The landscape of television is ever-evolving, and even established franchises can face unexpected turns. Such is the case with the acclaimed police procedural series S.W.A.T., whose dedicated cast found themselves in an unexpected position following the sudden announcement of a new spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles. Jay Harrington, who has portrayed the steadfast David “Deacon” Kay since the series premiere, recently shared his candid thoughts on this development, offering a nuanced perspective that blends professional understanding with a palpable sense of personal disappointment regarding the communication – or lack thereof – surrounding the new project.

Harrington, a veteran of the industry, learned about the Exiles series just a day before the public announcement, not from the studio, but from his co-star Shemar Moore. Moore, playing the lead role of Hondo, took it upon himself to inform the cast, relaying that “This is what’s going on… your reps will find out shortly.” This pre-emptive communication from a colleague, rather than an official studio channel, speaks volumes about the initial disconnect. Harrington’s own representatives, upon being informed by the actor, confirmed they had “no idea” about the impending news.

This abrupt revelation forms the core of Harrington’s mixed feelings. As he articulated, “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.” This statement reflects a pragmatic understanding of the capricious nature of the entertainment industry, where careers can be fleeting and loyalty is not always a currency. However, he quickly drew a “fine line between ‘owed’ and ‘just let me know’.” His sentiment was not one of entitlement, but rather a desire for basic respect and transparency from the studio. He imagined a more ideal scenario where the studio might have said, “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.” Such a conversation, even if delivering unwelcome news, would have offered a sense of acknowledgment for the actors’ eight years of dedication.

The true disappointment, Harrington revealed, lay in the fact that “when they announced it, we weren’t mentioned at all.” This omission, a stark public silence regarding the existing cast, underscored the feeling of being sidelined. Yet, he quickly moved past it, declaring, “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 resilience highlights the professional pride and commitment of an actor who understands the demands of his craft, even when the business side falls short of expectations.

Beyond the initial shock, Harrington presented a “mixed bag” of reactions to S.W.A.T. Exiles. On the positive side, the spinoff, which will be spearheaded by Lucifer showrunner Jason Ning, promises to keep a significant portion of the original S.W.A.T. behind-the-scenes crew employed – a crucial aspect for many working in the industry, and one that directly benefits Harrington, as his own brother is part of that crew. This demonstrates a collective concern for the broader S.W.A.T. family, extending beyond just the on-screen talent.

Harrington also addressed the controversial remarks made by Shemar Moore, who had referred to himself as the “Tom Brady of the action drama series.” While some might have interpreted this as boastful or dismissive of his co-stars, Harrington offered a more generous reading. “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,’” he explained. He drew parallels to Brady’s legendary teammates like Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, acknowledging their individual prowess. For Harrington, it was not a personal slight, but perhaps a hyperbolic expression of leadership, understanding that Moore, as the lead, often takes on a public-facing role for the entire team. This diplomatic response further emphasizes the camaraderie among the S.W.A.T. cast, even when navigating sensitive public statements.

The underlying issue for Harrington, and indeed for other actors like David Lim, was not necessarily the creation of a spinoff but the method of its announcement. Sony Pictures Television’s eagerness to present the project to potential buyers at a recent event, even before securing a platform for Exiles, reportedly led to the rushed and uncommunicated unveiling. This studio imperative to secure financing and distribution often overrides concerns for talent relations, presenting a stark reminder of the corporate realities behind creative endeavors. Nevertheless, Sony executives have since indicated that the door remains open for former S.W.A.T. cast members to reprise their roles in some capacity, a pragmatic move that offers a potential bridge between the two iterations of the franchise.

The character of David “Deacon” Kay has been an integral part of S.W.A.T. since its inception. A family man, a seasoned officer, and Hondo’s loyal second-in-command, Deacon often served as the moral compass and a voice of experience within the unit. His character arc, from grappling with leadership aspirations to balancing demanding police work with family life, resonated deeply with audiences. The original S.W.A.T. series itself faced its own moment of uncertainty, being briefly canceled before a fervent fan campaign, bolstered by the cast and crew’s outspoken passion, led to its renewal. This prior experience of fighting for the show’s survival likely amplified the cast’s desire for greater inclusion and transparency regarding the franchise’s future. The show’s narrative consistently emphasized themes of loyalty, teamwork, and the “family” dynamic within the S.W.A.T. team, making the unceremonious handling of the spinoff announcement feel particularly discordant with the very values the series espoused.

Given Deacon’s pivotal role and the bond he shares with Hondo, many, including Harrington himself, believe his presence would be critical for S.W.A.T. Exiles to truly succeed. While Shemar Moore is expected to return as Hondo, no other casting has been confirmed. However, if any of Hondo’s original team were to join him, Harrington’s Deacon arguably makes the most compelling case for a recurring role. His return would not only provide a familiar, grounding presence for long-time fans but also lend immediate credibility and gravitas to the new series. Deacon represents continuity, a bridge to the established universe, and his seasoned perspective would be invaluable in integrating new characters and narratives. His absence would leave a noticeable void, potentially alienating a fanbase deeply invested in the ensemble’s chemistry and established relationships.

Ultimately, Jay Harrington’s reflections encapsulate the delicate balance between professional pragmatism and personal investment in the challenging world of television production. While understanding that actors are not “owed” roles, he underscores the human element of dedicating years to a character and a show. The desire for simple communication and acknowledgment, rather than being caught off-guard, speaks to a fundamental need for respect within any collaborative endeavor. The future of S.W.A.T. Exiles remains to be seen, but the potential for characters like Deacon to return offers a promising path forward, one that could honor the legacy of the original series while forging a new identity, ultimately reinforcing the idea that a truly successful franchise respects its past as it builds its future.