The conclusion of S.W.A.T. after its impactful eight-season run on CBS left many fans and, surprisingly, even some of its core cast members, in a state of mild astonishment regarding the announcement of its upcoming spin-off. Jay Harrington, the accomplished actor who portrayed the steadfast Sgt. David ‘Deacon’ Kay, revealed that the news of S.W.A.T. Exiles came as a surprise, arriving not through official channels during the final season’s production, but rather via a personal text message from lead star Shemar Moore, just a day before the public announcement.

Harrington recounted the moment: “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.” Moore, who plays Sgt. Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson, apparently intended to personally inform his long-time colleagues, adding, “‘your reps will find out shortly.’” This pre-emptive communication from Moore highlights a palpable sense of camaraderie among the cast, even as the professional machinery of Hollywood moved to announce a new chapter. Harrington confirmed the surprise on the professional front, noting that when he subsequently informed his own representatives, “they had no idea.”

The personal text exchange between Harrington and Moore further underscored their enduring bond. Moore had reached out, suggesting, “‘I’m around if you want to give me a call.’” Harrington’s response, “I’m sure you did your best,” speaks volumes about their established friendship and mutual respect. He emphasized, “We’ve been brothers for years, so that doesn’t change,” reaffirming that while industry decisions can be jarring, the personal relationships forged over nearly a decade of working together often transcend such shifts.

The premise of the new spin-off, S.W.A.T. Exiles, signals a fresh direction for the franchise. The series is set to follow Sgt. Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson after a high-profile mission goes awry, prompting his unexpected return from forced retirement. He is tasked with leading a new, experimental S.W.A.T. unit composed of “untested, unpredictable young recruits.” This narrative offers a stark contrast to the seasoned, cohesive team that defined the original series. Moore is slated to reprise his iconic role, and importantly, the production is set to retain the original show’s 200-person crew, maintaining a thread of continuity behind the scenes as filming commences this summer in Los Angeles.

Harrington, a veteran of the entertainment industry, offered a nuanced perspective on the announcement’s timing and its implications. “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.” He articulated his primary, albeit fleeting, disappointment: “if there was any disappointment, it’s that when they announced it, we weren’t mentioned at all. That was it.” Yet, he quickly moved past this sentiment, focusing instead on the positive: “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.’” This pragmatic view, acknowledging the inherent commercial nature of “show business,” allowed him to process the initial sting. “As a human being, of course you’re going to feel stung, but again, I didn’t want to go to that place because I thought, truthfully, ‘It’s show business.’ It’s a business.”

The camaraderie between Moore and Harrington was further highlighted when Moore made a public analogy, comparing himself to NFL star Tom Brady being traded without his former teammates. Harrington clarified his interpretation of this remark, explaining that he and Moore frequently “talk sports all the time.” He chose to give his friend “the benefit of the doubt… because I’ve known him for so long.” Harrington understood that Moore’s intention was not to diminish his former colleagues, but rather to illustrate his personal feeling of moving forward while acknowledging the team he left behind. He humorously noted that if Moore was using that analogy, then the other players—like Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski—were “pretty solid athletes themselves and [potential] Hall of Famers,” implying that the original S.W.A.T. cast members were equally significant contributors.

The original S.W.A.T. series forged a significant identity within the landscape of police procedurals, blending high-octane action with poignant character-driven narratives. At its core, the show explored the complexities of modern policing, societal challenges, and the unwavering bond of a tactical unit dedicated to protecting Los Angeles. Sgt. David ‘Deacon’ Kay, through Harrington’s portrayal, served as the team’s moral compass, a deeply committed family man whose dedication to his squad was paralleled only by his strong ethical code. His journey from a seasoned operator to a trusted leader and mentor was central to the show’s emotional depth, making his potential involvement in Exiles a key point of speculation for fans.

The concept of S.W.A.T. Exiles, with Hondo leading an “experimental” unit of young, untested recruits, presents both exciting opportunities and potential challenges. This new direction allows for fresh narrative arcs, exploring the complexities of building a team from scratch, the clash between raw talent and established protocols, and Hondo’s personal struggle in shaping a disparate group into a cohesive force. However, it also inherently prompts questions about how the new series will acknowledge and honor the legacy of its predecessor, particularly the cherished ensemble dynamic that defined the original S.W.A.T.

When asked about the possibility of reprising his role as Deacon, or contributing in another capacity to the spin-off, Harrington maintained an open stance. “You know, you never say never, you never close any doors.” He expressed a genuine interest in the creative direction: “I’d be interested to see if that’s the direction they go, and, ‘How do they do that?’ That would certainly play a part.” Beyond acting, Harrington has also cultivated a passion for directing over the years, a skill he’s open to employing for the new series. “I’ve also had a great time directing over the years and, and I’ll be open to that possibility if that call [to direct] comes as well. You never say never.” This cautious optimism from Harrington suggests that while the landscape of the S.W.A.T. franchise is evolving, the door remains open for the return of familiar faces, ensuring that the legacy of loyalty and excellence continues into its next compelling chapter.