By Michaela Gordoni
S.W.A.T. may be over, but it’s still getting a spinoff: S.W.A.T. EXILES.
The plot follows a “last-chance experimental SWAT unit” that’s “made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits.” After things go awry, Hondo gets pulled out of retirement to help the young crew, per PEOPLE.
“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,” said Sony Pictures Television president Katherine Pope. “It’s kind of our take on TOP GUN: MAVERICK.
The new series was announced two days after the original series aired its last episode, which has left some cast members feeling salty.
“I’d be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn’t sting,” David Lim, who played Victor Tan, wrote on Instagram in May. “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.”
Related: S.W.A.T. Star Reveals How Daughter Changed His Life: ‘Miracle’
“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 said.
Pope said they had a clear message from CBS that Season 8 would be the last S.W.A.T. season.
“It was a difficult decision for them, but it felt very final. So we set out to sell the show elsewhere,” she said. “We tried really hard, and we felt like we got close at a place or two, but we just couldn’t quite get it over the line.”
Shemar Moore, who plays Hondo, said he’d be the only cast member that will return in the spinoff. It was announced later that two other stars will return, too — Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit.
Moore said the show is “S.W.A.T. on steroids,” adding, “I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. — that’s not arrogant, that’s not ego, it’s the fact. Just like in sports…people get traded…but the teams keep on pushing with their quarterback, and I’m that guy.”
“So proud, so grateful,” he continued. “Not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my *** for 31 years to do what I do, and excited about the future.”
Sony Pictures Chairman Keith LeGoy said they’d like to have the original show’s “family” involved in EXILE in some way.
Harrington said he wasn’t expecting to star in the spinoff, but he’s open to playing Deacon again.
“You know, you never say never, you never close any doors,” he told the outlet. “I’d be interested to see if that’s the direction they go, and, ‘How do they do that?’ That would certainly play a part.”
WFMZ-TV reported Tuesday that Lucy Barrett, Adain Bradley, Zyra Gorecki, Freddy Miyares and Ronen Rubinstein have all been cast in the new series.
As of now, there’s no release date yet. But the series started filming in LA last month. The series has not signed with a company for distribution, so it’s also unclear on what channels or networks the show will be available. Netflix currently has Season 1-7, and Season 8 will be available on Monday.
Read Next: The Final Season of S.W.A.T. Is Coming to Netflix!
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +2Share:
– Content: +3