Shemar Moore returns as Hondo in ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ a 10-episode spinoff greenlit by Sony. Production starts this summer in LA.
Hollywood’s toughest cop isn’t hanging up his badge just yet. Days after CBS aired the series finale of its long-running procedural S.W.A.T., Sony Pictures Television has unveiled plans for a spinoff that will see Shemar Moore return as the indefatigable Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
Titled S.W.A.T. Exiles, the new series has been greenlit for a 10-episode first season and is slated to begin production this summer in Los Angeles, with Jason Ning (Lucifer, The Brothers Sun) tapped as showrunner.
The original S.W.A.T., a reboot of the 1970s series and the 2003 film, ran for eight seasons on CBS, from November 2017 to May 2025. It was a rollercoaster ride of a tenure, marked by three cancellations and two dramatic reversals fueled by fan outcry and intense negotiations between CBS and Sony.
The first cancellation came in May 2023, only for the network to reverse course days later, granting a 13-episode “final” seventh season. That decision was upended again when CBS ordered an eighth season, but in March 2025, the network pulled the plug for good, citing financial considerations after failing to reach renewal terms with Sony.
The two-hour series finale, which aired May 16, 2025, delivered a mix of high-octane action—car jackers, Russian mercenaries—and emotional closure, wrapping up key storylines while subtly nodding to potential future adventures.
Enter S.W.A.T. Exiles. Per the official logline, the spinoff will follow Hondo as he’s “pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits.”
The series promises a fresh dynamic, with Hondo navigating generational divides and clashing personalities to mold a ragtag group into a tight-knit team capable of upholding the SWAT legacy that defined his career.
It’s a compelling evolution for a character who has been the heart of the franchise since its inception, blending his signature grit with a mentorship role that could open new storytelling avenues.
Moore, who has portrayed Hondo for over 170 episodes, is clearly thrilled to extend the character’s journey. “My eight seasons on S.W.A.T. have been epic and memorable,” he said in a statement. “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 S.W.A.T. with Sony.” Beyond starring, Moore will also executive produce alongside Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and James Scura, ensuring continuity with the original’s creative DNA.
Sony Pictures Television Studios president Katherine Pope underscored the spinoff’s dual appeal. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the next chapter of S.W.A.T. to life—both for our incredibly dedicated fans of the original franchise and for a new generation of viewers,” she said.
“We’re grateful to our incredible partners Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Jason Ning, and Shemar Moore for embarking on this journey with us. This team’s commitment to the global fanbase, to our beloved crew, and to our city runs deep.”
Jason Ning, fresh off a renewed overall deal with Sony, brings a pedigreed résumé to the table. His credits include the devilishly fun Lucifer and the action-packed The Brothers Sun, plus an upcoming TV adaptation of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. “It’s an incredible honor to carry forward the legacy of a show that fans around the world have come to love,” Ning said, signaling his intent to balance reverence for the original with a bold new vision.
Unlike its predecessor, S.W.A.T. Exiles won’t be tethered to CBS—at least not yet. Sony plans to shop the 10-episode season to a range of buyers, from streamers to broadcast networks to cable outlets.
With the original series’ first seven seasons currently streaming on Netflix (and season eight headed to Paramount+ later this year), speculation is rife that the spinoff could land on a platform with an existing S.W.A.T. footprint.
Moore himself has been vocal about Netflix as a potential savior, having publicly urged the streamer to rescue the show after its 2023 cancellation scare. “If you’re interested in a show that is on autopilot that the world is watching, we’d love to come play,” he said in an Instagram plea at the time.
The spinoff will introduce a largely new cast, with Moore as the anchor. No additional actors have been announced, but the door remains ajar for familiar faces. “Nobody died,” Moore teased in a recent interview about the finale.
“And in the world of Hollywood, anything can happen.” That ambiguity has fans buzzing about possible cameos from original cast members like Alex Russell (Jim Street) or Lina Esco (Chris Alonso), though nothing is confirmed.
Moore’s passion for S.W.A.T. has been a driving force behind its resilience. After the 2023 cancellation, he called it a “fucking mistake” and rallied fans to “make some noise,” a campaign that paid off with the seventh-season renewal.
Even after the final ax fell in March 2025, he remained defiant, expressing gratitude for the ride while hinting at more to come. That optimism has now borne fruit with S.W.A.T. Exiles, a testament to his—and the fans’—unwavering commitment.
Social media is already lighting up with excitement. “Heck yeah I will follow Hondo!! I love my Hondo!!!” one fan posted on X. Another wrote, “Fantastic, Hondo is back baby!” The enthusiasm reflects the global reach of a series that, at its peak, drew over 6 million viewers per episode and thrived in international syndication.
For now, S.W.A.T. Exiles is poised to hit the ground running, with production kicking off this summer in Los Angeles. Where it lands—and when fans can expect to see it—remains an open question. But one thing is certain: Hondo’s story isn’t over.
As Moore and his new team gear up to chase bad guys and blow up stuff once more, S.W.A.T. proves it’s a franchise that refuses to stay down. Stay tuned.
Source Deadline
