Shemar Moore lives on as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
In March, the fans organized a campaign to save S.W.A.T., which followed in the failed footsteps of the fan outpouring to save canceled legal dramedy So Help Me Todd last May. Now S.W.A.T., which concluded on May 16 after eight seasons (and two reprieves by CBS), lives on in the formed of spinoff S.W.A.T. Exiles. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has given a 10-episode order for S.W.A.T. Exiles, which does not have an official outlet at press time.
The logline: 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.
“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.
Development for S.W.A.T.: Exiles is currently underway with production scheduled to begin this summer in Los Angeles, preserving jobs for the approximate 200-person local production crew for the original series for the last eight seasons.
“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 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 will serve as showrunner and executive producer for S.W.A.T. Exiles. Additional executive producers include Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, Shemar Moore, and James Scura. No further casting has been confirmed.
The original version of S.W.A.T., starring Steve Forrest, aired for two seasons on ABC in the mid-1970s.
