S.W.A.T. has pulled off the seemingly impossible. In March 2025, CBS canceled the Shemar Moore series after eight seasons. It was the third time the show had found itself on the chopping block, and it seemed likely it was done for good. But there’s still life left in the series, which will live on in a new spinoff featuring Moore’s fan-favorite Hondo character. 

Shemar Moore celebrates new ‘S.W.A.T.’ spinoff, ‘S.W.A.T. EXILES’ 

The good news for S.W.A.T. fans came in a surprise announcement on Sunday, May 18.

“You heard it here first, Hondo’s not done yet. Be on the lookout for S.W.A.T EXILES – he’s back not just to lead, but to rebuild. New recruits. No second chances,” read the May 18 post on the Sony Pictures Television Instagram account. 

In an accompanying video, S.W.A.T. star Moore celebrated the news and thanked loyal fans for their steadfast support of the show. 

“Today’s a great day. Shemar Moore in the building …To all my homies, fans and baby girls, to everybody out there around the world who have supported us for eight years, first of all, thank you. We couldn’t have done this without you,” he said. “I know the sad news is we got cancelled, but the good news is we don’t stop fighting. And guess what happens when you don’t stop fighting? We won! S.W.A.T. ain’t going nowhere! Hondo ain’t going nowhere! There’s a new version of S.W.A.T. coming your way.”

“Hondo back in the building!” Moore continued. “S.W.A.T. back in the building! Say it loud, say it proud: S.W.A.T. and Hondo back in the building!”

What is ‘S.W.A.T. EXILES’ about? 

S.W.A.T. EXILES will follow Hondo as he returns from a forced retirement after a high-profile mission goes sideways, according to Deadline. He’s charged with leading an experimental SWAT unit made up of untested and unpredictable recruits. He’ll have to bridge a generational divide and manage conflicting personalities if he wants to succeed in turning this group of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city. 

Production on the 10-episode spinoff will begin this summer in Los Angeles. There’s no word yet on where or when the new episodes will be available to watch. 

The spinoff news came roughly 48 hours after the S.W.A.T. series finale aired on CBS. The two-part sendoff saw the 20-squad defending their home turf when a band of Russian mercenaries came for their leader, Dmitri Rykov, who was in custody at SWAT HQ. The team foiled their attempt, and Rykov was handed over in exchange for American hostages. The episode ended on an open-ended note, with Deacon (Jay Harrington) giving the members of the squad a watch to remind them that the time they’ve spent together is the greatest gift of all before they all head out on another call. 

CBS canceled S.W.A.T. in 2023 after six seasons. It later reversed that decision, announcing it would bring the show back for a seventh and final season. In April 2024, the network gave the show another reprieve, revealing that S.W.A.T. would return to an eighth season.   

S.W.A.T. is streaming on Paramount+. 

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