When news broke that S.W.A.T. was finally ending after eight seasons, many fans felt disappointed—but few expected what would happen next. Mere days after the final episode aired, Sony Pictures Television announced S.W.A.T. Exiles, a spinoff starring Shemar Moore as Hondo.
What’s shocking: almost none of the original cast are returning. Jay Harrington (Deacon Kay) and Patrick St. Esprit are confirmed for guest appearances, but most of the familiar faces won’t be part of this new chapter. parade.com+2Wikipedia+2 Many were left out of even being told beforehand. Jay Harrington said he only found out the spinoff existed the day before the public announcement.
The plot of Exiles promises even more drama: after a mission goes badly wrong, Hondo comes back from retirement to lead an experimental SWAT unit of untested young recruits who irritate him, challenge him, and also have secrets that could shake the team. EW.com+2mensjournal.com+2 The stakes are higher: it’s not just about criminals—there’s internal conflict, generational clash, and distrust. Fans who loved the original dynamics are now wondering: will this new team measure up?
Many fans are divided. Some feel betrayed: they built love for S.W.A.T. around the original ensemble and chemistry, many of which might be lost. Others are curious to see Hondo in new fights—both outwardly and within himself.
What’s certain: S.W.A.T. Exiles isn’t just another continuation. It’s a gamble. If it succeeds, it will reshape what fans expect from the S.W.A.T. world. If it fails, it might feel like a betrayal of everything that made the original show beloved.
