Shemar Moore is thrilled that S.W.A.T. will have another season. CBS renewed the police drama for Season 8 after it was initially thought to conclude with Season 7.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Moore reflected on starting his role as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. “When I first got hired to be Hondo for the pilot in 2017, I knew I was working with heavyweights,” he said, mentioning the talented team behind the show.
“I got to be superhero-like,” Moore continued, describing Hondo and his team as “super police” and feeling like heroes. He emphasized his connection to the show’s themes, calling it a “dream job” that continues to attract viewers.
Moore also highlighted the series’ success on streaming platforms like Netflix and recent recognition from celebrities. “I just like that we’re such a fun, entertaining thrill ride of a show, but we also added a little humanity and heart to it,” he noted.
As he looks to the future, Moore acknowledges that nothing lasts forever. “I know nothing lasts forever. But… we deserve to bow out gracefully,” he expressed, indicating his desire for the show to end on a high note.
Moore’s dedication to S.W.A.T. is clear, and he wants to continue portraying Hondo. “I’m not done being Hondo and bringing this show to life,” he stated.
The themes of community and family resonate with Moore, and he strives to bring a relatable human element to his character. “Even playing super cop Hondo… you also get camaraderie and the chemistry and the sense of family,” he explained.
As he prepares for Season 8, Moore is focused on staying in shape for the physically demanding role. “The physical element of S.W.A.T. is no joke,” he remarked, reflecting on the challenges of the action scenes.
In his downtime, Moore looks forward to getting back in shape and enjoying time with family and friends. He also expresses gratitude to the fans for their support, stating, “Without them, we wouldn’t have the chance to sit here and talk about the exciting news of S.W.A.T. Season 8.”
S.W.A.T. airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, with the Season 7 finale scheduled for May 17.
