Two familiar faces are heading back into the field.
Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit—both veterans of CBS’ S.W.A.T.—are officially returning to the franchise in S.W.A.T. Exiles, Sony Pictures Television’s upcoming spinoff series. The duo will reprise their roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively, appearing alongside Shemar Moore in the pilot episode.
Their return marks a surprising—and welcome—turn for fans who were disappointed by their early exits and vocal about their absence when Exiles was first announced. Harrington later revealed he only learned of the spinoff a day before it was made public, via a text from Moore.
A New Squad, a New Mission
Exiles centers on a new chapter for Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. After a high-profile mission goes sideways, he’s pulled out of forced retirement to lead an experimental S.W.A.T. unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo’s challenge is to bridge generational divides, navigate clashing personalities, and mold a team of outsiders into a squad capable of protecting the city—and saving the program that made him who he is.
The 10-episode series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, which will distribute it globally. Production begins later this month in Los Angeles, with the original 200-person crew staying on board—preserving jobs and continuity for a world that fans have come to love over eight seasons.
Showrunner and Creative Team
Jason Ning (Lucifer, The Brothers Sun) serves as showrunner and executive producer, working under his renewed overall deal with Sony. He’s joined by executive producers Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, James Scura, Jon Cowan, and Moore himself.
At the time of the original announcement, there was speculation around whether familiar characters from S.W.A.T. might show up in the spinoff. Sony Pictures TV president Katherine Pope teased that doors were open—and with Harrington and St. Esprit now confirmed, it looks like that promise is starting to take shape.
Their return to the S.W.A.T. world brings credibility, continuity, and emotional weight to the next chapter. Whether their appearances continue past the pilot remains to be seen.