‘S.W.A.T.’ Star Says Original Cast Feels ‘Brushed Aside’ by Shemar Moore Spinoff
The world of S.W.A.T., a show that was canceled and uncanceled more than once, is going to continue, only with just Shemar Moore. David Lim, who played Tan for all eight seasons of the CBS drama, admitted in a post on social media on Wednesday, May 28, that seeing the news of S.W.A.T. Exiles did “sting.”
Lim shared a lengthy message alongside a photo of the cast and crew of S.W.A.T., writing about what being part of the show meant to him and then addressing the new spinoff, Exiles, after sitting with the news of it since it had been announced on May 18.
“Being a part of S.W.A.T. for the past 8 seasons has been one of the great honors of my life. I poured my heart into playing Tan—and even more than that, into the team and friendships we built on and off screen. What made S.W.A.T. special wasn’t just the action, or one character. It was the squad. The bond. The camaraderie. The shared blood, sweat, tears, and laughs we gave to every episode. That effortless chemistry was there from the very first day we came together for the pilot, and it carried through all 8 seasons,” Lim explained.
“I’m proud of how we fought for a ninth season. We believed we still had more to give, more stories to tell. We wanted it for our crew, for each other, and for the newer faces just joining us. It wasn’t in the cards for all of us—and that’s okay. We had a magical run and went out on a high note with those final two episodes,” he continued.
S.W.A.T. ended with the last two episodes airing back-to-back on Friday, May 16, with 20-Squad heading out to do their work like usual. It was only two days later that Sony Pictures Television announced S.W.A.T. Exiles, with only Shemar Moore reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The new series, which was ordered for 10 episodes, has yet to be attached to a network or streaming service.
“I’d be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn’t sting. It was tough to see it announced just two days after our finale—with no mention of the cast who helped build S.W.A.T. from day one,” Lim wrote. “After 8 incredible seasons, it felt like we were brushed aside when there could’ve been a moment of reflection and recognition—for the people who built this show, and for the impact it had on so many.”
See his full message in the Instagram post below.
View this post on Instagram
S.W.A.T. Exiles sees a high-profile mission going sideways leading to Hondo being 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.
Moore did address the fact that the rest of the team — calling them “a strong squad, a family, a team” — won’t be back in his own statement on Instagram, on Tuesday, May 20.
“I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady, but I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. — that’s not arrogant, that’s not ego, it’s the fact. I’m the quarterback. I’m Shemar Moore, aka Hondo,” he said in the video. “Just like in sports, Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but people get traded. … The teams keep on pushing with their quarterback, and I’m that guy. … [I’m] not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and excited about the future.”
Will you be watching S.W.A.T. Exiles without the rest of 20-Squad? Let us know in the comments section below.
S.W.A.T. Exiles, Series Premiere, TBA, TBA
Conversation64 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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C
It’s doubtful that I will watch any future SWAT shows that don’t include the bulk of the original cast. Shemar Moore is correct that he is Hondo, but the title of the show is SWAT. His analogy is a little off. Quarterbacks and any member of a team can be traded. He is not the heart and soul of the show and I’m disappointed in his attitude.
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P
Yes his attitude is way off he is only out for himself. Moore take your baby girl bottom to unemployment line you and Liim
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B
Moore is already stooping low and taking jobs like commercials for bad credit people (predatory lenders! - He should be ashamed of himself!) and extended warranty commercials! Another predatory industry!
What’s next? Solar sales?🤣
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A
Moore didn't fight for his 'family' nor his 'team'. He made a deal for himself. A selfish move. S.W.A.T wasn't "Hondo" it was "20 Squad".
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O
Moore did come off as arrogant BIG TIME but no one knows if he spoke up ( fought) for the other cast members from S.W.A.T. so2say he was “selfish” is irresponsible on your part Mr. Ace…
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G
nO i WILL NOT BE WATCHING THE NEW SWAT personally I hope it is not picked by any of the networks. Moore is a smug arrogrant actor. he thinks he was the show and the rest of the cast of swat was there in support of him. I always liked swat up until the last year as most of the show this last season was mostly filmed around his character which was reallt boring.
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P
After what the Arrogant Shemar Moore said, I don't think I will get watching it. I didn't watch SWAT for him, I watched it for the whole team, especially Luca and Deacon. After what he said, I hope that SWAT exiles doesn't get picked up!
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G
He just showed what real class is all about. He is absolutely right in everything he said, unlike the totally arrogant Moore!
As of now, no station or service has picked it up and in a way I hope they don’t , at least immediately
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O
Why if not all but some of the original cast is not in the new spinoff? What is the true reason. The original Swat team is what made the show.
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G
I enjoy(ed) SWAT as much as the next person but I loved the SWAT team, not just Hondo. There is no I in team Mr. Moore. The SWAT TEAM is what made SWAT such a great show. The show could have carried on with Deacon in the lead and Hondo out of the show. Go ahead and keep SWAT and transfer Hondo to the "new" SWAT Exiles and see which show gets watched the most. SWAT will win. Moore is undoubtedly where the most bucks went anyway for expenditures.
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O
I really hate to say it, but I quit watching S.W.A.T. about 7 shows ago. I loved Shemar Moore in previous shows, but he is SO one dimensional in SWAT. He always has the same expression, the same reaction and shows very little believable acting...it seems like he's trying too hard. His comments remind me of another "star", Damon Wayans, who lost a really good show due to his bloated ego.
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C
Same. I stopped watching SWAT after season 5... and was lazily watching season 4. The show is about 20 squad, not 1 person.
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T
I do love SWAT and Shemar Moore and it would be nice to see the old team with him. They all make the show. I love the action and drama.
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B
Why are they surprised? When it was canceled before, he stated, "How dare they cancel a show with a Black lead like me?" Of course, that was all it took for the show to be removed from cancelation. He THOUGHT he WAS the show that the rest of the cast contributed nothing. I've always found him an arrogant no talent actor who uses the race card to get his way. I hope the networks realize this and NONE pick it up!
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G
Shemar should’ve took more time to think about his response. I understood where he was coming from but he should’ve been more humble. We don’t know for sure if the old cast would’ve made appearances or been brought in in future seasons. I will ride with Swat as long as the stories continue to be good and engaging.
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S
I always had respect for Shemar, and enjoyed his shows (SWAT and CM) but that comment was arrogant and self serving. There was no need to act as if the others had nothing to do with the success of his show. Shame on you Shemar Moore!
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G
Why can't the original cast be in Exiles. The people developed a following that I think should continue with the whole cast. Bad move not carrying on all the SWAT team.
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G
Because they cost too much $$$🤯
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C
I think like Tom Brady, Shemar Moore is full of himself and has to be the hero always. Could’ve kept S.W.A.T. And dumped Hondo. He was the worst character there was. Stupid gloves. Won’t be watching the new show.
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B
Nope. Because it is the arrogance of the main star that ruined it for me. I was excited about it when i heard it until i read that the rest of the team wont be reprising thier roles as well. It is total bs that moore just went with it and didn't give any mention of his friends who helped him to even become Hondo if it wasn't for the entirety of the team hondo would not have been hondo and swat would have flopped all he did was say "Me Me Me Me Me its all about Me." And to me that is arrogance at its finest.
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G
Would you quit your job because your friends get fired, but you get a raise?
Nope! I didn’t think so🤔
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O
Actually I did just that, my whole department was wiped out but they asked me to stay I didn't. I found another job elsewhere and have no regrets There is a thing called loyalty. As a side note my former employer is no longer in business.
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O
YES, I will be watching S.W.A.T EXCILE! I wish S.W.A.T would have continued with the whole cast, but I am glad S.W.A.T continues on. Hopefully all of the other cast members will get a GREAT show. I will be watching their shows too.
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O
I would love to see the whole cast go forward together! I love Shamar, but I really like everyone!
Please, leave SWAT alone and start with everyone being invited to the table!
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O
Just lost all my respect for Shemar.u could have showed some leadership by fighting for some of yr cast members…
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O
Shemar is too full of himself. I barely watched s8 because I hated losing Street and Luca. Hondo’s drama was the most annoying and least interesting too, to me. I don’t need more of him thinking he’s the be-all-end-all. He’s not. Give me a show about Deacon’s security team getting into scrapes.
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O
Along with Deacon they could bring back Luca and the two of them running the security team together. My daughter and I have discussed that scenario a lot. It's a show we would watch.
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G
I will not be watching. I did not watch for this self centered Moore the main ones for me was all the other great actors. You can tell he’s all about himself and screw everyone else. What makes him think he’s so special good gosh someone needs to tell him it wasn’t all about him. I can only imagine how he was on set. Very very self centered GEEZE
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O
I watched the show because I loved the team , not one particular character . All of them together their interactions made for a great show. I stopped watching regularly when I felt too many of the original characters got replaced too fast. I needed more time to fall in love with the new character before getting to know the next new character. I don't think Hondo made the show, it was all of them together that made it great. Shemar Moore could have left the show and it still would have made an amazing show because everyone was so important to the whole of the show. I may check out the new show, I may not. But I definitely will be watching reruns of SWAT
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G
Most likely not, I appreciate the role of Hondo however the other characters together are what made the show. Shemar isn't all that!
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B
Loved the show and ALL the characters, sad to see this happen, My Favs Tan and Deek I'm going to miss them, and no I don't appreciate Shemars attitude at all.
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O
I totally agree! Tan and Deke were always my favorites, and why I watched the show. Shemar has ALWAYS had a big head and thought everything revolved around him. Not so, sweetie, wah, wah, wah!
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G
No SWAT FOR ME.
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O
Who else could fit on the set w/ Shemar & his ego??
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G
Don’t feel like Shemar Moore had his cast mates best interests at heart. He’s acted selfish only looking out for himself. Don’t believe I will be watching this new show even though I’ve followed him since he was on Criminal Minds. Always enjoyed watching him but now he’s just gotten too big for himself.
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R
I think his statement sounds arrogant. No one reaches success without a team of people to support them in different ways. I will not be watching.
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T
I will watch whether it airs on TV or streaming. The action content needs to remain high and not have any nonsensical relationship stories to slow it down. If that happens, I’m fully onboard.
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S
I watched S.W.A.T. from the very beginning and enjoyed it very much. Every character was unique and great. Very sad and disappointed when the show ended. I'm equally disappointed in Shemar Moore.
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J
Because they are using younger actors, it’s all about the money.
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G
I watched S.W.A.T. from day one and I loved the TEAM. Deek, Luca, and Tan were my favorites. Don't get me wrong, I liked Shemar Moore but he was not the star of the show. It was 20 Squad. I will NOT watch S.W.A.T. Exiles. I am extremely disappointed in Mr. Moore's failure to fight for his family, his word not mine, and in his very arrogant comment. I look forward to following the rest of the squad in their future projects but will be avoiding all of Mr. Moore's projects.
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B
so sad the series ends but acting is a job, so of course i'll watch and i look forward to seeing all the talented cast members in future rolls!
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C
They probably want to put it on a streaming service so they can rate it TV MA and put a lot of swearing into it which in itself will keep me from watching it at least swap was good it was exciting and it was kid friendly in fact it was adult friendly but just like they did with Criminal Minds throw it onto a streaming service and start dropping the F-bomb we quit watching that one too
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K
I don’t agree with the decision to drop the characters, that made Swatt a show. They had a role to play, they played it and did an outstanding job. Whom so ever made this change, there is consequence’s I know longer want to watch it. I want the Swatt, that I enjoyed watching with the original Characters. Changes made there is, repercussions. I am finished
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G
If the rest of the cast is in it then it's not a spin-off it's just still SWAT. To be honest Shemar is annoying. I would rather see a spin-off with Deacon who is more interesting & a much better actor.
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O
I mean let's be real guys I get it. SM should have kept his remarks to himself but if they kept the whole team then it wouldnt make sense to have a spinoff. Spinoff usually take 3 or less from the original show. And the focus of the show is around the people from the original show.
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P
They said they shopped the show..but no takers...no other network wanted it...let's face it if they did CBS wouldn't have cancelled. Can't be mad at shemar and the crew getting a 2nd chance tho..who knows what the other guys have lined up anyway
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G
They need to bring back the entire cast - not just Hondo.
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G
They cost too much $$$
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G
Love Shemar, so yes, I will watch his new show!!
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T
As for the old Swat cast? This is how the market works, if you’ve got talent, you’ll land a new gig on another show, movie, etc.
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O
There’s a ton of actors out there with “talent “ just not enough opportunity for them all. What you said is quite callous.
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G
Business is business. It’s about cost verses return. The cast got to expensive to retain and the cost cutting was swift and necessary.🤷
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O
Although I am pissed about how this whole thing has played out, I will watch Exiles and Shamar will have to convince me. I will very much be missing the rest of the cast. I never felt like the original cast was done yet. And I really hated how Hondos wife and daughter were never seen in season 8.
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G
Ben Stacy S.W.A.T. Team
Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort
Behind you Around
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R
I love s.w.a.t I watch s.w.a.t 24/7 I'mma watch the new S.W.A.T but if it's not the same like the original I'll stop watching it I've been watching S.w.a.t 1975 in the original swat uniform doesn't have nothing compared to their uniform but I'm saying I love S.W.A.T and I hope it's better than the original 🚔🚓🚔🚓👮♂️👮♀️👮♂️👮👮👮♀️ yes they should bring back the original cast that not fair they deserve it they made it what it is now 😎👍
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G
I probably won’t be watching S.W.A.T if all the original characters I didn’t like it as much after Kenny Johnson ( Dominique Luca) left. He was my favorite. But I kept watching. But taking all of them except 2, yeah not gonna be watching.
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C
sigh People are acting as if it's a definite fact that Shemar Moore did not fight for the entire show and/or whole team to be continued. Based on what happened in recent seasons, I'm sure that did happen; Moore has fought for it in years past, no reason to think he didn't do it this time. However, I think the clock had finally run out on the show being renewed in its entirety. The network and/or production company only has so much money they're willing to spend.
Why does everyone assume that Moore didn't advocate for his teammates?? Think of it this way: Even if the 'old' squad won't be in the new show, this spinoff has made it possible for the production crew to keep working, and a handful of new, unknown actors to get their big chance.
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G
Great show. Should have been extended.
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P
I can't watch SWAT exiles wihout twenty-squad there and twenty-squad needs to be on S.W.A.T EXILES with Hondo.
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G
All we need is Shemar Moore!
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C
I am riding with Swat!
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G
I feel like it was setup for another spin-off with Decon and a couple of others doing the security company.
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O
??? OG SWAT???? In addition to not being alive when the OG Swat was on the air in the 70s, I am not even sure if his parents were alive.
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O
Not sure what that has to do with anything but the majority of tv shows are a reboot and tweaked for the times.Not many are original concepts.
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