The landscape of network television is constantly evolving, with established franchises often seeking to expand their universes through spin-offs. Such is the case with CBS’s popular action-drama S.W.A.T., a show that has captivated audiences for eight seasons with its high-stakes operations, compelling character arcs, and exploration of complex social issues. Centered around Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore) and his elite S.W.A.T. unit, the series has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among its on-screen team, a bond that often extends to the cast and crew behind the scenes. However, recent announcements regarding a proposed spin-off, S.W.A.T. Exiles, have introduced a layer of complexity and mixed emotions, particularly for long-standing cast members.

Jay Harrington, who has skillfully portrayed the steadfast and principled David “Deacon” Kay since the show’s premiere, recently offered a candid glimpse into his reaction to the S.W.A.T. Exiles news. In an interview, Harrington recounted how he learned of the planned series: “It was the day before. Shemar reached out to all of us to say, ‘This is what’s going on…,’ and, you know, there’s talk that they’ll reach out to us about stuff. He wanted to be the one to tell us, and say ‘your reps will find out shortly.’ That’s when I told my reps, and they had no idea.” This revelation underscores a common tension in the entertainment industry: the disconnect between studio decisions and the immediate awareness of the talent whose work forms the very foundation of these franchises. Being informed by a peer, rather than through official channels, can understandably lead to a sense of being an afterthought, despite years of dedicated service.

Harrington, a seasoned actor with extensive experience in the business, expressed his nuanced perspective on the situation, carefully articulating the fine line between expectation and reality. “Look, I’ll be very clear. I’ve been in this business for a long time. You don’t get ‘owed’ things just because you put in your time. If that’s the route they’re going to go, I wish it success.” This statement reflects a pragmatic understanding of Hollywood’s often ruthless economic imperatives. While acknowledging that loyalty doesn’t automatically equate to entitlement, Harrington subtly highlighted the importance of professional courtesy and clear communication. He continued, “It’s just a fine line between ‘owed’ and ‘just let me know,’ for the studio just to say, ‘Hey, this is what we’re thinking…. It’s a new idea, but this is the route we gotta go, and unfortunately the way it’s structured, we want to make a clean break, start fresh.’ Well, what do you say to that? ‘OK, well, good luck!’ So if there was any disappointment, it’s that when they announced it, we weren’t mentioned at all. That was it. And it was short-lived because I thought, ‘I’m not going to let that take away from what I know in my heart is eight years of putting in some great work.'”

His words resonate with the experiences of many actors who dedicate a significant portion of their careers to a single project. The desire for a “clean break” to “start fresh” from a studio’s perspective can often inadvertently dismiss the contributions of those who built the original success. The omission of the original cast in the initial announcement was a notable point of contention, suggesting a lack of consideration for the established community and fanbase that has grown to love the existing characters and their actors. While the disappointment was fleeting for Harrington, quickly replaced by a reaffirmation of his own pride in his work, it nevertheless highlights the emotional impact of such business decisions.

Despite these reservations, Harrington’s overall feelings about S.W.A.T. Exiles are a “mixed bag.” A significant positive for him is the assurance that the spin-off, which will be spearheaded by Lucifer showrunner Jason Ning, aims to keep the original S.W.A.T. behind-the-scenes crew employed. This includes his own brother, a personal connection that undoubtedly softens the blow of other perceived slights. This aspect underscores the broader ecosystem of television production, where the welfare of the entire crew is often a priority for cast members who have formed tight bonds over many years.

Harrington also addressed the controversial remarks made by Shemar Moore, who famously referred to himself as the “Tom Brady of the action drama series.” Moore’s comment, while intended to highlight his dedication and leadership, was interpreted by some as potentially diminishing the contributions of his co-stars. Harrington, however, offered a more charitable interpretation: “I heard about it — I didn’t see it — and then when I saw it, I said, ‘I know this guy and he’s not trying to diminish us,’ because, hey, if he’s using that analogy, Julian Edelman. Rob Gronkowski… they’re pretty solid athletes themselves and [potential] Hall of Famers. I tried to not take that as a personal anything.” This response speaks volumes about the genuine camaraderie and understanding that exists within the S.W.A.T. cast. It illustrates a willingness to interpret potentially inflammatory statements through the lens of a long-standing friendship and professional respect, seeing it as a celebration of collective achievement rather than individual ego.

The abrupt nature of the S.W.A.T. Exiles announcement, which also affected actors like David Lim, was reportedly driven by Sony Pictures Television’s eagerness to present the project to potential buyers at a recent industry event. This urgency, typical in the competitive world of television development, meant that the spin-off, still without a confirmed platform, was pushed forward quickly, possibly at the expense of internal communication. However, there has since been a reassuring development: Sony executives have indicated that the door remains open for original S.W.A.T. cast members to reprise their roles in some capacity within the Exiles universe.

This prospect is particularly significant for characters like Deacon Kay. Outside of Shemar Moore’s confirmed return as Hondo, there has been no specific casting news for S.W.A.T. Exiles. Yet, if any of Hondo’s trusted allies were to transition to the spin-off, Harrington’s Deacon arguably represents the most logical and impactful choice for a recurring role, if not a more central one. Deacon, with his strong moral compass, unwavering loyalty, and extensive tactical experience, has been a foundational pillar of the S.W.A.T. team. His family life and personal struggles have provided depth and relatability to the series, making him a fan favorite.

Introducing Deacon into S.W.A.T. Exiles would serve multiple critical purposes. It would provide an essential bridge for the existing fanbase, offering a familiar face and a sense of continuity in a new setting. This familiarity could help mitigate the initial “contentious” reception of the spin-off by grounding it in the established universe and character dynamics that audiences already cherish. Furthermore, Deacon’s presence would lend immediate credibility and gravitas to the new team, embodying the core values and professionalism that define S.W.A.T., thereby putting Exiles on a stronger path to success. The challenge for any spin-off is to attract new viewers while retaining the loyalty of the original show’s audience. Integrating beloved characters like Deacon could be a strategic move to achieve this delicate balance, ensuring that the “clean break” is not so clean as to alienate the very foundation upon which the new series hopes to build.