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Sony Pictures Television ordered a 10‑episode spin-off titled S.W.A.T. Exiles, starring Shemar Moore reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, just two days after S.W.A.T. aired its final episode. Production is set to begin in summer 2025 in Los Angeles EW.com+15Wikipedia+15Collider+15.
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The spin-off will retain around 200 original crew members, but no original series stars were officially included—Moore is the only confirmed returning cast member WikipediaTVGuide.com.
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Sony fast-tracked the project to preserve jobs, secure cast, and leverage their existing soundstage for the international markets at May’s LA Screenings Looper+1Wikipedia+1.
😠 Cast Reactions: Hurt & Disappointment
Jay Harrington (Deacon Kay)
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Learned about the spinoff from Moore just before the public announcement; had no prior knowledge about it during filming People.com+6TV Insider+6NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima+6.
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While recognizing that no one is “owed” anything in the business, he voiced disappointment that the studio made no acknowledgment of the ensemble in its press release New York Post.
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Despite the sting, Harrington remains professional and is open to future involvement—as a guest star or directorNonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima+2TV Insider+2New York Post+2.
David Lim (Victor Tan)
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Released a heartfelt Instagram post sharing how much pride he takes in eight seasons of work and camaraderie with his co-stars—stressed that what made the show special was the team chemistry, not just one characterLooper+5TheWrap+5People.com+5.
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The abrupt announcement made him feel brushed aside, particularly when the cast wasn’t even mentioned in the official press release New York Post+7TheWrap+7TVGuide.com+7.
Others
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Many involved—writers, directors, and CBS executives—reportedly were not informed ahead of the public announcement and only learned through trade outlets, fueling frustration at the lack of transparency LooperLooper.
🗣️ Moore’s Perspective: The “Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.”
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Moore shared that he personally reached out to his former teammates to offer the news first LooperTV Insider.
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He compared the franchise to a football team—he’s the quarterback, and lineup changes are sometimes inevitable:
“Tight ends get traded. … Teams keep pushing with their quarterback … I’m that guy.”Looper+3World Wire Times+3TheWrap+3TV Insider+4TVGuide.com+4Looper+4.
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He emphasized growth and evolution, while thanking his former cast for their contributions:
“I love you, I respect you, I appreciate you.” Looper+2Network Today+2Looper+2.
🔄 What Sony & Execs Say About Returning Cast
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Katherine Pope, Sony TV President, suggested that crossovers are still on the table:
“There is a clear world we’re exploring… you can expect some of your favorites to be a part of it in some way.” New York Post+9TVGuide.com+9People.com+9.
📌 In Summary: Why the Tension?
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sudden Announcement | S.W.A.T. Exiles was greenlit just two days after series finale, surprising cast and crew |
| Lack of Team Inclusion | Only Hondo (Shemar Moore) was included; others felt overlooked and unmentioned |
| Communication Breakdown | Many learned via press—not from producers or Sony—adding to hurt |
| Moore’s Role | He personally informed former co-stars and defended the move as necessary for the franchise’s future |
| Possibility of Cameos | Studio leaves door open for returns, but no official plans yet |
✅ Final Take
The drama surrounding S.W.A.T. Exiles stems less from the show’s concept and more from how it was handled. The decision to center the spinoff solely around Shemar Moore—and announce it abruptly—left long-term collaborators feeling marginalized.
While Moore sought to soften the blow by reaching out personally and expressing appreciation, the emotional fallout highlights the complicated balance between continuity and creative reinvention. Sony remains open to cast returns, but the initial rollout made it clear: Exiles marks a bold reboot—with both opportunity and tension.
