S.W.A.T's David Lim Breaks His Silence on Spinoff Exclusion: ‘It Felt Like We Were Brushed Aside'

Yahoo

4 days ago

S.W.A.T's David Lim broke his silence after Shemar Moore's upcoming spinoff was picked up without any other cast members involved.
"I've been sitting with everything that came out last week, and I just want to say this," Lim, 41, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 28. "Being a part of S.W.A.T. for the past 8 seasons has been one of the great honors of my life. I poured my heart into playing Tan — and even more than that, into the team and friendships we built on and off screen."
Lim reflected on the group dynamic behind the scenes, adding, "What made S.W.A.T. special wasn't just the action, or one character. It was the squad. The bond. The camaraderie. The shared blood, sweat, tears, and laughs we gave to every episode. That effortless chemistry was there from the very first day we came together for the pilot, and it carried through all 8 seasons."
While discussing the show's multiple cancellations, Lim applauded his former costars for working together to advocate for a renewal.
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"I'm proud of how we fought for a ninth season. We believed we still had more to give, more stories to tell. We wanted it for our crew, for each other, and for the newer faces just joining us," he continued. "It wasn't in the cards for all of us — and that's okay. We had a magical run and went out on a high note with those final two episodes."
Lim acknowledged that he wasn't thrilled to hear about Sony Television Pictures ordering S.W.A.T: Exiles with only Moore attached to appear.
"I'd be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn't sting. It was tough to see it announced just two days after our finale — with no mention of the cast who helped build S.W.A.T. from day one," he continued. "After 8 incredible seasons, it felt like we were brushed aside when there could've been a moment of reflection and recognition — for the people who built this show, and for the impact it had on so many."
The actor addressed the outpouring of love that he and the rest of the S.W.A.T alums received in the wake of the drama, writing, "I've seen the comments, the messages, the support — and it truly means a lot. I may not know what the future holds for Tan, but I couldn't be more proud of what we created together — our cast, writers, producers, crew ... our SWAT family. No version of this story can take that away. Thanks for riding with us. Always. Roll SWAT. 🖤."
In the comments section, former S.W.A.T star Rochelle Aytes showed her support, writing," Beautifully said!! Here's to an amazing 8 years! May your next journey be just as incredible if not more!! ❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽."
Niko Pepaj and Annie Ilonzeh, who starred opposite Lim in the show's eighth and final season, also replied after remaining tight-lipped on the spinoff drama. "Very well said David🫶🏽🤎," Ilonzeh added.
Earlier this month, S.W.A.T. came to an end after eight seasons on CBS. Two days later Moore, 55, confirmed he would be headlining a follow-up series for Sony Television Pictures where his character "is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits," according to the synopsis.
S.W.A.T fans, however, were quick to point out in the comments section of Moore's post that the rest of the cast from the CBS series wasn't included. Most of Moore's costars — including Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit and Anna Enger Ritch — have yet to publicly acknowledge him expanding the S.W.A.T universe solo.
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Moore, meanwhile, defended his decision to branch out on his own after backlash from fans.
'Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100 percent. But without change, you can't grow. You can't win without taking your lumps," he explained via Instagram. "It ain't easy making it in the game of Hollywood. It ain't. TV shows don't last eight years anymore. The game has changed. But S.W.A.T. Exiles, baby! S.W.A.T. Exiles. Bigger, bolder. S.W.A.T. on steroids."
Moore compared making a show to playing football.
'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. I'm Shemar Moore a.k.aHondo," he continued. "But I had a squad. A strong squad. A family. A team. And I would be remiss If I didn't say out loud to the world and to them — because I know they're watching this — I love you. I respect you. I appreciate you.'
Elsewhere in the video, Moore mentioned his casemates, adding, 'That's my family for life, OK? But just like in sports, Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but people get traded. Tight ends get traded, the running back gets traded, the receivers get traded."
He continued: "But the team keeps on pushing with their quarterback, and I'm that guy. So proud, so grateful. I'm not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and I'm excited about the future."