Shemar Moore made a bold declaration about the S.W.A.T. spinoff, leaving fans deeply divided.
In March, CBS canceled S.W.A.T. for a third time, and Moore sent online pleas to rally fans to save the program once again. He then announced a spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles, on May 18—three days after the Season 8 finale aired— via Instagram.
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On Monday, May 19, the actor behind Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson then took to Instagram to share a video with viewers about the upcoming spinoff.
“I might get some flak from the industry for what I’m about to say,” Moore, 55, prefaced his monologue. “And probably most likely from the fans. Nobody likes change, I understand that. I get it 100%. But without change, you can’t grow.”
“S.W.A.T. Exiles, baby—we won the battle because we showed up for eight years strong together, a team,” he added, thanking fans for their support.
Moore continued, “It ain’t easy making it in the game of Hollywood, it ain’t. TV shows don’t last eight years anymore. The game has changed.”
In the video, the Young and the Restless alum promised the spinoff—which starts filming this summer—would be “bigger, bolder” and “S.W.A.T. on steroids.”
That’s when he made an eyebrow-raising comparison.
“I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady. But I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.,” he boldly declared. “That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego. It’s a fact. I’m the quarterback. I’m Shemar Moore, aka Hondo.”
Moore added, “But I had a squad, a strong squad—a family, a team. And I would be remiss if I didn’t say out loud to the world, to them because I know they’re watching this. I love you. I respect you. I appreciate you.”
As he named off his S.W.A.T. co-stars and their character names, Moore seemingly confirmed that he would be the only one returning to star in the spinoff.
Still, he told followers, “I’m so proud, so grateful. Not gonna apologize for nothing. Busting my a– for 31 years to do what I do. And excited about the future.”
Moore concluded, “Shows get canceled all the time. But S.W.A.T. just won’t die because y’all love S.W.A.T.”
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In the comments, fans were divided in their reactions to the news that Moore would be the only cast member from the original series in S.W.A.T. Exiles.
One Instagram user shared, “It will not be the same without any of the cast returning except Hondo. Not. Cool.”
Someone else pointed out, “I love you mate, u are a GREAT actor. But SWAT ain’t SWAT without all of you.”
Another replied in disbelief, “So none of the old cast is coming back???”
A different follower commented, “But is this just a nice way to say the rest of the crew (on camera) ain’t coming? It’s just him. Cold world.”
Yet another berated Moore, writing, “What about your so-called family in the cast? They deserved to be fought for. Jay is my dad’s cousin, so he is ACTUALLY my family. I can’t even put into words the disappointment by Shemar that I’m feeling. This is not family loyalty.”
Meanwhile, other fans were just glad that the show would return in some capacity.
One admitted, “I am really sad the rest of the team won’t be returning, but I am excited we get to see the continuation of Hondo’s journey. Hopefully the rest of the team can make guest appearances throughout the series.”
Another echoed, “So so happy SWAT lives on. Please get the OG guys to guest star!”
Someone else exclaimed, “I am so excited!!!” as another agreed, writing, “WE WON AND WE’RE PROUD. We can’t wait for S.W.A.T. EXILES!! 🔥.”
Next: Shemar Moore Marks End of an Era With Video Message to Fans: “Grateful”
