SHEMAR MOORE ADDRESSES ‘SWAT’ SPINOFF WITHOUT ORIGINAL CAST: “NOBODY LIKES CHANGE”
Shemar Moore is speaking candidly about the upcoming SWAT spinoff, SWAT: Exiles, which is moving forward without the original cast. In a video shared to his Instagram on Monday, Moore acknowledged the mixed reactions surrounding the project, stating, “Nobody likes change, but without change, you can’t grow. You can’t win without taking your lumps.”
Moore, who played Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson for eight seasons on the CBS drama, will return in the new spinoff, which follows his character coming out of forced retirement to lead an experimental SWAT team of young, unpredictable recruits. Despite his enthusiasm for the new chapter, Moore admitted he “might catch some flak” from fans and industry peers.
Addressing the absence of his former castmates, Moore compared himself to a football leader: “That’s not arrogant, that’s not ego, it’s a fact. I’m the quarterback. I’m Shemar Moore, aka Hondo.” He went on to express deep respect for his past co-stars, saying, “I love you, I respect you, I appreciate you… That’s my family for life.”
The actor made it clear that while he is proud to lead the new version of the show, the decision to move forward wasn’t meant to dismiss the contributions of his old team. “Just like in sports, Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but people get traded… but the teams keep on pushing with their quarterback and I’m that guy,” Moore said. “So proud, so grateful. I’m not gonna apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and excited about the future. I’m excited that SWAT gets to keep playing ball.”
SWAT: Exiles, produced by Sony Pictures Television, is scheduled to begin filming this summer. While no former castmembers have confirmed a return, Moore remains optimistic and focused on what lies ahead.
The original SWAT series concluded its eighth and final season recently after surviving multiple cancellations and revivals. Moore had been vocal about trying to keep the show alive after CBS ended it earlier this year. Now, with Exiles, he’s set to carry the torch into a new era—solo.
COMMENTARY:
The upcoming SWAT: Exiles spinoff has some major expectations to meet, and it better deliver right out of the gate if it hopes to survive more than a season or two. CBS’s original SWAT had a loyal fanbase, and while Shemar Moore’s return as Hondo will help bring some of those fans back, the absence of the original cast will be a tough pill for many to swallow. That’s not just nostalgia—it’s a real concern about the chemistry and emotional depth that a brand-new lineup might struggle to replicate. Without that familiar dynamic, Exiles is already starting on shaky ground.
The premise itself—Hondo leading a rogue team of “untested, unpredictable young recruits”—has potential, but it’s also risky. That setup sounds more like a reboot than a continuation, and viewers are naturally wary of shows that feel like they’re trying too hard to be edgy or different. The writing, direction, and character development are going to have to be sharp from day one. Viewers won’t give this show a long runway to figure things out. If the emotional stakes aren’t high and the action isn’t compelling, audiences may tune out quickly.
There’s also the broader issue of spinoff fatigue. We’ve seen countless shows try to recapture magic with reboots, sequels, or spinoffs that rarely reach the quality of the original. This one is even trickier because it’s not launching from a long-dormant brand; it’s continuing something that just recently ended. That kind of quick transition raises the bar. Fans will be directly comparing Exiles to SWAT week after week, especially with only one returning character anchoring the show.
Still, Shemar Moore is a force of nature on screen, and his passion for the franchise is obvious. His leadership, both in character and behind the scenes, gives Exiles a fighting chance. “I’m not gonna apologize for nothing,” he said, and he shouldn’t—he’s earned the shot to continue leading the charge. But even he knows the pressure’s on. This isn’t just a victory lap; it’s a second chance that has to prove its worth quickly.
Ultimately, SWAT: Exiles will need to be more than just a platform for Moore—it will need to introduce fresh but grounded characters, deliver the intense action that fans expect, and justify its existence beyond nostalgia. If it does all that, it could grow into something special. If it doesn’t, it might not make it past its rookie season. The stakes are high, and the show has no margin for mediocrity.
ARTICLE:
LINK TO SHEMAR MOORE’S VIDEO:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ2qSvLSVpI/?igsh=MWJpaW5hdGllMHIzdA==
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