For eight seasons, CBS’ hit series S.W.A.T. captivated audiences with its high-stakes action and compelling character dynamics. Central to its narrative was the evolving partnership between David “Deacon” Kay, portrayed by Jay Harrington, and Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, played by Shemar Moore. From the outset, the show explored the tension and eventual camaraderie forged after Deacon, a highly respected and experienced officer, was initially passed over for leadership of 20-Squad in favor of the charismatic Hondo. This initial friction matured into a profound and indispensable co-leadership, with both men serving as pillars of wisdom and unwavering support for their team.

The recent announcement of S.W.A.T. EXILES, a new spinoff, came as a complete surprise to Harrington. He revealed there had been absolutely no discussion of any spinoff, including a rumored “S.W.A.T. Academy” concept, throughout the final year or even during the filming of the series finale. Having navigated the show’s turbulent history of cancellations and renewals, Harrington’s expectations were solely for either a ninth season or a definitive end. A spinoff, he candidly stated, “was not on my bingo card, for sure.”

Harrington first learned of the EXILES project just a day before its public announcement. Shemar Moore personally reached out to the cast individually, informing them of the developments and that their representatives would soon be contacted. This preemptive communication from Moore was appreciated, as even Harrington’s own agents were initially unaware. As a seasoned industry veteran, Harrington understands that actors aren’t “owed” anything for their time. While he genuinely wishes EXILES success and grasps the business rationale behind a desire for a “clean break” and a fresh start, his primary disappointment stemmed from the complete omission of the original cast and crew in the initial public announcement. Though a momentary “sting” was felt, he quickly resolved not to let it overshadow the immense pride he holds for eight years of dedicated work.

This sentiment was echoed by co-star David Lim, and Harrington reinforced the need to separate personal feelings from the realities of “show business.” A significant concern for him was the welfare of the extensive crew—a team of approximately 200 individuals, including his own brother who worked as a stunt double for the entire run. These long-standing relationships solidified a close-knit professional family, and the hope is that the spinoff might offer some continuity for this dedicated infrastructure. While understanding the strategic necessity of a new concept, Harrington believes the announcement’s wording could have been more considerate, acknowledging that “you can’t have that concept without the success of the former.” His deep friendship with Moore remains unaffected, exemplified by his supportive response to Moore’s initial text: “I’m sure you did your best.”

The evolution of the Hondo and Deacon dynamic was a core strength of S.W.A.T. from day one. Harrington reflected on how this initial “Hondo versus Deacon” narrative matured, making Deacon’s eventual acceptance of his role particularly rewarding to portray. The series finale beautifully encapsulated this journey, culminating in a poignant moment where Deacon distributes watches to the team, and Hondo declares, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” This heartfelt exchange served as a deliberate acknowledgment from the writers of their intertwined contributions. Harrington also praised the finale’s ambitious production, describing it as “a bear of an episode to shoot.” He recalled his pride watching a wrap party sizzle reel, a montage of seasons showcasing remarkable stunts, reinforcing his amazement at what the team consistently achieved, particularly in an era of stringent broadcast television budgets.

Harrington possesses no inside information regarding the specific plot of EXILES, including the circumstances leading to Hondo’s potential retirement. He noted that the rigorous standards for becoming a S.W.A.T. officer were a consistent theme in the original series, suggesting the new writing staff will face creative challenges in maintaining that authenticity. As for Deacon Kay’s potential involvement in the spinoff, Harrington maintains an open mind, stating, “You never say never.” He expresses interest in how such a return might be structured, perhaps with Deacon in a commanding role. Beyond acting, Harrington has also found immense fulfillment directing several S.W.A.T. episodes, including the 150th, and would welcome future directing opportunities. He particularly cherishes securing a small speaking role for his brother in one of his directed episodes, a testament to the family atmosphere on set.

When reflecting on what he will miss most about playing Deacon, Harrington highlighted the character’s quiet strength, his unwavering Catholic faith, and his commitment to family—qualities he noted are rarely seen together in contemporary television. The overwhelming outpouring of fan support since the show’s conclusion has deeply moved him, underscoring the profound impact Deacon and the series had on viewers’ lives.

Looking ahead, Harrington is adapting to the modern entertainment landscape, acknowledging the shift from in-person auditions to self-taped submissions. He humorously framed his mixed emotions about S.W.A.T.’s ending and the immediate spinoff with a poignant analogy: “Imagine you have a relationship for eight years and you go your separate ways and you break up, and it’s on decent terms…. and then two days later you see your ex announce their engagement.” Despite the bittersweet transition, he remains deeply grateful, recognizing the privilege of “playing cops and robbers” for eight years.

Finally, Harrington addressed Shemar Moore’s widely discussed “Tom Brady” analogy. Given their long-standing friendship and shared love for sports, Harrington granted Moore the “benefit of the doubt,” understanding that Moore’s intent was not to diminish the cast’s contributions. He clarified that the cast members were “released,” not “traded,” but recognized Moore’s comparison as likening them to elite athletes. Harrington believes Moore’s analogy was a reflection of a sentiment he himself had shared: that their on-screen partnership was akin to “Magic and Bird”—two legendary figures who consistently elevated each other’s game. This powerful comparison truly captures the essence of their collaborative spirit, a belief Harrington knows Moore wholeheartedly shares.