Come to think of it, Shemar Moore did seem uncharacteristically subdued on social media after the May 16 series finale of S.W.A.T.
And now we know why he wasn’t repeating things like “we ain’t done chasing bad guys and blowing up stuff” like he did after CBS canceled his show a second time: he’s not saying goodbye to Hondo, after all.
Sony Pictures Television is spinning off the cop drama for a new show dubbed S.W.A.T. Exiles. Moore will reprise his character as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson while the 200-person production crew that helped to make S.W.A.T. a success for CBS will get to keep their jobs when production resumes this summer in Los Angeles.
Jason Ning (Lucifer) will take over as showrunner as part of his recently renewed overall deal with SPT. The plan for the studio is to produce and distribute the 10-episode series globally by “finding the right homes and partners for these new stories to reach the passionate S.W.A.T. fanbase and attract new viewers.”
Additional executive producers include Moore, Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film and James Scura.
Here’s the logline for the spinoff: “After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Hondo 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.”
No additional castmembers have been announced.
“My eight seasons on S.W.A.T. have been epic and memorable,” Moore said in a statement. “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.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the next chapter of S.W.A.T. to life — both for our incredibly dedicated fans of the original franchise and for a new generation of viewers,” added Katherine Pope, SPT Studios President. “We’re grateful to our incredible partners Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Jason Ning and Shemar Moore for embarking on this journey with us. This team’s commitment to the global fanbase, to our beloved crew and to our city runs deep!”
S.W.A.T. wrapped eight seasons on CBS May 16 with Hondo and his 20 Squad responding to a robbery in progress. They all affectionately tapped the S.W.A.T. symbol on their way out of headquarters.
During the past two years, Sony was able to propose financial terms that were appealing to CBS, sealing eleventh-hour pickups for the drama from Shawn Ryan and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. This time, however, CBS did not engage in renewal talks, opting instead to end the long-running series to make may for new Paramount-owned shows like Sheriff Country.
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