Jay Harrington, known for his role as Deacon on CBS’s long-running series S.W.A.T., has recently opened up about the unexpected development of a spinoff series centered around Shemar Moore, who played Hondo in the original show. The announcement surprised both fans and cast members alike, with Harrington admitting that he knew nothing about the project until a day before it was publicly revealed.
In an interview with TVLine, Harrington expressed his astonishment at the news. “No. No. Not once. Not at all,” he stated when asked whether there had been any prior discussions about a spinoff. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the conversation surrounding S.W.A.T.’s legacy, particularly as the show faced multiple cancellations and revivals over the years.
Despite the series wrapping its eighth and final season, there is a palpable sense of hope among the cast. Harrington himself has not completely ruled out the possibility of a return, saying, “Because of the way things had happened over the years with S.W.A.T. being cancelled and coming back, I had the thought, ‘OK, we could come back.’” In this era of streaming platforms and constant show revivals, the potential for a S.W.A.T. return isn’t entirely off the table.
The spinoff, titled S.W.A.T. Exiles, was officially announced by Sony Pictures Television just two days after the concluding episode aired. Harrington, along with his co-stars David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh, and Niko Pepaj, had all indicated interest in reprising their roles, which led to some backlash against the decision to proceed without them. “I found out about S.W.A.T. Exiles the day before,” Harrington explained, revealing that Moore took it upon himself to inform the cast about the new development personally.
Although he expressed some disappointment at not being included in the spinoff, Harrington clarified that he harbors no ill will toward Moore. “Look, I’ll be very clear. I’ve been in this business for a long time. You don’t get ‘owed’ things just because you put in your time,” he noted. “If that’s the route they’re going to go, I wish it success.” This perspective reflects Harrington’s professionalism and understanding of the entertainment industry, where decisions are often driven by complicated factors behind the scenes.
He admitted that he felt a sting from the announcement, particularly due to the lack of acknowledgment for the hard work put in by the original cast. “What do you say to that? ‘OK, well, good luck!’” He emphasized that while disappointment was natural, he would not let it overshadow the legacy they built together. “As a human being, of course, you’re going to feel stung, but again, I didn’t want to go to that place because it’s show business,” he added.
Moore, for his part, addressed the backlash through an Instagram video, emphasizing the necessity of change in the industry. He likened the transition to that of a football game, positioning himself as the quarterback of S.W.A.T., while also acknowledging that the strength of the original cast contributed significantly to the show’s achievements. “Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100 percent. But without change, you can’t grow,” he stated, making a case for the new direction the franchise is heading.
Harrington resonates with the idea that change is integral to growth. “I know what he was trying to say,” he said, referring to Moore’s analogy about sports. However, he carefully pointed out that while sports metaphors can be relatable, they do not necessarily capture the nuances of being a part of a beloved ensemble cast. “In this case, we weren’t ‘traded,’ we were released,” he clarified, highlighting the emotional implications of such a metaphor.
Despite this, Harrington maintained that he holds no resentment toward Moore, acknowledging their enduring friendship. “We’ve been brothers for years, so that doesn’t change,” he said, revealing that communication remained open between them amid the transitional times.
Reflecting on his experiences from S.W.A.T., Harrington noted a sense of “calmness” regarding the journey. The fan reactions to the spinoff news deeply moved him, as he frequently encounters viewers expressing the impact the show had on their lives and families. “What has been so heartwarming is to see the fans’ reaction to this news,” he concluded.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the development of S.W.A.T. Exiles has stirred a complex mix of emotions among the original cast and their dedicated fanbase. While Jay Harrington might not be part of this new chapter, his sentiments reveal an understanding that success comes in many forms. As the transition unfolds, it is essential for every stakeholder—from cast members to fans—to engage in dialogues that reflect the shared history, principles, and aspirations birthed from S.W.A.T.. Whether S.W.A.T. rises from its ashes or a new direction is taken with Exiles, the legacy of the original series will undoubtedly remain etched in the hearts of many.
