S.W.A.T. Spinoff Receives Tax Incentive For Filming In California

The proximity of the announcement to S.W.A.T.‘s cancellation, along with confirmation that Moore would be the only cast member returning, led to controversy among fans. However, S.W.A.T. Exiles has edged a little closer to filming now, with an exciting and important update that will impact production.

Per Gov.ca, S.W.A.T. Exiles is one of 22 shows set to receive a major tax incentive, as it benefits from California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program following Governor Gavin Newsom’s expansion of the program in July. The projects are estimated to generate $1.1 billion for California’s economy and provide over 6,500 new jobs in the process.

What This Means For S.W.A.T. Exiles

The fact that the show is set to receive tax breaks is a huge boost in the run-up to filming. It helps ease the financial burden of creating the show, as well as providing jobs for the cast and crew involved. It also means that more money can be allocated to the budget to help give Exiles the set pieces and action sequences it deserves.

S.W.A.T. was canceled three times during its run; once after season 6, once after season 7, and the final time after season 8.

It also allows the show to film in California, thus giving it symbiosis with its sister show, and ensuring Exiles feels and looks like a S.W.A.T. show. How long the series will run for is unclear, but being able to take advantage of the state’s tax credit program comes with a wealth of advantages, and bodes well for the future.

Our Take On S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Prospects

Hondo looking at a teammate mid-conversation, in SWAT season 8

While there is a school of thought that S.W.A.T. season 9 could simply have been renewed instead of commissioning an entirely new spinoff show, there is every chance Exiles could be a success. If the show runs multiple seasons, California will no doubt continue to be the setting, and there’s a chance for further tax relief.

Hondo remains the breakout character from S.W.A.T., and continuing his journey via Exiles is a fun and exciting way to continue his story, and give him new arcs. It could well be that Exiles functions as a limited series bookending Hondo’s journey, but the hope is that it will be a long-term success and can help boost the California economy for years.