Shemar Moore is leaving S.W.A.T following its cancelation this year to join a new spinoff, and sadly, none of his former cast members will be joining him. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that CBS would be canceling S.W.A.T after eight seasons. While this may have been a bummer for long-time S.W.A.T fans, the cancelation isn’t that shocking. Previously, the drama series was initially canceled in 2023, only to be brought back the following year and canceled again in 2024, only to return once again. However, it seems this cancelation may actually stick.

On May 19, Moore shared an Instagram video of himself, breaking the news that he will be the only returning cast member from S.W.A.T to appear on the new spinoff series, S.W.A.T Exiles. While Moore is sad he won’t be working with his amazing cast members anymore he is excited about the future with the new spinoff. Moore explained in the Instagram video:

This is from my heart. Now I might catch some flak from the industry with what I’m about to say, and probably, most likely, from the fans. Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100%, but without change, you can’t grow. You can’t win without taking your lumps. S.W.A.T. EXILES, baby, we won the battle.

What Shemar Moore’s Character Will Bring To The Spinoff Follow The S.W.A.T Cancelation

Up until S.W.A.T season 8, Moore played the lead role of Sergeant II Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. He will continue to play this same character in S.W.A.T Exiles. The spinoff is said to begin after “a high-profile mission goes sideways,” according to People. Hondo, played by Moore, will come out of retirement to lead an experimental S.W.A.T. unit, which will include a group of inexperienced recruits who must overcome clashing personalities and generational divides. Hondo aims to turn these new recruits into a capable team, protecting the city and saving the program that he loves.

S.W.A.T Exiles is set to start filming over the summer in Los Angeles, with a premiere date still unclear. However, Moore will not only lead the show but will also be credited as an executive producer. So far, it seems Hondo will continue to be a large part of the S.W.A.T universe going into this new spinoff.

Our Take On Shemar Moore Joining The S.W.A.T Spinoff

Moore joing the S.W.A.T spinoff makes sense overall, but it’s understandable why many viewers might be upset. Besides Hondo, other S.W.A.T characters like Jim Street and Captain Jessica Cortez had a huge impact on the show and the reason it was on for eight seasons. Moore is the most well-known celebrity from the series, plus Hondo is the most popular charater known to people whether or not their huge fans of the show. If one person had to be chose for S.W.A.T Exiles, Moore was the right choice.