When SWAT ended its run on CBS earlier this year, fans everywhere were left heartbroken. For eight unforgettable seasons, viewers had watched Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and his team of fearless officers navigate life-or-death missions, personal struggles, and the complex, often heartbreaking realities of serving a city in crisis.
We were all left to question if it really would be the last time we saw Hondo in action. However, we got our answer just a couple of days after the series finale aired. While SWAT wouldn't be returning with a brand new ninth installment, fans’ hopes were reignited with the announcement of SWAT Exiles, a bold new spinoff that promises to carry the legacy forward.
In May 2025, Sony Pictures Television confirmed that the spinoff series would bring back Shemar Moore as Hondo and the entire SWAT production crew. Jason Ning, who is best known for writing for shows like Lucifer, was announced to have signed on as showrunner and executive producer. Other executive producers include Moore, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and James Scura. SPT is the producer. Also at the time, it was revealed that the first season would consist of 10 episodes that SPT would be distributing globally.
SWAT Exiles is officially in production
Now, we just received the best news ever about SWAT Exlies. The cameras have officially started rolling on the new spinoff in Los Angeles, California! We knew that the cast and crew would begin filming this year, but it was initially reported that production would start sometime in late September. With it being early October, it looks like filming was a little delayed. However, that's okay. We're just glad the project is finally underway. That puts us one step closer to seeing it on our screens. However, keep in mind that the show doesn't currently have a network or streaming home.
SWAT Exlies follows Hondo as he comes out of forced retirement to lead a new, experimental SWAT unit of young, unpredictable recruits. Besides Moore, the cast is made up of other talented actors such as Lucy Barrett, Adain Bradley, Zyra Gorecki, Freddy Miyares, and Ronen Rubinstein. They all make up the recruits.
Will there be any original SWAT cast members returning for Exiles? The answer is yes. Other than Moore, Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will appear in the first episode, reprising their iconic roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks. Hopefully, their appearances are just the beginning, and fans might get to see more familiar faces throughout the season.