‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Finds Home: Premiere Date Set at Starz
Just two days after the S.W.A.T. series finale aired in May, it was announced that won’t be the last time we see Shemar Moore playing Hondo. The show was, in a way, brought back from cancellation yet again. Less than six months later, production officially began on the spinoff series. And now, on June 29, the series has found a home. S.W.A.T. Exiles will air on Starz in the U.S.
“The response to S.W.A.T. Exiles has been extraordinary and is a testament to the strength of the franchise, as well as the passion and commitment of Shemar Moore, Jason Ning and Neal H. Moritz, who have been outstanding partners throughout the process,” said Keith Le Goy, Chairman, Sony Pictures Television. “As we continue to expand the S.W.A.T. universe, this project reflects our broader strategy of making bold investments in premium IP and leveraging our independent studio model to identify opportunities, move quickly and maximize value around the world. The commitment from STARZ, combined with robust worldwide sales, validates both the franchise’s lasting appeal and the strength of Sony’s global business.”
Added Moore, “S.W.A.T. Exiles is coming in hot! I couldn’t be more excited that STARZ is bringing this next chapter to audiences in the U.S. A huge thank you to Sony Pictures Television for believing in this franchise and continuing to invest in what we’ve built together. What makes this moment even more special is that we’re reaching audiences in all major territories worldwide. Fans everywhere will get to experience this epic new ride together.”
“S.W.A.T. Exiles engages a deeply passionate fanbase that aligns strongly with our audience,” said Alison Hoffman, President, STARZ Networks. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Sony to be the first place U.S. fans can experience this thrilling new chapter in the franchise.”
Sony Pictures Television
Read on for everything we know so far about S.W.A.T. Exiles, from the cast (and who’s returning) to what it’s about and more.
When will S.W.A.T. Exiles premiere?
S.W.A.T. Exiles will premiere on Friday, September 25.
On May 18, Sony Pictures Television announced a series order for a spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles, with Moore reprising his role as Hondo, Sony Pictures Television will produce and distribute the 10-episode series globally and, at the time, said to be focused on finding the right homes and partners for these new stories. Jason Ning will serve as showrunner.
“My eight seasons on S.W.A.T. 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. I am excited for this next generation and iteration of S.W.A.T. with Sony. Katherine Pope, Neal H. Moritz, Jason Ning, and I will keep the franchise, thrill ride action, heartfelt drama, and storytelling of S.W.A.T. alive. WE DON’T LOSE!!!! ROLL SWAT!!!,” said Shemar Moore in a statement.
“We are thrilled to usher this beloved franchise into a new era with S.W.A.T. EXILES,” said Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television. “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.”
Added Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the next chapter of S.W.A.T. to life — both for our incredibly dedicated fans of the original franchise and for a new generation of viewers. 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!”
Production had officially begun as of October 9, 2025. Moore confirmed the news in a statement.
“Get ready for S.W.A.T. 2.0!” he said. “After eight incredible years of defying the odds and entertaining the world, we’re about to take the franchise to a whole new level—bigger, better, and edgier. With a fresh cast and a darker, more intense Hondo, we’re ready to bring this story to life and show you what we’ve created together. Thanks to the fans and Sony for keeping us alive, you won’t want to miss what’s next.”
Ning added, “It’s been electric being back on set. You can feel the creative energy shift. We’re honoring what made S.W.A.T. great while reinventing it through this scrappier, more character-driven lens. The new cast came in hungry, the crew’s firing on all cylinders, and it already feels like Exiles has its own heartbeat.”
Where will S.W.A.T. Exiles air?
The series will air, in the U.S., on Starz.
What is S.W.A.T. Exiles about?
In S.W.A.T. Exiles, the logline teases, “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.
Who’s in the S.W.A.T. Exiles cast?
Moore is back as Hondo. And on Monday, September 8, it was announced that Jay Harrington (Sergeant David ‘Deacon’ Kay) and Patrick St. Esprit (Commander Robert Hicks) will appear in the first episode. They starred alongside Moore across all eight seasons of the CBS series. David Lim, who also starred in all eight seasons, will reprise his role as Victor Tan in the penultimate episode.
We’ll have to wait to see if anyone else who was still on 20-Squad alongside Hondo and Deacon — Powell (Anna Enger Ritch), Alfaro (Niko Pepaj), and Gamble (Annie Ilonzeh) — will show up in this new series.
It has also been announced that Lucy Barrett, Adain Bradley, Zyra Gorecki, Freddy Miyares, and Ronen Rubinstein have joined as series regulars. They all appeared with Moore in the first photo from the set (below).
Sony
Joining showrunner Ning as executive producers are Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, Shemar Moore, James Scura, and Jon Cowan. Kevin Tancharoen will direct the first episode.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Sony to bring S.W.A.T. Exiles to life. 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,” said Ning when the series was first announced.
How did S.W.A.T. end?
S.W.A.T. ended its eight-season run on CBS with Hondo still leading 20-Squad and the team heading out to respond to another call like any other day.
Is there a S.W.A.T. Exiles trailer?
Not yet, but you can check out first-look photos here.
Conversation116 Comments
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G
I’m so happy but I would like to see his same team please. I am so looking forward to the show. I wish the old crew can come back and show Street and Kris getting married.
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G
But if they can’t come back have the last ones they finish off the 8th season, Please make sure that very handsome Deacon is with that very handsome Hondo
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O
For this to succeed, you do need the whole team of original SWAT
It wasn't just Sherman Moore that made this series great, it took all of them. To succeed the bring the whole team back.
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B
Sherman?!?!? Who’s Sherman?????
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P
I hope they bring back all the actors, they played off one another so well. I hope they don’t make it into another Boston Blue.
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C
Don't hold your breath to see the show's 'regulars' on this version... the article states that Hondo will be working with a bunch of newbies.
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O
SWAT has to continue. Shemar is the best. Stories are great. So glad to see the spinoff coming.
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G
I am thrilled that SWAT will continue! I’m sure that with Shemar Moore attached, it will be great!
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G
I am so excited to hear that Shemar Moore will be back in a new S.W.AT series. Looking forward to watching it in the coming season.
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R
I Am So Excited To See This! My Evening Has Been Made Better! With This "Awesome News"
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G
Apparently there is a time lapse with Hondo coming out of retirement to head up this new team and whip them into shape. Deacon tried to retire on the original SWAT so I presume he would be retired also and could be brought back to help Hondo with the new team and hopefully see the others occasionally visiting with Hondo and Deacon. It will be different without the entire 20 Squad to back him up. Sounds interesting so will give it a look but leary due to CBS' being bad about cancelling shows without giving them a good chance for laying the ground work and no consideration for the viewers/fans. Will just have to wait and see.
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C
Yes bring it back with the original team also it would be great but put it on regular TV not everyone can afford the special channels love the idea
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P
Very true.
These streamers and premium channels can get expensive!
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R
I hope this is true and I’ll definitely be tuning in if it does air
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C
I enjoyed SWAT, so I'm interested in this, but it sounds a little trope-y to me. The experienced veteran brought out of retirement to whip a group of contentious rookies into shape to perform some major mission?? I think we've all seen that action movie before.
But again, I like action shows, so i'll keep an open mind and check it out.
(Except I'm sure it'll end up being on some streaming channel that I don't get, so.... )
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R
I think yes even if they get it together it will be streaming some where I can't see
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G
So we will have Shemar but none of the others on the team. So it won't be the same at all just the name. Sad news.
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C
Hasn't been the same since Luca left. Dude was the glue that kept the team together. Was maddening when Commander Hicks was demoted, only to wait a week and see him be redeemed! that was a great episode.
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B
The whole cast including the old cast needs to return to the show . There needs to be another wedding with Street and Chris . Keep the cast on the new Swat . If it isn’t broke don’t fix it
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R
S.W.A.T. shouldn't have been canceled in the first place:(
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W
It's a great action series, and very unfortunate that another great show fell to cancellation. I look forward to SWAT-Exiles, and I hope the entire 20-Squad is on board.
CBS is my favorite station, but lately the powers that be don't know what they are doing when it comes to canceling really great shows. I wish for an Equalizer-Exiles as well. What really needs to be canceled are a few of those NCIS: shows. Particularly New Orleans, and Sydney. And, really, do we need NCIS: Tony and Ziva? Give me a break. I won't be watching any of the NCIS shows other than the original NCIS:, and NCIS: Los Angeles.
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G
I loved the show, but it won't be the same without the other actors. I was disappointed enough that the actors who had left the show weren't invited back for the finale. I think the cast made the show, core characters like Decon and Tan should at least be recurring, introducing an entire new group of people may not work.
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P
Tan and Deacon especially since Deacon ran the SWAT Academy before turning it over to Tan. Seems like a perfect fit to bring those two back.
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L
I think it’s great! I just wish the rest of the crew will come with him! Excited !!
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O
Awesome. I hope they bring everyone back.
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O
I am so angry that they are canceling good shows and leaving CRAP on instead.
I hope that this SWAT Exiles is good. I hope they bring all the actors from SWAT back to the new one.
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O
This is awesome news. I am so excited already. Thank you for this!! I would love to see the original cast like deacon, street, Luka or Kris in this new spin-off. Also the new crew too. Can't wait to hear more and can't wait for it to air!!! Best news ever. 🥰🥰
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S
I hope they bring back the rest of 20 squad! I loved the show. Pls put it on CBS again.
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C
Why do this? Without the entire team it won’t be SWAT. The cohesive cast is what made the series. I’m a fan of Shemar, loved him on Criminal Minds, but this is just beating a dead horse.
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O
I am thrilled with this news and hope that many of the former actors are in this new show as well. Can't wait to see it!!
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O
We love watching this show for all 8 seasons and hope the same cast is on the new show to continue on .
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G
I think CBS needs A New Staff & fire the ones whom canceled all the good shows!! I hope the Exiles spin off gets good ratings & reviews. I will not watch if the full 20 Squad is not there !!
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K
I LOVE IT. YESSSSS. Please bring his team from the series with Shemar. They have great chemistry. Each member can bring something to the new recruits.
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G
I loved the show! Watched all seasons and hope it airs on a channel I get! It's not fair CBS cancelling given how popular this show is! I hope to see you all in the future!
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G
It’s been a great series. I hate that CBS can’t stand prosperity with a hit show like SWAT. I agree with the other viewers that the whole team made the show a success and hope to see them in this new approach. Skeptical but hopeful!
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G
I’m glad they are going that route and giving the fans some more of a different kind of SWAT, but my issue is why could they have done something like that for BLue Bloods and not I’m talking about Boston Blue!
I’m a fan of both shows but it doesn’t seem fair
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O
Let it die. It hasn’t been the same without Luca and Street. Season 8 was a mess.
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P
Swat is a real police show. Love it. I hope the show continues on the spinoff.
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G
I will definitely miss the swat team but this sounds like it will be a very good show!
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G
This sounds exciting but need the whole team to be with hondo as he comes out of retirement. That's the only way it will be awesome to watch
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R
are you freaking kidding me.....I am NOT getting another streaming subscription...Why the hell would it be put on Starz. THIS FAN IS PISSED.
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O
Glad to see it need something on TV worth watching
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G
I think they need to bring Decon and Tan on the new show
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C
Why not just keep SWAT and no spin off. We like it the way it is with the people that are on it.
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G
No one watches this show anymore. Why are they bringing it back. So tired of this enough is enough.
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G
Best news ever for all the right reasons!
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D
I love this show and all the actors
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M
I'm hoping they bring back Hicks, Tan, Deacon, Alfaro, and Street...
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C
I love the show , and I would love to see Deacon,Tan,the ladies ,and commander Hick be apart of the new show .
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B
I am SO happy to see this! Shemar Moore belongs on tv every week! I just hope they also bring some of 20-Squad back at least part of the time - they all made SWAT what it was!!
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O
OMG! That news just made my day! They just can’t let our Hondo be gone! Now I just pray the whole team comes with him! Wouldn’t be the real deal without all of them! They are the whole package & without them, I’m afraid it will hit the chopping block again, sadly!
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O
Not sure yet. Seems like there might be a time jump? I hope we get more information.
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S
Then Don’t watch!
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B
I wonder if his wife will be back at all. It would be nice to still show his family life a little
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G
This series could stay on for another 20 years and I would still watch it.
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C
I'm absolutely thrilled that SWAT is returning. One of my very favorite shows. Can't wait to see Hondo back in action
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O
I’m sad to see S.W.A.T. cancelled, but am happy about S.W.A.T. Exiles. S.W.A.T. has been one of my favorite shows. I think I’ve watched the entire season at least 5 times, from the beginning, and now I’ve seen the last season 😢 Shamar Moore is one of my favorite actors. Been watching him since the Soap Opera days.
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D
I been watching him since the Young and Restless. He is good at anything he stars in. I am one of his Baby Girls.
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P
That’s the best news I got today!!! I can’t wait. I’ve been a fan of SWAT since its inception 💪💪
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T
Love the idea and hope they bring the other team members on. Please se if Paramont + would air it. Either way wherever I can watch it I will.
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B
I love the show, Deacon, Street, Tan will make it successful!!! Looking forward for the new Show & Cast!
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P
All the members of 20 squad should be on that show it won’t be the same without them.
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O
Well I'm ready for another S.W.A.T. shows, a spin-offs that I can see and whenever Premieres on CBS and we'll be ready to watch it.
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R
I just wish the original has been renewed for a other seasoo
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O
When will the show air
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C
So glad SWAT is coming back & sorry to hear the old crew aren't coming back. It won't be the same without Deacon, Tan, (the second crew. They have great chemistry on set) Make it so they all get to come back and help Hondo with new recruits. Please bring Street & Chris back as a couple. Let us see what Luca's up to these days. LOVE THE SHOW. Fan 4 Life!!!
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B
Definitely need the other actors to the new show. SWAT Exile just wouldn’t be the same. Hope most of them return to Exile.
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B
Yay! At least some form of the show will be on. Hope some of the other regulars will be on once in a while.
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L
I'm so happy to hear this I love this show I hope all cast will appear with of course new ppl I think it will be amazing can't wait SWAT EXILES
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O
I love watching the show and I hope everybody comes back even if they bring in new people there's nothing like 20 David team
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G
I think everyone needs to wait, and see. Assume nothing for now. That article doesn't even say where it will air. Will it be network TV or streaming?
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B
I love shemore and I will try the new show but I don't think it will be near as good as original swat without the whole crew..I just wish they all stayed together. It's sad they cancled it just like blue bloods
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R
Great news but I hope they at least keep Deacon and Commander Hicks on in the new show. Like to see them bring back Luca and Street to.
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O
Looking forward to seeing Swat Exile. I really like the show Swat. I just hope they don't do what Criminal Minds has done with their comeback show and now uses so many F** bombs that is no longer something we care to watch. There is no need for that!!!
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O
CBS CANCELED ALOT OF GOOD SHOWS ... MAYBE PRODUCERS SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THEM IN THE FUTURE ..
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C
I'm not too mad the show ended. But one more season could've great. But a spinoff isn't bad just as long it has the same action sequence. I'm fine with it and could you imagine a third person video game behind the show it would've capture more fans.
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C
This is good news. That said, it's probably CHEAPER for the network to bring on NEW actors/actresses and pay them LESS, because they are new faces, than to bring the entire crew BACK, and having to pay them MORE.
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B
I LOVE This Show!!!
I'm Glad it Will Continue
In Some Way!!!
Go Hondo!!!!!
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B
I'm super Happy I'm sure it will be just as relevant as Swat
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G
Yes yes yes
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C
No thanks. I’ll pass. He was the worst character on SWAT
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W
Worst character?! Really? Keep in mind "Go away," that he plays the part, he doesn't write the scripts. Some of the parts written for him I do not like either. But, all in all SWAT is a good show, and it wouldn't be as good as it is without Hondo!
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C
Every other character had better storylines. No interest in watching this new one with him.
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M
I love the show so much that I watched every episode over and over on Netflex, I hate to see it end the original cast were absolutely GREAT they are all my favorite.
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M
I loved SWAT back in the day and agree with a lot of comments made that it would be great if the former cast would return. They made such a great team. I loved seeing that. But I'm also not happy that it's not going to be on a channel I get. Oh well.
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M
I loved SWAT back in the day and agree with a lot of comments made that it would be great if the former cast would return. They made such a great team. I loved seeing that. But I'm not happy that it's not going to be on a channel I get. Oh well. Thank God for reruns.
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G
It’s going to be on Starz and unless you pay for that premium channel you won’t be able to see it
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M
Oy boy, I'm stoked. Yay for Shemar. just get those kids in line.
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O
This really sucks. I love swat and no other show can replace SWAT. BRING IT BACK.
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B
Hey baby what time and what channel
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B
What channel it comes on and what time
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P
I’ve watched most of S.W.A.T in the UK on Sky max. Apart from the current season 8 they are all on Netflix in the UK and the UK seems to be backwards when it comes to Netflix. Everything on Netflix gets to us last.
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P
Luka injured himself onset and sued Sony I don’t think you will see him on set again lol
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R
Sounds interesting and am looking forward to watching "Swat Exiles". Still miss the original Swat but will check out the new series. Will be nice to see Jay Harrington, Patrick St Esprit and Shemar Moore together again. Hopefully some of the other original squad members will pop in once in a while.
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G
I think Swat should go off into the sunset!
It was a good show that has now jumped the shark.
Eight seasons is more then enough!
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G
Hurrah!!!! CBS!!! Bring it!!!!
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P
Keep SWAT rolling! There was a chemistry with that cast. The personal stories, the timely social issues, varied circumstances in the cases kept us watching. Will watch them again.
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G
I an so excited!! Awesome News !!!!!
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R
Excited to see the new show. Please keep all thebold characters. Loved their dynamics!
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B
Not gonna be same you. Your family hondo ì won't watch unless you have same group
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P
Do not end S.W.A.T!!!!
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P
Swat is the best but i am waiting to see the same cast members..One dream one team..
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G
Wonderful news! Hondo is a bomb lead. Spin-offs are great for creatives. Look at Law and Order, CSI, NCIS. Good for SWAT! Nice to see the best crews in Hollywood rolling.
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R
I think it's great! Hopefully CBS brings back SOHELPMETODD!!!!!
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R
Very happy SWAT ain't done
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G
We are so excited to know that S.W.A.T. is coming back! I pray it comes back even stronger!!!
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P
I think that its great that we will have SWAT Exiles, and happy that Shemar Moore will reprise his role as Hondo. It would be nice if they could include the characters from SWAT on there too. Maybe bring one character in at a time, maybe Hondo needs their help and they decide to stay to keep helping Hondo.
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B
Let the poor horse die. It’s been beaten enough.
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O
Love this show was very sad when they said it was cancelled looking forward to seeing the spinoff so happy it is back
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D
Very happy to hear this. The theme from SWAT was my cell phone ringtone until they got cancelled. Love this show, never dull. Love most of the characters too, hoping they will be added or make cameos along with Hondo. Bring back Jim and Chris! Good job Mr. Moore and SONY!
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O
Very Happy !!! Hope it is as good as the original SWAT.
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S
I have been a fan of Shemar Moore since his time with the ORIGINAL cast of Criminal Minds.An amazing actor on a great show...what more could you want?? Oh yeah, the whole team would be nice, but some of the story lines were starting to repeat. So maybe SOME new blood would be OK, too.
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O
Can't wait!
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O
The show will not be the same with out all the same actors and actress the writers have to keep them all together and it would be nice to see some of the ones that left come back for some of the show
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O
I am so happy for Shemar moore. Hope the other actors show up too. Not sure why television cancels week watched programs. SUV & NCIS nene went through this drama. Keep the shoes on people watch. With technology they they should know this already
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P
Call me old, but with this new show being streamed, I hope they don't make it "more real life" by adding profanity like SEAL Team and Criminal Minds Evolution. I only watched the first Paramount Plus season of SEAL Team and only the first streamed episode of CM Evolution.
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