Shemar Moore had the good fortune of securing work on the newly announced S.W.A.T. spinoff, but some fans say the actor’s comments about the rest of the cast are really unfortunate.
On Monday, May 19, Moore posted a video on Instagram with his thoughts on the spinoff titled S.W.A.T Exiles. Sony Pictures Television announced the new series on May 18, just two days after the last episode of S.W.A.T. aired on CBS.
Moore, who played Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson on the police drama for eight seasons, admitted he’d likely get pushback for his comments.
“I might get some flak from the industry for what I’m about to say, and probably most likely from the fans. Nobody likes change, I understand that. I get it 100 percent. But without change, you can’t grow,” he began.
“S.W.A.T. Exiles, baby. We won the battle. We won the battle because we showed up for eight years strong together, a team,” he continued. “It ain’t easy making it in the game of Hollywood, it ain’t. TV shows don’t last eight years anymore. The game has changed.”
Related: ‘S.W.A.T.’ Spinoff to Follow Shemar Moore Leading New Unit
He teased the new show will be “bigger and bolder.” But it was his closing thoughts that left some loyal viewers stunned.
“I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady. But I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.,” Moore stated. “That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego. It’s a fact. I’m the quarterback. I’m Shemar Moore, aka Hondo. But I had a squad, a strong squad, a family, a team. And I would be remiss if I didn’t say out loud to the world, and to them because I know they’re watching this. I love you. I respect you. I appreciate you.”
S.W.A.T. also starred Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit, David Lim, Alex Russell, Kenny Johnson, Lina Esco, Niko Pepaj, Rochelle Aytes, Lou Ferrigno Jr., Amy Farrington, Peter Onorati, and Stephanie Sigman.
Moore thanked his co-stars by name before seemingly confirming they won’t be joining the spinoff, which according to Sony will follow Hondo leading a unit of “unpredictable young recruits.”
“Not gonna apologize for nothing. Busting my ass for 31 years to do what I do. And excited about the future,” Moore said. “Shows get canceled all the time. But S.W.A.T. just won’t die because y’all love S.W.A.T.”
Reaction in the comments section was mixed. While some fans noted that the crew is joining the new show and keeping their jobs — which Sony said in their announcement — others insisted there is no S.W.A.T. without the cast.
“It’s really not a win if the spinoff is just you. I love SWAT, but the show was good because of the team not just because of Hondo,” one person wrote.
“Bring the original SWAT Team back,” someone else wrote.
“They ARE your team. It feels like they are left behind,” another viewer wrote.
“Jay Harrington there is no Swat without you! Bring Deacon back!” someone else wrote.
Stay tuned.
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