Just when fans thought S.W.A.T. had taken its final bow, Sony and Shemar Moore are reviving the franchise with a fresh new twist. The new series, ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ has been officially ordered by Sony Pictures Television and will feature Moore reprising his iconic role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
With Jason Ning (Lucifer, The Expanse) on board as showrunner, this grittier, global version of the hit procedural is set to take the S.W.A.T. universe into uncharted territory
What Is ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’?
A New Mission, A New World
‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ follows Hondo after he is forced out of Los Angeles under controversial circumstances. Relocating to an international setting, he joins forces with a rogue coalition of ex-law enforcement operatives who take on high-risk, off-the-books missions where the rules don’t apply.
Expect:
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Global locations
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Morally gray decisions
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Personal stakes higher than ever before
Who’s Behind the Spinoff?
Showrunner: Jason Ning
Ning brings a strong storytelling resume with credits on Lucifer, The Expanse, and The Flash. His knack for balancing character depth with genre action makes him a strong pick for steering Exiles.
Star and Executive Producer: Shemar Moore
Moore, who’s long been the face of S.W.A.T., is not just starring — he’s executive producing the spinoff, giving him creative input into the series’ direction.
Where Will ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Air?
As of now, Sony Pictures Television is developing the series independently of CBS, and is currently in discussions with multiple streaming platforms and networks.
Top contenders include:
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Amazon Prime Video
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Netflix
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Paramount+
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Freevee or Sony’s own streaming avenues
A final distribution deal is expected to be announced by Fall 2025.
How Does This Connect to the Original S.W.A.T.?
While S.W.A.T. Exiles is technically a spinoff, it serves as a character continuation for Hondo. Early reports suggest:
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Mentions of former teammates like Luca and Street
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Flashbacks to LAPD S.W.A.T. days
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A chance for past cast members to guest star or recur
But make no mistake — Exiles is not just S.W.A.T. Season 8 with a new coat of paint. It’s a leaner, edgier, and more serialized evolution of the franchise.
What’s the Tone of the Series?
Think ‘S.W.A.T.’ meets ‘Reacher’ with a splash of The Bourne Identity.
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Darker themes: corruption, redemption, moral compromise
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International stakes: terrorism, espionage, private military contractors
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More serialized: one overarching story per season, fewer standalone missions
Why the Title ‘Exiles’?
The name reflects both the literal and emotional state of the main characters — all former cops, soldiers, or agents who’ve been cut loose by their governments or institutions. They’re outsiders with insider skills, and they operate in the shadows.
When Will ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Premiere?
While no exact date is set yet, production is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with a late 2026 premiere windowanticipated — assuming a streamer picks it up this fall.
Will Other S.W.A.T. Characters Appear?
It’s likely! Showrunner Jason Ning has expressed interest in:
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Bringing Jay Harrington (Deacon) and Alex Russell (Street) in for special episodes
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Possibly resolving lingering arcs from S.W.A.T. Season 7
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Having recurring cameos to keep ties with the original series alive
Shemar Moore on the New Series
“This isn’t just a reboot — it’s a reinvention. Hondo is going rogue, and it’s gonna be bigger, badder, and more real than anything we’ve done before.”
Moore made the announcement via Instagram Live, immediately generating buzz across fan communities.
Why Sony Brought It Back
After CBS cancelled S.W.A.T. (and later reversed it for a shortened Season 7), Sony saw the passion of the fanbase and the potential for global appeal. By taking the show out of the U.S. system, they’re aiming to expand its reach and creative freedom.
What Fans Can Expect From Season 1 of ‘Exiles’
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10 episodes (tentative)
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One long mission arc involving a missing weapons cache, corrupt NATO forces, and a mole within the team
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Multiple countries visited: including Mexico, Germany, and South Korea
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Grittier fight choreography, expanded budgets, and a cinematic tone
Conclusion – S.W.A.T. Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Getting Started
With S.W.A.T. Exiles, Shemar Moore and Sony are breathing new life into a franchise that still has plenty of stories to tell. This next chapter promises more intensity, more edge, and more of the character you love — just in a whole new world.
The badge is gone. But the mission isn’t over.
❓FAQs
1. Is ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ a reboot or continuation?
It’s a spinoff and character continuation of S.W.A.T., focused on Hondo post-LA.
2. Will the original S.W.A.T. cast return?
Some may appear in guest or recurring roles, but the focus is on a new, rogue team.
3. When will ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ be released?
Sony is targeting a late 2026 release, pending distribution deals.
4. Is CBS involved in the spinoff?
No. Sony is developing this independently of CBS, with plans to stream it elsewhere.
5. What makes ‘Exiles’ different from the original series?
It’s grittier, more serialized, and international, with darker themes and higher stakes.
