The studio behind SWAT — and the show’s lead actor — are taking another shot at keeping the franchise going.
Sony Pictures Television has greenlit a spinoff of the crime procedural titled SWAT Exiles. Like the recently ended CBS series, Exiles will star Shemar Moore, reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson as he works with a team of young recruits. Sony will also distribute the series worldwide and will shop it to potential buyers in the near future.
The studio made the announcement Sunday evening at its annual L.A. Screenings event.
“We are thrilled to usher this beloved franchise into a new era with SWAT Exiles,” said Sony Pictures TV chairman Keith Le Goy said in a statement. “We believe in championing powerful storytelling and in our teams’ exceptional ability to create and deliver these stories to audiences around the world. This belief is embedded in our DNA and central to every decision we make.”
Jason Ning (The Brothers Sun, Mrs. Davis) will be the showrunner on the spinoff as part of a recently renewed overall deal with Sony (Ning is also working on the studio’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series, which is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, with Ron Moore). Ning will executive produce SWAT Exiles with SWAT EPs Shemar Moore, Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, and James Scura.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Sony to bring SWAT Exiles to life,” said Ning. “It’s an incredible honor to carry forward the legacy of a show that fans around the world have come to love. Working with Shemar Moore, who defines what it means to be a leading man, and introducing a new generation of characters into this world is a dream.”
Sony has ordered 10 episodes of Exiles, with development going on now. The studio hopes to begin production in the summer in Los Angeles, noting that the spinoff will keep about 200 members of SWAT’s L.A.-based crew employed.
“My eight seasons on SWAT have been epic and memorable. We entertained the world, defied the odds, came back from the dead twice, and continued to woo fans and families worldwide,” said Moore. “I am excited for this next generation and iteration of SWAT with Sony. [Sony Pictures TV Studios president] Katherine Pope, Neal H. Moritz, Jason Ning, and I will keep the franchise, thrill ride action, heartfelt drama, and storytelling of SWAT alive.”
Added Pope, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the next chapter of SWAT to life — both for our incredibly dedicated fans of the original franchise and for a new generation of viewers,” said Pope. “We’re grateful to our incredible partners Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Jason Ning and Shemar Moore for embarking on this journey with us. This team’s commitment to the global fanbase, to our beloved crew and to our city runs deep.”
The spinoff announcement comes just two days after SWAT concluded after eight seasons on CBS. The network initially canceled the series after its sixth season in 2023, then reversed course and renewed SWAT for what was billed as a seventh and final season. CBS then changed its mind again and ordered an eighth season before canceling the show for a second time in March. Seasons one through seven of SWAT stream on Netflix, while the just-finished eighth season is on CBS’ sibling streamer Paramount+.
Here is Sony’s description of SWAT Exiles: “After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance, experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is.”
After CBS announced SWAT’s cancellation in March, Moore said in an Instagram video that he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the show — and called out potential new homes for the series: “Hey, Netflix, how you doing?” Moore said. “Netflix, if you’re interested in a show that is in autopilot that the world is watching, we’d love to come play. NBC, Fox, ABC, hey, you want to come flirt with me? You’re invited to the barbecue. Pick your favorite restaurant. I will pay the bill.”
