The world of television is no stranger to unexpected twists, but the announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles took many by surprise—especially the original cast members. Jay Harrington, who portrayed Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay on the CBS series S.W.A.T. from 2017 to 2025, recently shared his candid thoughts on being excluded from the spinoff.comingsoon.net+4birminghamjournal.co.uk+4nypost.com+4
The Unexpected Announcement
On May 18, 2025, CBS unveiled plans for S.W.A.T. Exiles, a new series that would see Shemar Moore reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. However, the announcement came as a shock to many, including Harrington. He revealed that he and the rest of the original cast were not informed about the spinoff until Moore reached out to them privately just before the public reveal.tvinsider.com+1nypost.com+1birminghamjournal.co.uk+7comingsoon.net+7nypost.com+7nypost.com
Jay Harrington’s Reaction
In an interview with TVLine, Harrington expressed his surprise, stating, “I did not have a spinoff on my bingo card, for sure.” He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the industry but admitted feeling let down by the lack of communication from the studio. Despite his disappointment, Harrington emphasized that he wasn’t “owed” anything but believed the situation could have been handled differently .tvinsider.com+1comingsoon.net+1nypost.com
David Lim’s Perspective
David Lim, who portrayed Officer Victor Tan, also voiced his concerns about the spinoff’s announcement. He took to social media to express his feelings of being “brushed aside,” highlighting the abruptness of the decision and the lack of involvement for the original cast .tvinsider.com+4comingsoon.net+4nypost.com+4
The Importance of Communication
Harrington’s comments shed light on the significance of transparency and communication in the entertainment industry.While he understands the business decisions behind such moves, he believes that keeping the cast informed fosters a sense of respect and collaboration.comingsoon.net+5tvinsider.com+5imdb.com+5
Looking Ahead
Despite the initial shock, Harrington remains open to future opportunities within the S.W.A.T. universe. He expressed interest in participating in S.W.A.T. Exiles, whether in an acting or directing capacity, should the opportunity arise.nypost.com
Conclusion
The announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape of the S.W.A.T. franchise. While the original cast members may have been caught off guard, their professionalism and openness to future collaborations speak volumes about their dedication to the series and its fans.nypost.com+2comingsoon.net+2spheresports.com.ng+2
FAQs
1. Why was Jay Harrington excluded from S.W.A.T. Exiles?
The reasons for Harrington’s exclusion have not been publicly disclosed. However, he expressed surprise and disappointment over not being informed about the spinoff until after its announcement.nypost.comtvinsider.com+2comingsoon.net+2nypost.com+2
2. Will Jay Harrington appear in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of Harrington’s involvement in the spinoff. However, he has expressed interest in participating if the opportunity arises.nypost.com
3. Who is starring in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
S.W.A.T. Exiles will feature Shemar Moore reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Details about other cast members have not been fully disclosed.nypost.com
4. When will S.W.A.T. Exiles premiere?
The premiere date for S.W.A.T. Exiles has not been announced yet. Fans can expect updates as the production progresses.
5. Where can I watch S.W.A.T. Exiles?
S.W.A.T. Exiles will air on CBS. Streaming options will likely be available through CBS’s digital platforms following the broadcast.
