In a candid conversation with TVLine, S.W.A.T. showrunner Andrew Dettman explained the return of a key character for the series’ eighth season. The popular action drama, which centers around Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore) and his elite unit, received a surprising renewal after initially being expected to wrap up with season 7. While several characters had already bid farewell, one original team member is making a comeback.
Dettman confirmed that Sergeant II David “Deacon” Kay, portrayed by Jay Harrington, would return for S.W.A.T. season 8. He revealed that, despite initial concerns about Deacon’s retirement arc — particularly in the wake of losing key cast members like Alex Russell and Kenny Johnson — the decision was always to keep him around. Dettman reflected on his uncertainty about whether fans would accept the storyline, especially after the departure of Street and Luca, but he’s confident that Deacon’s return will resonate with audiences. “Yeah, he was always going to be there. We knew Jay would be around. That was the one thing where I questioned myself a bit, the storyline of him retiring and coming back. I was a little worried after losing Street and Luca, that even faking that we were losing Deacon would turn people off. I’m hoping it didn’t, and I don’t think it did. So, yeah, Deacon’s back and is part of the team going forward.”
Deacon’s Confirmed Return Follows Two Other S.W.A.T Exits
Russell & Johnson Could Be Back As Guest Stars
S.W.A.T season 7 saw Deacon begin to experience some genuine conflict between his work and his home life. Though he plans to retire as part of an agreement with his wife Annie (played by Bre Blair), he’s front and center in the finale. This is in part to stop a threat which could do serious damage to Los Angeles, leading to an all-hands on deck situation. However, Deacon also mentions that he’s not officially retired due to his forms still being procressed. Hondo says he’s grateful for slow paper work.
By the end of the S.W.A.T season 7 finale, which is written Matthew T. Brown & Daniela Labi, with Billy Gierhart directing, Deacon and Annie revise their agreement. She says it’s clear that her husband is not ready for retirement, and they come to a solution that would still allow Annie to focus on her career. The resolution is welcome news after the loss of Street (Russell), who had moved on to lead another team, and Luca (Johnson), who had to retire after sustaining serious injuries on the job.
Street and Luca could both return in S.W.A.T season 8, the showrunner confirms in the same interview, though not as series regulars. The characters were given a fitting send-off. But given that they’re still alive, they could potentially pop up in guest roles. At the very least, from the sounds of it, an original member of the team won’t be going very far.
