New spinoff series ‘S.W.A.T.: Exiles’ premieres on Starz with Shemar Moore stating it’s darker and edgier for his character Hondo.
The upcoming spinoff series ‘S.W.A.T.: Exiles’ is set to premiere on Starz on September 25. Shemar Moore, who reprises his role as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, confirmed the tonal shift in the series, emphasizing that it will delve into a darker and edgier narrative compared to its predecessor. This news comes from an exclusive interview Moore gave to The Hollywood Reporter on September 17, 2026.
In the spinoff, Moore portrays a grumpier Hondo facing tougher challenges and changing dynamics within his team. Moore stated, “You still get to see Hondo. But I'm a little grumpier. Life's not as sweet for Hondo, but he's still out there fighting for the right cause.” This development aligns with the series creator Jason Ning’s intent to explore more nuanced character arcs while maintaining the action-packed essence that fans expect from the franchise.
Jason Ning, a fan of the original ‘S.W.A.T.’ series, aims to evolve the franchise rather than merely replicate it. He pointed out that the show would reflect real-life societal challenges, particularly focusing on generational differences within the police force. Ning noted his inspiration from articles discussing the difficulties the Navy SEALs face while integrating Gen Z recruits, a concept that will significantly influence Hondo’s interactions with his new team.
The spinoff introduces a diverse group of five new characters, each representing different backgrounds and perspectives on policing. This ensemble includes:
Each character is designed to create tension and conflict, especially as they contend with Hondo’s outdated values and traditional policing methods. The interaction between Hondo and these underdogs offers new storytelling opportunities, aiming to resonate with a modern audience.
The original ‘S.W.A.T.’ series experienced a tumultuous journey on CBS, premiering in November 2017 and running for six seasons before being briefly canceled in May 2023. Following public outcry and a reported battle for its revival, CBS renewed the show for an eighth season, which concluded its run in May 2025. Just days later, Sony Pictures TV announced the green light for the spinoff, effectively reviving Hondo’s journey in a new format.
Unlike the original, which maintained a more straightforward narrative, ‘S.W.A.T.: Exiles’ aims to deliver deeper character development, asking viewers to invest in ongoing story arcs week-to-week, rather than episodic standalones. Moore highlighted that even though this installment retains signature action sequences, the storytelling will feel more serialized and character-driven.
The launch of ‘S.W.A.T.: Exiles’ presents a fresh opportunity for the franchise to resonate with a new generation while tackling complex issues related to authority and generational divides. As fans prepare for a different take on Hondo and his team dynamics, the show aims to balance intense action with a rich narrative tapestry. This could potentially attract both existing fans and a younger audience, eager to see how Hondo navigates the challenges brought by his new recruits, setting the stage for an engaging viewing experience.
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