Jay Harrington, widely recognized for his portrayal of Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay on the acclaimed action series “S.W.A.T.,” recently shared his candid perspective on the announcement of a new spinoff, “S.W.A.T. Exiles.” This news surfaced shortly after the conclusion of the main series, in which Harrington had invested eight seasons of his career, from 2017 to 2025. His reflections revealed a blend of genuine surprise and a nuanced disappointment regarding his, and many of his co-stars’, exclusion from the forthcoming venture.

The original “S.W.A.T.” series, which aired its poignant finale on Friday, May 16, captivated audiences with its portrayal of a dedicated Los Angeles Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics team. The show explored their relentless pursuit of justice against the backdrop of diverse and challenging crimes across the city. Beyond the high-octane action sequences, the series was celebrated for its robust character development and the palpable camaraderie among its ensemble cast. Key members included Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, Alex Russell, David Lim, and Patrick St. Esprit, who, alongside leads Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and Harrington as Deacon Kay, formed a unit that resonated deeply with viewers. Their on-screen chemistry and the intricate personal stories woven into the fabric of their professional lives were integral to the show’s appeal and enduring popularity.

A mere two days after the emotional series finale, on May 18, the entertainment world buzzed with the news that “S.W.A.T. Exiles” was officially in development. The announcement, however, came with a significant caveat: only Shemar Moore was confirmed to reprise his role. This revelation, particularly its timing and selective casting, struck Harrington as entirely unforeseen. In a recent interview, he recounted being completely in the dark about any spinoff discussions throughout the filming of what the cast and crew understood to be the definitive final season. “No. No. Not once,” Harrington stated emphatically when questioned about his awareness of such plans. He contextualized his surprise by referencing the show’s tumultuous production history, marked by repeated cancellations and subsequent revivals. This past volatility had led him to anticipate one of two outcomes: either the team would defy expectations yet again and return for another season, or their journey would simply conclude. “I did not have a spinoff on my bingo card, for sure,” he remarked, underscoring the truly unexpected nature of the announcement within the cast’s collective experience.

Harrington further revealed a testament to the cast’s personal bonds, explaining that Shemar Moore had taken the initiative to privately inform his co-stars before the public announcement. “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,’” Harrington detailed, noting the additional layer of surprise when he discovered that even his own representatives were initially unaware of the unfolding plans. Despite the difficult implications of the news, Harrington was quick to affirm his deep and abiding friendship with Moore, stating, “We’ve been brothers for years, so that doesn’t change.” This sentiment highlights the personal relationships forged over nearly a decade, which often transcend the professional decisions made within the industry.

With a distinguished and extensive career in the entertainment industry, Harrington articulated a pragmatic understanding of its operational realities, acknowledging that he isn’t “owed” anything. However, he also voiced a clear desire for greater transparency and improved communication from the studio regarding such pivotal decisions. He captured a sentiment widely shared by actors, emphasizing a basic human need for consideration and information. “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!’” This statement encapsulates the sometimes-stark contrast between artistic investment and corporate strategy.

For Harrington, the primary source of his initial disappointment was the conspicuous absence of any mention of the broader cast in the initial spinoff announcement. “So if there was any disappointment, it’s that when they announced it, we weren’t mentioned at all,” he shared. While this feeling admittedly “stung” him as a “human being,” he explained that this emotional reaction was fleeting. He quickly reconciled with the inherent “business” aspect of “show business” and redirected his focus toward the enduring positive legacy of his work on the series. “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,” he asserted, prioritizing his pride in the show’s quality and impact.

Harrington’s sentiments were notably echoed by David Lim, who portrayed the dedicated Officer Victor Tan. Lim publicly acknowledged feeling a similar “sting” upon hearing the news of “S.W.A.T. Exiles.” Describing his eight seasons on the show as “one of the great honors of my life,” Lim underscored his profound emotional and professional investment in his character and, crucially, in the deep friendships and team dynamic fostered both on and off-screen. “I’d be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn’t sting,” Lim admitted, expressing particular dismay that the announcement came so swiftly after their finale, seemingly without any recognition for the cast members who had been instrumental in building the show from its very inception. He felt that after eight incredible seasons, the team was somewhat “brushed aside” at a moment when a period of reflection and acknowledgment would have been fitting and deserved. Despite the undeniable hurt, Lim emphatically reiterated his immense pride in their collective achievements, concluding with a powerful statement: “No version of this story can take that away. Thanks for riding with us. Always. Roll SWAT.”

The journey of the “S.W.A.T.” revival, itself a reinterpretation of the classic 1970s cop drama, has been characterized by remarkable resilience and an almost unprecedented ability to overcome adversity. The series famously faced cancellation in 2023, only to be dramatically revived due to overwhelming fan demand for what was then designated a final Season 7. In an even more surprising turn, the network once again picked up the show for an eighth season in 2024. However, this lifeline proved temporary, as the network ultimately decided to pull the plug for good in March of that year. Shemar Moore himself publicly addressed these turbulent times in an emotional Instagram video, expressing profound sadness over the repeated cancellations and emphasizing the extraordinary dedication of the “most amazing crew in Hollywood.” He proudly highlighted the show’s rare feat of being “uncanceled, twice, two years in a row,” an achievement he rightly described as a testament to its enduring appeal and the unwavering hard work of every individual involved in its production.

Despite the unexpected and somewhat bittersweet turn of events surrounding the spinoff, Harrington maintains a pragmatic and open-minded outlook toward the future. He articulated a philosophy of never closing doors, stating, “You never say never, you never close any doors,” regarding a potential return to “S.W.A.T. Exiles” should an opportunity arise. His interest extends to understanding the creative direction of the spinoff and how, if at all, other established characters might be integrated into its narrative. Furthermore, Harrington, who has cultivated a passion for directing over the years, also expressed his openness to exploring that possibility within the expansive “S.W.A.T.” universe, suggesting his desire to remain connected to the franchise in a meaningful capacity.

The situation surrounding “S.W.A.T. Exiles” starkly illuminates the complex dynamics inherent in television production. It underscores how the profound artistic contributions and deeply personal investments of a dedicated cast can, at times, appear to be overshadowed by corporate strategies and purely business-driven decisions. While the actors, with their extensive industry experience, acknowledge these commercial realities, their candid and heartfelt reactions reveal a fundamental human desire for recognition, respect, and transparent communication concerning the collective effort that brought a beloved and impactful show to life for nearly a decade. Ultimately, the legacy of “S.W.A.T.” endures, built not only on its compelling narratives and thrilling action but, perhaps even more significantly, on the powerful camaraderie and profound bonds forged among its cast and crew—a bond that, as Harrington aptly noted, transcends even the most unexpected of spinoff announcements.