Shemar Moore: It’s ‘Bittersweet’ Doing S.W.A.T. Spinoff Without OG Cast, ‘But I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. It’s a Fact’

In a lengthy Instagram video, in which Moore acknowledges that he “might catch some flack from the industry with what I’m about to say,” TV’s Hondo refers to himself as “the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.,” and says it’s up to the “team” on the recently announced EXILES spinoff to “keep on pushing with their quarterback.”

“Nobody likes change,” Moore says. “I understand that. I get it 100%. But without change, you can’t grow. You can’t win without taking your lumps…. 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. But S.W.A.T. Exiles, baby! S.W.A.T. Exiles. Bigger, bolder. S.W.A.T. on steroids.

“I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady, but I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.,” he continues. “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.”

From left to right: David Lim as Victor Tan, Annie Ilonzeh as Devin Gamble, Niko Pepaj as Miguel Alfaro, Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell, Patrick St. Esprit Commander Robert Hicks and Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS

After singling out a dozen castmates, Moore stresses, “That’s my family for life, OK? But just like in sports, Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but people get traded. Tight ends get traded, the running back gets traded, the receivers get traded… but the team keeps on pushing with their quarterback, and I’m that guy. So proud, so grateful. I’m not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my a– for 31 years to do what I do, and I’m excited about the future.

“I’m excited that S.W.A.T. gets to keep playing ball,” the actor says. “I’m excited that the crew gets to put food on their table and money in their accounts, and go to soccer practice and put their kids through the right schools. Saving jobs, working here in L.A., keeping Hollywood in L.A. This is a big deal. Yeah, a little bit bittersweet in some ways — but man, at the end of the day, we got to be so proud. We got to be so proud because we did the damn thing. The world took notice. And the industry took notice. Shows get cancelled all the time, but S.W.A.T. just won’t die because y’all love S.W.A.T. You all love that crazy action. You love the stories. You love the brotherhood, the sisterhood, all of that. That’s who we are. That’s who S.W.A.T. is. Thrill ride with heart. So, on this day, we celebrate, but we pay homage to what got us there and to the people that got us there, and I will never forget. Always appreciate, and always show love.”

As previously reported, S.W.A.T. EXILES will pick up “after a high-profile mission goes sideways,” at which point Hondo “is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits,” according to the official logline. “Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is.”

Production on the 10-episode offshoot is set to begin this summer in Los Angeles, with Jason Ning (Lucifer, Mrs. Davis) tapped to serve as showrunner. A Stateside network or streaming service is not yet attached; TVLine will keep you posted as we learn more.