Every time we think they’re down, the team behind ‘S.W.A.T.‘ rise from the ashes and live up to their creed to “stay liquid”. While the main show is now over at CBS, Sony Pictures Television is keeping the franchise alive with spinoff ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles‘, which sees Shemar Moore (S.W.A.T., Criminal Minds) return as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
The 10-episode series kicks off production this month in Los Angeles, bringing some of the original crew back together. The story follows Hondo after a high-profile mission goes sideways, pulling him out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a functioning team capable of protecting the city… and saving the program that made him who he is.
Joining Moore in the spinoff are show favourites Jay Harrington (Better Off Ted, Private Practice) and Patrick St. Esprit (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Narcos), reprising their roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks. The original announcement came as something of a surprise to both actors, as Harrington revealed he only learned about Exiles when Moore texted him a day before the media reveal. Fans, however, will be thrilled to see the trio back together.
They will be joined by an all-new line-up of recruits, including Lucy Barrett (Deep Water, Charmed), Adain Bradley (Warfare, Tarot), Zyra Gorecki (La Brea), Freddy Miyares (When They See Us), and Ronen Rubinstein (9-1-1: Lone Star).
Behind the camera, Kevin Tancharoen (The Brothers Sun, The Book of Boba Fett) will direct the first episode, with Jason Ning (Lucifer, The Expanse) serving as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, Moore, James Scura, and Jon Cowan. Sony Pictures Television produces and will distribute globally.
Speaking when the series was first announced, Moore said:
“My eight seasons on S.W.A.T. have been epic and memorable. We entertained the world, defied the odds, came back from the dead twice, and continued to woo fans and families worldwide. I am excited for this next generation and iteration of S.W.A.T. with Sony. Katherine Pope, Neal H. Moritz, Jason Ning, and I will keep the franchise, thrill ride action, heartfelt drama, and storytelling of S.W.A.T. alive. WE DON’T LOSE!!!! ROLL SWAT!!!”
Sony Pictures TV Studios President Katherine Pope added:
“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. We’re grateful to our incredible partners Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Jason Ning and Shemar Moore for embarking on this journey with us. This team’s commitment to the global fanbase, to our beloved crew and to our city runs deep!”
At present, no broadcaster or streamer has been announced in the USA or the UK. Sony has a track record of producing shows before selling them on, such as Alex Rider, which was filmed independently and later picked up by Amazon. Given the franchise’s popularity, Exiles should find a home without too much difficulty.
‘S.W.A.T. Exiles‘ does not yet have a premiere date or UK broadcaster. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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