore is already looking ahead to the future. He’s reviving his role as Hondo Harrelson in the upcoming spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles, even though none of his regular castmates are joining him. In an honest Instagram video, Moore addressed the controversy head-on—acknowledging fan concerns while explaining why change was necessary.
🔀 “Nobody Likes Change” — But It’s Inevitable
Moore got real in his Instagram message:
“Now I might catch some flak from the industry with what I’m about to say… Probably, most likely, from the fans. Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100%, but without change, you can’t grow.”forbes.com+15people.com+15networktoday.org+15
He acknowledged the sting that comes with moving forward without the familiar faces—and framed it as a necessary step for growth and evolution.
🏈 The Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.
Comparing his role to a quarterback after teammates get traded, Moore said:
“I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady, but I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. … Tight end gets traded, the running back gets traded… but the teams keep on pushing with their quarterback, and I’m that guy.”parade.com+9people.com+9tvinsider.com+9
He’s positioning himself as the anchor—ready to lead the legacy into new territory.
💔 A “Bittersweet” Transition
While excited for the future, Moore didn’t shy away from the emotional gravity of the moment:
“It’s a little bit bittersweet in some ways—but at the end of the day, we gotta be proud… TV shows don’t last eight years anymore… S.W.A.T. just won’t die.” networktoday.org+10people.com+10tvinsider.com+10
He emphasized that while the spinoff marks a new chapter, it also honors the original run—one built on grit, brotherhood, and heart.
👥 Shoutouts to His Former Squad
Moore made sure to give credit where it’s due:
“I had a squad, a strong squad, a family, a team… I love you. I respect you. I appreciate you.”nypost.com+15people.com+15screenrealm.com+15tvinsider.com+1thenews.com.pk+1
Including heartfelt shoutouts to Jay Harrington, David Lim, Niko Pepaj, Annie Ilonzeh, Patrick St. Esprit, and others, he acknowledged the team that helped build S.W.A.T. from Day One.
🔧 What This Means for ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’
-
Hondo leads a new generation of recruits after a mission goes sidewayspeople.com+15people.com+15networktoday.org+15.
-
10-episode order, production set to begin summer 2025 in Los Angeles ew.com+9people.com+9dnyuz.com+9.
-
Original crew retained, saving jobs and maintaining production continuitypeople.com+15soapcentral.com+15screenrealm.com+15.
📈 Why This Matters
-
🔁 Acknowledging fans: Moore directly addressed the emotional impact of change.
-
💡 Leadership stability: Framing himself as the quarterback ensures continuity.
-
🎥 Industry relevance: He notes how rare long-running series are and stresses survival through adaptation.
✅ Conclusion
Shemar Moore is not shying away from the criticism. He’s owning the transition, paying homage to his castmates, and stepping into the spotlight—ready to lead S.W.A.T. into its next era. His authentic address reminds us: change isn’t comfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to keep the mission alive.
🙋 5 Unique FAQs About Moore’s Spinoff Announcement
**Q1: Why is Shemar Moore the only returning cast member?
A: Moore and studio execs opted for a fresh team under Hondo’s leadership, focusing on new recruits and storylines. collider.com+4people.com+4parade.com+4toofab.com+7popculture.com+7collider.com+7
**Q2: How did Moore respond to fan backlash?
A: He acknowledged it, emphasized that change is hard but essential, and compared himself to a quarterback carrying the team forward.
**Q3: Is the S.W.A.T. Exiles spinoff confirmed?
A: Yes—Sony committed to a 10-episode first season, with production scheduled for summer 2025.
**Q4: Will any former castmembers pop in?
A: Nothing official yet, but executives are exploring appearances from original favorites.
