Shemar Moore Addresses Kenny Johnson & Alex Russell’s Potential S.W.A.T. Return — What That Means for Season 8

If you’re a long-time viewer of S.W.A.T., the recent chatter about key cast returns might give you hope. After exits in season 7, two fan-favorite actors — Alex Russell (Jim Street) and Kenny Johnson (Dominique “Luca” Luca) — have sparked major speculation about a season 8 comeback. And their possible return was recently addressed by lead star Shemar Moore. Here’s a full breakdown of what he said, where things stand now, and why fans everywhere are holding their breath.

Why Their Absence Hit Hard

Street and Luca had major roles in earlier seasons. When both were moved to recurring status in season 7, that set the stage for big “goodbye” arcs. By the end of that season, their departures felt real — Street transferred out, and Luca’s character appeared to leave due to injury. That left many viewers concerned the show would never be the same again.

Suddenly, with season 8 on the horizon, there’s renewed hope — especially now that Moore has publicly addressed their potential return.

What Shemar Moore Actually Said

Moore doesn’t shy away from honesty. When asked whether Street or Luca could come back, he acknowledged how much fans loved them. He admitted it was “bittersweet” doing a spinoff without the full original team.

But — crucially — he didn’t close the door. He called himself “the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.,” referencing his constant presence, but also suggested that in television, when characters are not killed off, a return is always possible.

His stance seems to be: if there’s opportunity — maybe a case, a crossover, a flashback — they could come back. Nothing’s guaranteed, but nothing’s ruled out either.

What Season 8’s Official Plan Looks Like Right Now

Season 8 is already confirmed.  Several original cast members — like Jay Harrington (Deacon), David Lim (Tan), Patrick St. Esprit (Hicks), and Anna Enger Ritch (Powell) — are returning. But Street and Luca? They remain absent from the main lineup.

The showrunner did say he “would love” to bring them back, either on-screen or behind the camera, but nothing is finalized.

Why Their Return Matters to Fans

Bringing Street and Luca back isn’t just nostalgia. Their presence adds emotional weight, history, and continuity to the world of S.W.A.T. Fans invested in their storylines — romantic arcs, friendships, conflicts — will feel the difference when they’re gone. Their return could restore a sense of cohesiveness and balance that many felt was missing in recent seasons.

The Hurdles: Why Return Isn’t a Sure Thing

There are real obstacles to a full return:

• The characters were written out — Street’s transfer and Luca’s exit weren’t ambiguous. Bringing them back would require narrative gymnastics.

• Budget and scheduling constraints. Sometimes networks and studios avoid big returns because cost and contracts complicate things.

• Creative direction. The show may choose to go forward with newer characters and storylines for fresh energy.

All things Moore hinted at when he said it’s “bittersweet” to move on without the full original squad.

How the Showrunners Describe Their Chances

According to the showrunner (in interviews), there are ideas on the table: maybe a case involving a different police force (e.g. Long Beach PD) could justify Street’s return. And maybe a directing role (since Alex Russell has experience) could bring him back behind the camera as well. Similar opportunities might exist for Kenny Johnson.

But even the showrunner warns: “if timing, budget and story align.” He didn’t promise anything, but admitted he’d be “thrilled” if it works out.

Fan Reaction: Hope, Frustration — and Watchful Eyes

As you’d expect, fans are split: some are hopeful and express their love for Street and Luca openly — “bring them back, make this S.W.A.T. whole again.” Others feel wary — maybe the story will suffer, or maybe the return will feel forced. Some demand transparency: if there’s no guarantee, don’t string us along.

One thing is certain: fans are watching closely. Every casting update, every promo still, every interview — they wait for hints of Street’s uniform or Luca’s return.

What Their Return Could Bring — More Than Just Familiar Faces

If Street and Luca return, a few things might improve dramatically:

• Emotional depth: storylines involving loyalty, redemption, trauma recovery

• Team dynamics: morale, conflict resolution, history-based trust

• Fan engagement: longtime viewers reconnected, new viewers curious about legacy arcs

• Potential creative freshness: balancing old character grit with new cast energy

But the Story Doesn’t End Without Them — New Blood, New Direction

Even if Street or Luca don’t return, that doesn’t necessarily spell doom. The upcoming spinoff (or continuation) is meant to bring in a new generation — younger recruits, fresh personalities, new conflicts.

S.W.A.T. has survived cancellations, revivals, character losses and changes. If crafted right, this new chapter might offer fans just as much excitement — even without the old guard.

What to Watch for in the Coming Weeks

If I were you and I’m still holding out hope, here’s what I’d watch:

• Release of official cast lists or announcements — sometimes they surprise us

• Behind-the-scenes interviews hinting at “guest appearances” or “special arcs” for former characters

• Teasers or trailers referencing old squad members by name

• Social media updates by actors — sometimes those give away more than official statements

My Take (as a Fan and Observer)

I’m convinced the door is left ajar. Moore and the showrunners haven’t slammed it shut. They know how much Street and Luca meant — and still mean — to the world of S.W.A.T.

Will budget, contracts, and logistics allow their return? Maybe not. But creatively, there’s a route. If the studio chooses to walk it, we could get the comeback fans have hoped for.

If not… well, maybe this new chapter will prove that even without the old names, the heart of S.W.A.T. can still beat strong. Either way, it’s worth paying attention.

FAQs

1. Are Alex Russell and Kenny Johnson confirmed to come back in Season 8?
No — they’re not confirmed. The official cast list doesn’t include them yet, and their return depends on many factors.

2. Did Shemar Moore say it’s guaranteed they will return?
No — he said “anything can happen” if the timing and story align. He avoided making promises.

3. Why were they removed from the main cast anyway?
Their characters were written out during season 7: Street transferred out and Luca exited after an injury storyline.

4. Could they return as guest stars instead of regulars?
Yes — that seems more likely if they return at all. Guest appearances give flexibility without the pressure of long-term contracts.

5. Does the new spinoff make their return less likely?
Potentially — because the new series aims for a younger “new squad.” But that doesn’t necessarily exclude cameo roles or flashbacks.