Latest news with #ShemarMoore
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
- 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
S.W.A.T's David Lim Breaks His Silence on Spinoff Exclusion: ‘It Felt Like We Were Brushed Aside'
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. Why Did Shemar Moore Receive Backlash for 'S.W.A.T.' Spinoff? Surprising Cast Drama Explained "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. Which 'S.W.A.T.' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Surprise Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations? 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 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."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘S.W.A.T.' Spinoff Could Now Feature Possible Cast Returns — Besides Shemar Moore — Amid Backlash
Despite only announcing Shemar Moore as a returning cast member, it turns out the S.W.A.T spinoff could feature more surprise appearances from fan-favorite characters. Sony Pictures TV President Katherine Pope weighed in on the possibility earlier this month after S.W.A.T Exiles was announced, telling Variety, "There is a clear world that we're exploring here. We're still putting it all together, but for sure, I think you can expect some of your favorites to be a part of it in some way." Pope noted that the shows now exist in their own "universe" while Exiles is "a bit of a take on the culture generation clash of Gen X versus Gen Z." "Where Hondo is all about duty, hierarchy and chain of command, the Gen Zers are a little more like, 'I might need to take a mental health day. I want to talk about it. I want to understand it,'" Pope teased about the upcoming series. "It's kind of our take on Top Gun Maverick." Why Did Shemar Moore Receive Backlash for 'S.W.A.T.' Spinoff? Surprising Cast Drama Explained Pope continued: "How do we build bridges around not just generational divides, but all forms of divide? There's a lot of division going on in our world. If we just took some time to listen and to try and be part of a team, and what that really means, it would probably be better for all of us." S.W.A.T. premiered in 2017 and aired for six seasons before CBS planned to end its run with season 7. The network ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for two more seasons, but CBS officially canceled the series while season 8 was airing in March 2025. Earlier this month, S.W.A.T.'s series finale aired and just two days later Sony Pictures Television announced a spinoff starring Moore, 55, and a new cast. The decision received backlash since Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj also took part in efforts to revive the series. Moore stood by the decision, saying in an Instagram video, '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. 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." Which 'S.W.A.T.' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Surprise Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations? He continued: '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. 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.' Lim, 41, who has been with the show since season 1, was the first cast member to officially break his silence on the drama. "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 wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, May 28. "After eight 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."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'S.W.A.T.' Star David Lim Talks the 'Sting' of Being Excluded from New Spinoff
'S.W.A.T.' Star David Lim Talks the 'Sting' of Being Excluded from New Spinoff originally appeared on Parade. S.W.A.T. star David Lim is weighing in on the disappointing news that the spinoff of the hit CBS series will not see any of the cast return with the exception, of course, of Shemar Moore, who plays Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, the leader of 20-Squad. The actor, who has starred as Victor Tan in all eight seasons of the series, took to Instagram to say, 'I'd be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn't sting.' The decision of course to go forward with the new 10-episode Exiles spinoff was made by Sony, and none of the actors were notified ahead of the news breaking, nor were they acknowledged in the announcement of the spinoff. 🎬 🎬 Here's Lim's message in its entirety: 'I've been sitting with everything that came out last week, and I just want to say this: '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.'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. Related: Shemar Moore Returns for More in New Spinoff'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. 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.'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.'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. SWAT. 🖤' Season 8 of S.W.A.T. can be streamed on Paramount+. Seasons 1-7 are available on Netflix. Next, 'S.W.A.T.' Star David Lim Talks the 'Sting' of Being Excluded from New Spinoff first appeared on Parade on May 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
