‘S.W.A.T.’ Actor David Lim Says Shemar Moore Doing a Spinoff Without Full Cast Does ‘Sting’: ‘Felt Like We Were Brushed Aside’

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David Lim, who plays the lead role in ‘S.W.A.T.’, has expressed his dismay that a spin-off series is being developed without including him and many of his fellow cast members.

Over the last few years, the law enforcement drama I’ve been following, “S.W.A.T.”, has had its share of ups and downs. In 2023, CBS decided to end the series after six seasons, but the outcry from fans led to a change of heart, and it was renewed for a seventh season. As Season 7 unfolded, the network opted for one more extension before a permanent goodbye after Season 8. The final episode aired on May 16, and just two days later, Sony Pictures Television announced plans for a spinoff titled “S.W.A.T. Exiles.” (As of now, no platform has agreed to air it.) So far, Shemar Moore is the only cast member confirmed for “Exiles.

Lim feels uncomfortable with that situation, as he portrayed Officer Victor Tan throughout all eight seasons of the CBS drama.

He expressed that if he wasn’t telling the truth, he wouldn’t have said it. The release of the new spinoff was hard to swallow, especially when it was announced only two days after our final episode, with no acknowledgment of the cast who were instrumental in creating S.W.A.T. from scratch. After eight amazing seasons, it seemed like we were overlooked at a time that could have been used for appreciation and acknowledgement – for those who made this show, and for the significant influence it had on so many viewers.

In a recent post, I expressed that I, along with my dedicated team, “put up a good fight” to secure another season for our beloved show, S.W.A.T., specifically Season 9. We felt there were still stories left untold and opportunities to contribute, not just for ourselves but also for the talented individuals who had recently joined us. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be for everyone – and that’s alright.

Several members of the “S.W.A.T.” team are showing their backing for Lim. Actors Rochelle Aytes, Annie Ilonzeh, and Niko Pepaj, along with writer and co-producer Ryan Keleher, have all posted messages of support, as well as guest stars Emily Alabi and Coby Ryan McLaughlin.

As a seasoned movie reviewer, let me share my thoughts on “S.W.A.T. Exiles.” After an operation gone awry, I found myself drawn back into action, or so they say, as Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson (Moore). This time, I’m tasked with mentoring a fresh SWAT team – a mix of green recruits who are unpredictable and untested.

The challenge? Bridging the generational gap, managing egos, and molding this motley crew into a cohesive unit capable of safeguarding our city and preserving the very program that shaped me into who I am today. It’s going to be quite the journey!

Read the full text of Lim’s Instagram post below.

I’ve been sitting with everything that came out last week, and I just want to say this:

Over the course of eight amazing seasons, it’s been an immense privilege to be a member of S.W.A.T. team. I’ve given everything I had to portray Tan, but what truly matters is the bond we forged as a team and the friendships we developed, both on set and off.

What truly set S.W.A.T. apart wasn’t just its action sequences or individual characters. It was the team – their bond, their camaraderie. The blood, sweat, tears, and laughter that we poured into each episode were all part of it. This easy, natural chemistry was evident from the moment we started filming the pilot, and it continued throughout the entire 8 seasons.

I’m pleased with our struggle to achieve a ninth season. We felt we still had valuable tales to share, and this determination drove us forward. It wasn’t just about the crew or ourselves; we wanted it for the fresh talent joining us as well. Unfortunately, not everyone was destined to be part of this journey – but that’s alright. Our time together was enchanting, and we ended on a high note with those concluding episodes.

If I’m honest, the release of the new spinoff didn’t feel great. It was hard to watch it being announced only two days after our finale without any acknowledgment of the cast who contributed significantly to S.W.A.T. from the very beginning. After eight fantastic seasons, it seemed like we were overlooked when there could have been a chance for appreciation and recognition—for those who created this series, and for the influence it had on numerous viewers.

I’ve read all the comments, messages, and expressions of support, and it carries a great deal of weight. Although I’m unsure about Tan’s future, I couldn’t be prouder of what we built as a team – our cast, writers, producers, and crew… our SWAT family. No matter how the story unfolds, nothing can strip away the sense of accomplishment that we share.

I’ve gone through all the comments, messages, support—it means a lot to me. I don’t know what’s in store for Tan, but there’s nothing that can diminish my pride in what we achieved together as a team – our cast, writers, producers, crew… our SWAT family. Regardless of how the story develops, our sense of accomplishment remains untouched.

Thanks for riding with us. Always.
Roll SWAT.

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2025-05-30 00:16