In the words of Katy Perry, just because it’s over doesn’t mean it’s really over. After eight seasons, SWAT might have come to an end on CBS, but the hit series will live on via a brand new spinoff series!
Less than 48 hours after the series finale of SWAT aired on CBS, Sony Pictures Television has announced a new spinoff series set to be led by series lead Shemar Moore. That’s right, Hondo’s time with 20-Squad might be over, but we’ve not seen the last of Hondo.
Appropriately titled SWAT Exiles, this new spinoff will see Hondo pulled out of forced retirement in order to lead a new SWAT team comprised of untested, unpredictable young recruits after a high-profile mission goes wrong. Now, Hondo must try to work his magic to turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the SWAT program.
“My eight seasons on SWAT have been epic and memorable,” Moore said in a statement announcing the spinoff. “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 SWAT with Sony. Katherine Pope, Neal H. Moritz, Jason Ning, and I will keep the franchise, thrill ride action, heartfelt drama, and storytelling of SWAT alive. WE DON’T LOSE!!!! ROLL SWAT!!!”
Outside of Moore’s connection to the project, it’s unclear whether we might get to see anyone else from SWAT crossover into the new spinoff. However, it seems likely that if we do get to see any additional members of the SWAT cast, it will be in guest spots, as it appears the goal is to take a page out of Blue Bloods' book and build the spinoff around one focal returning star.
What is also unknown is whether the new spinoff will be coming to CBS or if it could land at another broadcast network or even a streaming service. While Sony Pictures Television has ordered a 10-episode first season set to begin filming this summer, no network is currently attached to the show.
Given CBS’s decision to bring SWAT to an end, we wonder if the network will be interested in the planned spinoff or whether it might choose to pass on it. One possible home could be Paramount+ which became the home to Criminal Minds’ continuation after the show ended its run on CBS. SWAT Exiles would certainly be an exciting addition to the streaming service, and it would also continue the trend of beloved CBS franchises continuing on Paramount+.
Of course, we could also see a streaming series, such as Netflix, or other broadcast networks, such as NBC, being interested in the series. SWAT enjoyed a strong run at CBS, and its ratings held pretty steady in its final season. The franchise is one that has a passionate fan base, and Moore is just as passionate. Moore helped to rally the fans multiple times, leading to the show being uncanceled twice and now to the franchise continuing with a spinoff.
With production set to begin this summer, we should learn more about the upcoming SWAT spinoff in the weeks ahead including details on who will be joining Moore as part of the cast. We’ll wait to see what the future holds for the franchise, but it’s exciting to know that SWAT will continue via a new spinoff and its time isn’t truly over!