There’s exciting news for fans of CBS’ action-packed series S.W.A.T. Niko Pepaj, who joined the ensemble in Season 6 as Officer Miguel Alfaro, has been promoted to series regular. As Season 8 gears up for its highly anticipated premiere on October 18, viewers can look forward to seeing more of Alfaro as he finally fulfills his character’s ambition to become a permanent member of the elite 20 Squad. Pepaj’s promotion comes alongside another thrilling addition to the cast, as Annie Ilonzeh (Chicago Fire) is set to join the team in a recurring role as Devin Gamble, according to Deadline.
Ilonzeh’s character is rooted in a complex backstory, born into a family deeply entrenched in crime. Determined to break free from her family’s notorious legacy, Devin Gamble made a name for herself as an LAPD rookie. However, her father’s arrest for a heinous crime led her to escape the looming shadow by relocating to the Oakland PD. A decade later, Hondo (Shemar Moore) recognizes her inner strength and recruits her back to Los Angeles, knowing her street smarts and intuition will make her an invaluable asset to the 20 Squad.
Season 8 arrives after a whirlwind of casting changes spurred by the show’s unexpected cancellation and subsequent renewal. The Season 7 finale marked the farewell of fan favorites Kenny Johnson and Alex Russell, leaving a significant gap in the squad. Additionally, Rochelle Aytes, who portrays Hondo’s wife, Nichelle Carmichael, will have a reduced presence this season as she transitions to a new role on CBS’ upcoming series Watson, starring opposite Morris Chesnut.
What Is ‘S.W.A.T. About?
Inspired by the classic television show and feature film, the series continues to follow former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Tasked with leading a specialized tactical unit, Hondo constantly strives to bridge the gap between his community and his duty to law enforcement. His subtly depicted struggle and commitment to his dual worlds remain a central theme of the series, which is set to end with this final season.
Wasn’t There a ‘S.W.A.T.’ Movie?
We’re surprised you remembered. Yes, there was a S.W.A.T. movie, and it hit theaters in 2003. Directed by Clark Johnson, the action-packed film is a cinematic adaptation of the 1975 TV series of the same name, and is one of the most ‘2000s’ movies you’ll see. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson as Sergeant Dan “Hondo” Harrelson, who is tasked with assembling a team of top-notch police officers. Colin Farrell plays Officer Jim Street, a former SWAT team member who gets a second chance to rejoin the elite squad. Jeremy Renner, Michelle Rodriguez and LL Cool J also star as members of the team, bringing a mix of toughness and charisma to their roles. The plot centers around the team’s mission to transport a high-profile criminal, played by Olivier Martinez, who offers a massive reward for his escape, leading to a citywide frenzy. It received mixed reviews but, to be honest, it’s quite fun and a good way to waste 100 minutes of an evening. It streams on Netflix.
The ensemble cast of S.W.A.T. — the series — continues to stand out as well, with returning stars Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, and Anna Enger Ritch. Behind the scenes, the series is put together by a production crew including Shawn Ryan, Andrew Dettmann, Justin Lin, Neal H. Moritz, Marney Hochman, Pavun Shetty, Billy Gierhart, Moore, and James Scura.
Stay tuned to Collider for more, and don’t miss S.W.A.T. when it returns to CBS on October 18.
