Starz has released the official trailer and key art for S.W.A.T. The new drama brings back Shemar Moore to reprise his role as LAPD S.W.A.T. Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, who enters the series on a path toward redemption following a career-altering tragedy.
Plot Premise and Hondo’s Return in S.W.A.T. Exiles
The incident forces Hondo to walk away from the only life he has known. However, his former commanding officer, Robert Hicks—played by returning cast member Patrick St. Esprit—offers him a final chance at redemption by forming a brand-new, experimental S.W.A.T. unit built from the ground up using Los Angeles’s most talented rejects.
The resulting squad brings together a generational clash of personalities, echoing cinematic precedents like Top Gun: Maverick. The unit features Sammy Bishop, portrayed by Lucy Barrett as a gun-show influencer with something to prove; Ethan Cole, played by Freddy Miyares as a socially awkward tactical savant; and Cassidy Reed, played by Zyra Gorecki as a guarded officer determined to earn her place. Rounding out the team are Jude Callan, played by Ronen Rubinstein as a wildcard with a troubled history, and Malik Anderson, played by Adain Bradley as an ambitious operator hiding deeper motives.
Behind the Scenes and Distribution Strategy
Exiles is commissioned by Sony Pictures Television. Jason Ning serves as the series showrunner and executive producer, bringing experience from projects like Lucifer and Mrs. Davis. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Shemar Moore, James Scura, and Jon Cowan.
The project arrives at a critical juncture for its broadcast future. According to ScreenRant, Sony Pictures Television showcased the series at the London TV Screenings to secure buyers, as the show lacked a confirmed domestic or widespread international home prior to the Starz pickup. In addition to Moore and St. Esprit, other original cast members such as Jay Harrington (Deacon) and David Lim (Victor Tan) are reported to make appearances, with studio executives expressing openness to integrating further familiar faces from the mothership series.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does S.W.A.T. Exiles premiere?
Exiles premieres on September 25, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays via the Starz app and on-demand platforms.
Who is returning from the original S.W.A.T. series?
Shemar Moore reprises his lead role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
What is the premise of the new spinoff?
The series follows Hondo as he forms a last-chance S.W.A.T. unit composed of departmental rejects, tasked with handling volatile threats in Los Angeles while uncovering an internal conspiracy against the agency.
Did you know? S.W.A.T. Exiles was announced just days after the broadcast finale of the original S.W.A.T. series on CBS in May 2025.
Want to stay updated on all the latest television spinoffs and premiere dates? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our archives for more breaking entertainment news.
Keep reading