Latest news with #S.W.A.T.Exiles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Did Shemar Moore Receive Backlash for ‘S.W.A.T.' Spinoff? Surprising Cast Drama Explained
S.W.A.T. receiving a spinoff after multiple cancellations should have been good news, but why has the decision — and specifically Shemar Moore — faced backlash for it? The procedural faced its fair share of battles to remain on the air since it premiered in 2017. Six seasons were put out on CBS before S.W.A.T. was picked up for a seventh and final season. CBS ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for season 8. But the celebration didn't last long — the network canceled the show for a second time in March 2025. S.W.A.T seemingly came to an end two months later when the series finale aired on CBS. Days later, Sony Pictures Television picked up a spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles which is set to star Moore and a new SWAT unit. The decision to revamp the cast didn't sit well with viewers who tuned in week after week because of their favorite characters. Moore, however, defended the decision to only keep his character Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. Which 'S.W.A.T.' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Surprise Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations? '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," Moore explained in an Instagram video that same month. "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 the creative shakeup 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.a Hondo," 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.' Despite the controversy, Moore remained hopeful about S.W.A.T. Exiles. 'I'm excited that S.W.A.T. gets to keep playing ball. I'm excited that the crew gets to put food on their table and money in their accounts, and go to soccer practice and put their kids through the right schools. Saving jobs, working here in L.A., keeping Hollywood in L.A. This is a big deal," he continued on Tuesday. "Yeah, a little bit bittersweet in some ways — but man, at the end of the day, we got to be so proud. We got to be so proud because we did the damn thing. The world took notice. And the industry took notice." Moore concluded: "Shows get cancelled all the time, but S.W.A.T. just won't die because y'all love S.W.A.T. You all love that crazy action. You love the stories. You love the brotherhood, the sisterhood, all of that. That's who we are. That's who S.W.A.T. is. Thrill ride with heart. So, on this day, we celebrate, but we pay homage to what got us there and to the people that got us there, and I will never forget. Always appreciate, and always show love.' Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the drama: Which TV Shows Were Canceled Multiple Times Before the Decision Stuck? From 'S.W.A.T.' to '7th Heaven' Based on the 1975 TV show and 2003 film adaptation of the same name, S.W.A.T. centered around the Los Angeles Police Department. Moore has led the series since it premiered on CBS in 2017 but the rest of the cast has evolved and changed over the years. The last season of S.W.A.T., which wrapped onscreen two days before the spinoff was announced, also starred Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj. Despite everyone's efforts to bring the show back, Moore was the only one announced as a main cast member in the upcoming spinoff. S.W.A.T. Exiles will pick up after "a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits." Moore's character 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." Moore initially reacted to the 10-episode continuation of S.W.A.T., saying in a statement, "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." He continued: "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!!!' Social media users, however, pointed out that only Pepaj acknowledged Moore's video about the news. Everyone else shared behind-the-scenes photos while celebrating the S.W.A.T series finale at CBS. Since then, it has been largely silent from the rest of the cast as Moore celebrated his new project. Lim broke his silence later that month, writing via Instagram, "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. 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." He continued: "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. 🖤." Moore's comments section was flooded with questions about why no one else was announced for the spinoff. Moore broke his silence by defending the decision, saying, '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." According to Moore, the priority was bringing S.W.A.T. back — with him at the helm after he originated the series. "But the team keeps on pushing with their quarterback, and I'm that guy," he said. "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." Most Memorable TV Spinoffs Over the Years S.W.A.T. fans were quick to point out in the comments section of Moore's post that the rest of the cast from the CBS series made the show what it was. Most of Moore's costars have yet to publicly acknowledge him expanding the S.W.A.T universe solo. Before news of S.W.A.T. Exiles broke, Ilonzeh spoke with Us Weekly about their attempts as a group to revive the series. "We are crossing our fingers. So there is a particular discussion being had. I hope I can say [soon] that we really did it. We rallied for a third time," she shared in April 2025 while reflecting on her time playing Gamble. "But we're making noise. They do see it — producers and streamers that are interested — they are like, 'OK, this is something.' So if we can plug and play, we're all geared up to go. We don't want this ride to be over." Ilonzeh acknowledged that if S.W.A.T. was brought back again, it would be the show's last battle to stay on the air. "I was just talking to [my costar] Shemar [Moore] yesterday and he was like, 'If we do this for a third time — whenever we do get canceled again — I will be OK with it. I'm not fighting for a fourth [time] because we really did it and we end on that,'" she noted. "We will end on the fight and the win and relish in all of this and squeeze the life out of it. We will know that we did it, we did our job and we can walk away happy campers." Sony Pictures Television picked up S.W.A.T. Exiles for a 10-episode order but there is no official premiere planned yet. According to the press release, Sony is "focusing on finding the right homes and partners for these new stories to reach the passionate S.W.A.T. fanbase and attract new viewers." Development is currently underway and production is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 in Los Angeles and once the spinoff is filmed, it will be shopped around.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Which ‘S.W.A.T.' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Surprise Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations?
The cast of S.W.A.T. has weathered multiple cancellations while continuing to advocate for more seasons of the show — but that doesn't mean everyone is returning for the surprise spinoff. Based on the 1975 TV show and 2003 film adaptation of the same name, S.W.A.T. centered around the Los Angeles Police Department. The CBS series premiered in 2017 and aired six seasons before it was picked up for a seventh and final season. CBS ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for season 8. But the celebration didn't last long — the network canceled the show for a second time in March 2025. S.W.A.T. seemingly came to an end two months later when the series finale aired on CBS. In the final episode, the team survived yet another mission and the last scene showed 20 Squad leaving headquarters to take on their next crisis. Just two days after the finale aired, Sony Pictures Television picked up a spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles, which will pick up after "a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits." Shemar Moore's character 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." Which TV Shows Were Canceled Multiple Times Before the Decision Stuck? From 'S.W.A.T.' to '7th Heaven' Moore reacted to the 10-episode continuation of S.W.A.T., saying in a statement, "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." He continued: "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!!!' While Moore's return was announced, fans couldn't help but notice that the rest of the cast wasn't confirmed. The last season of S.W.A.T also starred Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj. Keep scrolling for what each cast member has said about whether they would reprise their character — and whether they have officially been offered the chance to return: 'To all my homies, fans and baby girls… to everybody out there around the world who have supported us for eight years, first of all, thank you," the actor, who plays Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, said in a video shared by Sony Pictures Television. "We couldn't have done this without you,' he said. 'I know the sad news is we got cancelled, but the good news is we don't stop fighting. And guess what happens when you don't stop fighting? We won! S.W.A.T. ain't going nowhere! Hondo ain't going nowhere!" Before the series finale, Harrington reflected on his character Deacon's conclusion, telling TV Insider in May, "The way the writers crafted this entire 13 episodes was really, really interesting because they didn't want it to be — not just because there's a chance we could come back, but sometimes in shows when they just end and they tie it all into this bow and it's perfect, yeah, you want to do that in some way, but these guys, SWAT officers, they're special." He continued: "So they really wanted the idea of, the show must go on and it's a job that doesn't go away and we don't lose them. They crafted it very, very smartly, I think." Despite showing interest in a return, Harrington hasn't publicly reacted yet to the spinoff news and his name wasn't listed in the press release. When viewers last saw Tan, he accepted a liaison position but remained in the field with the rest of 20 Squad. Lim, meanwhile, has yet to address the surprise spinoff but has expressed interest in remaining in the universe. 'It might not be just over for S.W.A.T. just yet,' he said on KTLA 5 Morning News in April 2025. 'We believe in the show. We believe in what we've built. We're passionate. We want to continue. We're actively trying to find a new home for S.W.A.T., and there's been an outpouring of love and support from our fans.' Ritch, who plays Zoe Powell, has pitched ideas for what other stories there are still left to tell, sharing with Collider in March 2023, 'I think it would be interesting to see the women go through trying to juggle what it would be like to have a family and also maintain a SWAT tactical officer career. I don't think that's anything I've ever dove into on this show particularly, but hopefully, as we continue, should we continue, that would be an interesting exploration.' The actress, however, hasn't sounded off on the spinoff — or whether Powell will appear — yet. Every TV Spinoff to (Hopefully) Look Forward to in 2025: From 'The Testaments' to 'The Madison' After being promoted to main cast, Pepaj has continued to show support for his character Alfaro's journey. Pepaj documented the days leading up to the series finale but hasn't weighed in on S.W.A.T.'s spinoff. Before news of S.W.A.T. Exiles broke, Ilonzeh spoke with Us Weekly about attempts to revive the series. "We are crossing our fingers. So there is a particular discussion being had. I hope I can say [soon] that we really did it. We rallied for a third time," she shared in April 2025 while reflecting on her time playing Gamble. "But we're making noise. They do see it — producers and streamers that are interested — they are like, 'OK, this is something.' So if we can plug and play, we're all geared up to go. We don't want this ride to be over." Despite fighting for S.W.A.T. to get a new home, it would be the show's last battle to stay on the air. "I was just talking to [my costar] Shemar [Moore] yesterday and he was like, 'If we do this for a third time — whenever we do get canceled again — I will be OK with it. I'm not fighting for a fourth [time] because we really did it and we end on that,'" she noted. "We will end on the fight and the win and relish in all of this and squeeze the life out of it. We will know that we did it, we did our job and we can walk away happy campers." Ilonzeh has also not acknowledged the spinoff news yet.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘S.W.A.T.' Receives Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations — But Who From the Cast Is Returning?
S.W.A.T. has been picked up for a spinoff after multiple cancellations — and days after CBS aired the show's series finale — but which cast members are returning for the new iteration? Sony announced on Sunday, May 18, that a new spinoff series starring Shemar Moore as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson has been picked up. Sony Pictures Television will produce and distribute S.W.A.T. Exiles globally with development currently underway and production scheduled to start in Los Angeles this summer. According to the official press release, the 10-episode series picks up after "a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits." Moore's character 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." Moore, 55, reflected on the decision to reprise his role, which comes two days after CBS aired the S.W.A.T. series finale. Every TV Spinoff to (Hopefully) Look Forward to in 2025: From 'The Testaments' to 'The Madison' '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," the actor said. "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!!!.' Based on the 1975 TV show and 2003 film adaptation of the same name, S.W.A.T. centered around the Los Angeles Police Department. The CBS series premiered in 2017 and aired six seasons before it was picked up for a seventh and final run. CBS ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for season 8. But the celebration didn't last long — the network canceled the show for a second time in March. The last season of S.W.A.T. also starred Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj, but there's no word yet on who could return for the spinoff. Before news of S.W.A.T. Exiles broke, Ilonzeh spoke with Us Weekly about attempts to revive the series. Which TV Shows Are Canceled in 2025-2026? Get the Status of Your Favorite Series "We are crossing our fingers. So there is a particular discussion being had. I hope I can say [soon] that we really did it. We rallied for a third time," she shared in April. "But we're making noise. They do see it — producers and streamers that are interested — they are like, 'OK, this is something.' So if we can plug and play, we're all geared up to go. We don't want this ride to be over." Despite fighting for S.W.A.T. to get a new home, it would be the show's last battle to stay on the air. "I was just talking to [my costar] Shemar [Moore] yesterday and he was like, 'If we do this for a third time — whenever we do get canceled again — I will be OK with it. I'm not fighting for a fourth [time] because we really did it and we end on that,'" she noted. "We will end on the fight and the win and relish in all of this and squeeze the life out of it. We will know that we did it, we did our job and we can walk away happy campers."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shemar Moore Defends Returning for ‘S.W.A.T' Spinoff Without OG Cast: ‘I'm the Tom Brady' of the Show
Shemar Moore broke his silence after announcing that he was starring in a S.W.A.T spinoff — without the rest of his original cast members. Moore, 55, took to Instagram on Tuesday, May 20, to share a video where he acknowledged he could "catch some flack from the industry" with his decision to sign on to join S.W.A.T. Exiles with a new group of cast members after wrapping up season 8 with costars Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj. '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," Moore explained. "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 went on to compare making a show to playing football. Which 'S.W.A.T.' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Surprise Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations? '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 AKA Hondo," 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.' In the lengthy video, Moore called out 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." Before Sony Pictures Television picked S.W.A.T up for a spinoff, the show faced multiple cancellations at CBS. The CBS series premiered in 2017 and aired six seasons before it was picked up for a seventh and final season. CBS ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for season 8. But the celebration didn't last long — the network canceled the show for a second time in March. The series finale aired on Friday, May 16, and just two days later Moore 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. Which TV Shows Were Canceled Multiple Times Before the Decision Stuck? From 'S.W.A.T.' to '7th Heaven' 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 have yet to publicly acknowledge him expanding the S.W.A.T universe solo. 'I'm excited that S.W.A.T. gets to keep playing ball. I'm excited that the crew gets to put food on their table and money in their accounts, and go to soccer practice and put their kids through the right schools. Saving jobs, working here in L.A., keeping Hollywood in L.A. This is a big deal," he continued on Tuesday. "Yeah, a little bit bittersweet in some ways — but man, at the end of the day, we got to be so proud. We got to be so proud because we did the damn thing. The world took notice. And the industry took notice." He concluded: "Shows get cancelled all the time, but S.W.A.T. just won't die because y'all love S.W.A.T. You all love that crazy action. You love the stories. You love the brotherhood, the sisterhood, all of that. That's who we are. That's who S.W.A.T. is. Thrill ride with heart. So, on this day, we celebrate, but we pay homage to what got us there and to the people that got us there, and I will never forget. Always appreciate, and always show love.'
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘S.W.A.T.' star slams Shemar Moore spinoff for excluding cast: ‘We were brushed aside'
No spinoff for you. 'S.W.A.T.' star David Lim has addressed the upcoming spinoff series that excludes the main cast — except for Shemar Moore. Lim, who played Officer Tan for all eight seasons of the CBS drama that was canceled in March, released a statement where he said that seeing the news of 'S.W.A.T. Exiles' did 'sting.' Advertisement 8 'S.W.A.T.' stars David Lim and Shemar Moore. davidbradleylim/Instagram 'Being a part of S.W.A.T. for the past 8 seasons has been one of the great honors of my life,' he wrote alongside a group photo of the 'S.W.A.T.' cast and crew on Wednesday. 'I poured my heart into playing Tan — and even more than that, into the team and friendships we built on and off screen.' '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,' he continued. 'That effortless chemistry was there from the very first day we came together for the pilot, and it carried through all 8 seasons.' Advertisement 8 David Lim in S.W.A.T. CBS The actor said that while 'he's proud of how we fought' for Season 9, he believes the cast 'had more stories to tell.' 'We wanted it for our crew, for each other, and for the newer faces just joining us,' said Lim. '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.' 8 'S.W.A.T.' was canceled after 8 seasons in March 2025. CBS Advertisement 8 David Lim and Shemar Moore on the set of 'S.W.A.T.' davidbradleylim/Instagram 'I'd be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn't sting,' Lim admitted. '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. 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.' Lim thanked fans supporting the 'S.W.A.T.' cast and reiterated that he's 'proud' of the entire team behind the series. 8 The cast of 'S.W.A.T.' CBS Advertisement 'No version of this story can take that away,' he added. 'Thanks for riding with us. SWAT. 🖤.' Lim's co-stars Niko Pepaj and Annie Ilonzeh, who have also been excluded from the spinoff, supported his message in the comments section. 'Very well said David🫶🏽🤎,' wrote Ilonzeh, 41. 8 David Lim and Shemar Moore filming 'S.W.A.T.' davidbradleylim/Instagram 'S.W.A.T. Exiles' was announced by Sony Pictures two days after the original series was canceled. Moore, who is reprising his role as Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, shared an Instagram video where he addressed being the only cast member to return. 'Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100%, but without change, you can't grow,' he stated earlier this month. 'You can't win without taking your lumps. 'S.W.A.T. Exiles,' baby, we won the battle.' 8 Shemar Moore in 'S.W.A.T.' Bill Inoshita/CBS/Sony Pictures Television Advertisement 8 Shemar Moore and Jay Harrington during a scene in 'S.W.A.T.' CBS The 55-year-old actor went on to call himself 'the Tom Brady of ''S.W.A.T.,'' adding, 'that's not arrogant, that's not ego, it's the fact.' 'So proud, so grateful,' said Moore. 'Not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and excited about the future.' 'S.W.A.T.' also starred Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit.
