Sony Pictures Television has revealed the first official stills from S.W.A.T. Exiles, the 10-episode offshoot of the long-running CBS drama S.W.A.T., with Shemar Moore reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
The newly released images arrive just ahead of Sony’s 2026 Showcase at the London TV Screenings, one of the year’s biggest international television markets. The spinoff is expected to be one of the studio’s headline titles as global buyers get their first extended look at the project.
A New Unit, A New Dynamic
The first-look images showcase Moore back in tactical form — but also hint at a more introspective arc for Hondo. In several stills, he appears reflective, carrying the weight of legacy and leadership.
The premise centers on Hondo being pulled out of forced retirement after a high-profile mission collapses. He’s tasked with leading an experimental S.W.A.T. unit composed of young, unpredictable recruits — a group that challenges his authority and philosophy at nearly every turn. The series leans into generational tension, clashing perspectives, and the pressure of rebuilding something that once defined him.
Joining Moore as series regulars are:
- Lucy Barrett
- Adain Bradley
- Zyra Gorecki
- Freddy Miyares
- Ronen Rubinstein
Beyond introducing the new generation of recruits, the spinoff will also welcome back several familiar faces from the original S.W.A.T. series. Fan-favorite cast members Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit, and David Lim are confirmed to reprise their roles in guest appearances, maintaining a connective thread to the CBS-era drama.
Harrington returns as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay, St. Esprit reprises Commander Robert Hicks, and Lim steps back into the role of Victor Tan — reinforcing that while Exiles centers on a new unit, the legacy of the original team remains part of the DNA.
Balancing Action With Character
While the franchise has always been rooted in high-stakes operations and adrenaline-heavy action sequences, this chapter aims to dig deeper into the emotional cost of the job. The first stills reflect that tonal shift: moments of confrontation, mistrust among recruits, and Hondo navigating skepticism from a team that hasn’t yet bought into his leadership.
The creative team includes showrunner and executive producer Jason Ning, alongside executive producers Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, Moore, James Scura, and Jon Cowan.
Recurring and guest appearances will include Lenora Crichlow, as well as returning S.W.A.T. favorites Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit, and David Lim. Selma Blair and Jerry O’Connell have also been announced as guest stars.
A Strategic Play for the Global Market
Sony’s decision to produce all 10 episodes independently gives the studio flexibility in how it structures deals — whether territory-by-territory or through broader global agreements. The original S.W.A.T. performed strongly in international markets, ranking among Sony’s top-selling series across multiple cycles, and the spinoff is positioned to build on that footprint.
Filming in Los Angeles was supported by a $15.7 million tax credit, helping preserve jobs for crew members who worked on the original series.
As international buyers prepare for the London Screenings, S.W.A.T. Exiles enters the market not as a pilot gamble, but as a fully realized season — one banking on brand recognition, a loyal audience base, and the enduring presence of Hondo at its center.
For Moore and Sony, the message is clear: the mission isn’t over — it’s evolving.
