Shemar Moore will reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. in the new series S.W.A.T. Exiles, bringing him back shortly after the original S.W.A.T. concluded in May 2025. The spinoff introduces a fresh team while featuring appearances from familiar characters, including David Lim, who returns as Victor Tan in a guest role.
The S.W.A.T. Exiles series was announced immediately following the finale of the original CBS show, positioning Moore not only as the lead actor but also as an executive producer. The show will largely focus on Hondo leading a group of newer recruits, yet longstanding characters such as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, played by Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit respectively, will also make appearances.
Original S.W.A.T. Star David Lim Set to Reappear in Key Episode
David Lim, one of the few actors to remain throughout the entire duration of the original S.W.A.T. drama since 2017, is scheduled to return for the penultimate episode of S.W.A.T. Exiles’ first season. His role as Victor Tan has been highlighted as significant due to the character’s complex personal and professional story arc, which will play a pivotal role in aiding the new team.
Lim expressed frustration regarding the original team’s exclusion from the spinoff’s initial development. On social media, he stated,
It felt like we were brushed aside when there could’ve been a moment of reflection and recognition.
David Lim, Actor
Sony Pictures Television executives, responsible for producing the spinoff, responded by emphasizing their intention to involve more veteran cast members alongside Moore to preserve continuity and honor the series’ legacy.
New Cast Members Join S.W.A.T. Exiles to Form a Fresh Team
The new ensemble cast of S.W.A.T. Exiles will include Lucy Barrett from Deep Water, Adain Bradley known for Warfare, Zyra Gorecki of La Brea, Freddy Miyares from When They See Us, and Ronen Rubinstein of 9-1-1: Lone Star. These actors will portray new recruits facing a high-risk mission that prompts Hondo to return from forced retirement.
Hondo’s leadership will be critical as he manages generational conflicts and diverse personalities within this experimental unit tasked with safeguarding the city. The series is helmed by showrunner and executive producer Jason Ning, although release details and the platform have not yet been revealed.
S.W.A.T. Exiles: Moving Forward After the Original Series Wrap-Up
Despite fans’ hopes for a ninth season of the original S.W.A.T. series, CBS decided to conclude its run to pursue other programming directions. S.W.A.T. Exiles aims to carry forward the essence of the show by reintroducing beloved characters and exploring fresh storylines through its new cast dynamic.
By blending familiar faces like Shemar Moore, Victor Tan, and others with new talent, the spinoff seeks to maintain the connection viewers have with the S.W.A.T. universe, while addressing the challenges faced by a changing team working together under high pressure.
