S.W.A.T. Shake-Up: Which Original Actors Got Cut or Demoted & Why?

S.W.A.T. wrapped its emotional eight-season journey in May 2025, but across those years, several core characters exited or were demoted. From early departures to final-season downgrades, this article unpacks every notable cast change, explains why they left, and what fans can expect moving forward.

Lina Esco (Chris Alonso) — The Pioneering Officer Who Chose a New Mission

On-Screen Exit at Season 5 Finale

Lina Esco played Christina “Chris” Alonso in S.W.A.T. from Season 1–5, the first female SWAT officer on the team. She chose to leave to run a safe house for immigrant women, marking a heroic exit for her character. Wikipedia+15Screen Rant+15Dailygossip+15Dailygossip+1Wikipedia+1

Why She Left

Esco confirmed she departed to pursue other creative endeavors and highlighted that exiting the show was one of the toughest decisions she’d made—but one she approached on her own terms. UPI+1US Magazine+1

 Stephanie Sigman (Captain Jessica Cortez) — Early Exit for Bigger Opportunities

 Season 2 Departure

Sigman portrayed Captain Jessica Cortez in Seasons 1–2 before accepting a permanent assignment with the FBI. Her departure opened space for new leadership roles within the squad. Screen Rant+3Screen Rant+3Wikipedia+3

Exit Reason

She left amicably to explore other projects, including voice work and films. Her character’s transition was seamless and natural within the show. Cinemablend+15Screen Rant+15Dailygossip+15

Kenny Johnson (Dominique Luca) — Downgraded to Recurring Roles in Season 7

Transition from Season Regular to Recurring

Johnson’s character Luca was demoted from a series regular to recurring in the final season (Season 7). He appears in only a couple of episodes late in the season. The Direct+1One Chicago Center+1

 Final Exit Context

A major injury leaves Luca unable to qualify physically for active duty. Choosing dignity over desk work, he retires, giving fans a heartfelt sendoff crafted by showrunners. Screen Rant

 Alex Russell (Jim Street) — Reduced Role in Season 7, Final Exit

 From Loyal Hoover to Long Beach SWAT

Jim Street, played by Alex Russell, was demoted to recurring status in Season 7, appearing in only one or two episodes.Screen Rant+15Screen Rant+15Dailygossip+15

 Why Street Left

His character transitions to a leadership role with a newly formed Long Beach SWAT team—allowing closure while offering a fresh start. The Direct+5Screen Rant+5Collider+5

Rochelle Aytes (Nichelle Carmichael) — Exits as Series Regular in Final Season

From Season 3–7 Regular to Departure

Aytes played Nichelle Carmichael/Hondo’s wife and official character through Seasons 3–7. She did not return as a series regular in Season 8 but remains within the ‘S.W.A.T. universe’. Wikipedia+9Wikipedia+9Collider+9

Why She Left

She was cast as a lead in CBS’s new series Watson, prompting her removal from S.W.A.T.’s main roster. She may return as a recurring guest star. Wikipedia+2Cinemablend+2Wikipedia+2

Overview Table of Departures

Context: Why the Shift in Season 7?

 Cancellation Reversals Impacted Casting Plans

CBS initially canceled S.W.A.T. after Season 6, then reversed the decision—renewing for Season 7 (intended final season). These decisions led to inevitable reshuffling and contract renegotiations. Cinemablend+12Wikipedia+12Screen Rant+12Collider+3Reddit+3The Direct+3Cinemablend+10UPI+10The Direct+10Reddit+4Screen Rant+4Dailygossip+4DailygossipOne Chicago Center+3Wikipedia+3Screen Rant+3One Chicago Center+4Wikipedia+4The Direct+4WikipediaCollider

Showrunners Prioritized “Proper Curtain Calls”

According to showrunner Andrew Dettman, the team wanted to give each longtime character a fitting sendoff—but compressed into a shorter 13-episode arc. The Sun+2The Direct+2One Chicago Center+2

Who Stayed—and Who Didn’t Make the Cut?

• Still Present: Shemar Moore (Hondo), Jay Harrington (Deacon), David Lim (Tan) in full roles through Season 8.

• New Additions: Annie Ilonzeh (Devin Gamble) joins as series regular in Season 8. Niko Pepaj promoted to series regular too. Dailygossip+15Wikipedia+15People.com+15Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2People.com+2

• Absent Originals: No return cameos from Chris, Street, or Luca in the final season, focusing emotional weight on the team that hung in till the end.

 How the Actors Reacted to Their Exits

Kenny Johnson on Luca’s Farewell

Johnson shared that Luca’s exit was emotional and challenging, calling it “a tough pill to swallow” as his character was forced to leave fieldwork due to injury. Reddit+3One Chicago Center+3Screen Rant+3Screen Rant

 David Lim and Jay Harrington Express Disappointment

Both actors felt excluded from the subsequent spinoff and voiced frustration at being “brushed aside.” Lim said the spin-off announcement ‘stung’, while Harrington admitted he wasn’t even on the radar for involvement.EW.com+1Wikipedia+1

What Happens Next? S.W.A.T. Exiles & Reunion Potential

 Spinoff Reboots With Hondo at the Helm

S.W.A.T. Exiles premieres in production summer 2025, featuring Shemar Moore leading a new generation of recruits. So far, no original cast members have confirmed returns. CinemablendEW.comWikipediaWikipedia

Cameo Possibilities?

Sony execs have signalled openness to guest appearances from fan-favorite former cast, but nothing is locked in.EW.comWikipediaThe Direct

 Conclusion: A Series of Departures That Made Room for Change

From Lina Esco’s courageous narrative exit to Kenny Johnson and Alex Russell’s emotional demotions, S.W.A.T. handled several core departures with care. Rochelle Aytes’s exit reflected network opportunity shifts, while remaining main players rounded out the show’s legacy through Season 8.

Though no original characters returned in the finale, the series honored its current team and paved the way for S.W.A.T. Exiles—a fresh chapter that might yet feature familiar faces. The journey may have ended, but the SWAT family—notably Hondo—carries on.