Shemar Moore isn’t done with S.W.A.T. — and neither is Sony. Just days after the CBS series wrapped its eight-season run, the network and actor have confirmed new spinoff series, S.W.A.T. Exiles, with Moore set to reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The show, from Sony Pictures Television, is expected to begin production this summer in Los Angeles.
A New Mission — and a New Team
The new iteration follows Hondo after a high-profile mission goes sideways, pulling him out of forced retirement and placing him in charge of a last-chance SWAT unit made up of young, untested recruits. It’s described as a generational shake-up, with Hondo tasked with leading a team of unpredictable outsiders.
“After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Hondo is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits,” reads the spinoff’s official logline, as per Deadline. “Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is.”
Shemar Moore Speaks Out
Moore, who will also serve as executive producer, has addressed the news via Instagram — and it was clear he had a lot to say.
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“No one likes change,” Moore said, acknowledging the shift from ensemble drama to a Hondo-led spinoff. “But without change, you can’t grow. You can’t win without taking your lumps.”
He described the series as “SWAT on steroids” and confirmed, “We start shooting this summer.”
Moore didn’t shy away from addressing the absence of his longtime co-stars — a noticeable omission in the spinoff’s announcement. “I had a squad, a strong squad, a family, a team,” he said, before naming his former castmates with emotion. “That was S.W.A.T. for eight years. We did the damn thing. We were a movie made for TV. That’s my family for life.”
He compared his role in the franchise to that of an NFL legend: “I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady, but I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.. That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego. It’s a fact. I’m the quarterback.”
Keeping the Crew Together
Beyond the cast, Moore highlighted the return of over 200 production crew members, a point of pride. “I’m excited that the crew gets to put food on their table… working here in L.A., keeping Hollywood in L.A. This is a big deal.”
Though he admitted the transition feels “a little bit bittersweet,” he remained proud: “TV shows don’t last eight years anymore. Shows get cancelled all the time, but S.W.A.T. just won’t die because y’all love S.W.A.T.… the action, the stories, the brotherhood, the sisterhood — all of that. That’s who we are.”
Behind the Scenes and What’s Next
In a separate statement, Moore reflected on his time with the original series, calling the experience “epic and memorable.” “We entertained the world, defied the odds, came back from the dead twice, and continued to woo fans and families worldwide,” he said. “I’m excited for this next generation and iteration of S.W.A.T. with Sony.”
Jason Ning (Lucifer) will take over as showrunner under a new overall deal with the studio. The 10-episode series will retain the original crew, keeping the team together while steering the franchise in a new direction. Additional casting has yet to be announced.
Sony Pictures Television Studios president Katherine Pope described the new series as both a continuation and a fresh start: “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the next chapter of S.W.A.T. to life — both for our incredibly dedicated fans of the original franchise and for a new generation of viewers.”
