S.W.A.T. comes back to life again as spin-off Exiles

Sony Pictures Television is currently searching for the "right homes and partners" for the series.

By Emma Keates  |  May 19, 2025 | 9:36am
Photo: CBS
TV News S.W.A.T.
S.W.A.T. comes back to life again as spin-off Exiles

Hondo only got to retire for two full days before Sony Pictures Television pulled him back into the action. Last night, SPT announced S.W.A.T. Exiles, a spinoff to the popular action series that CBS finally managed to kill in March. The network had tried twice before, but its producers had clearly taken some cues from their own story and fought tooth and nail to bring it back. S.W.A.T.‘s original run officially ended on May 16 after eight seasons—two days before SPT announced Exiles, a series it says “underscores SPT’s commitment to producing high-quality content and enhances the value of key intellectual property (IP) in the evolving television landscape.”

In other words, it’s familiar. In fact, the new show, which will see Shemar Moore reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, sounds a lot like the season nine that never was. “In this spin-off of the hit series, after a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is,” the series’ logline reads.

SPT greenlit and put the 10-episode series into production before finding it a home. While it’s unclear if CBS will take it again, Variety speculates that the show could potentially also find a slot on Netflix, which currently hosts the rest of the S.W.A.T. library. Either way, the team seems pretty pumped about the whole thing.

“My eight seasons on S.W.A.T. have been epic and memorable. We entertained the world, defied the odds, came back from the dead twice, and continued to woo fans and families worldwide,” Moore said in a statement. “I am excited for this next generation and iteration of S.W.A.T. with Sony. Katherine Pope, Neal H. Moritz, Jason Ning, and I will keep the franchise, thrill ride action, heartfelt drama, and storytelling of S.W.A.T. alive. WE DON’T LOSE!!!! ROLL SWAT!!!”

There are definitely fans out there—not to mention the show’s 200-person local crews that SPT claims this spinoff is keeping employed—that match his excitement. They can hang out with Hondo again whenever S.W.A.T. Exiles rolls into a new home.

 
Join the discussion...