S.W.A.T. Exiles is the next chapter in the S.W.A.T. universe, bringing back one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters while giving him a completely different team to lead.
Shemar Moore returns as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, but this time Hondo isn’t simply running the familiar 20-Squad. After a disastrous mission leaves his career in pieces, he is pulled out of forced retirement and given what may be his final chance to prove himself.
His assignment is unusual: build a brand-new experimental S.W.A.T. unit from talented but difficult recruits who have been overlooked, underestimated or written off.
That setup gives S.W.A.T. Exiles a different feel from the original CBS series. Instead of an established tactical team that already knows how to work together, Hondo has to turn a group of outsiders into a functioning unit while dealing with his own complicated relationship with S.W.A.T.
The series premieres on STARZ on September 25, 2026.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Release Date
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 premieres Friday, September 25, 2026, on STARZ.
The series is scheduled for a weekly Friday-night release rather than dropping the entire season at once.
STARZ lists the show as a crime, drama and action series with a TV-14 rating. The first season consists of 10 episodes.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | S.W.A.T. Exiles |
| Season | Season 1 |
| Premiere Date | September 25, 2026 |
| Network | STARZ |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Action |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Lead Star | Shemar Moore |
| Main Character | Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson |
| Language | English |
| Status | Renewed for Season 2 |
| Original Franchise | S.W.A.T. |
What Is S.W.A.T. Exiles About?
The story begins after a high-profile S.W.A.T. mission goes badly wrong.
Hondo’s career takes a major hit after a fatal shooting, and he is forced away from the team he spent years leading. Two years later, he gets an unexpected opportunity to return.
But there is a catch.
Hondo isn’t simply being given his old position back.
Instead, he is asked to create an experimental S.W.A.T. team made up of young recruits who don’t necessarily fit the traditional mold.
These recruits are talented, but they also come with personality clashes, complicated histories and very different ideas about how police work should be done.
For Hondo, the challenge isn’t just tactical.
He has to figure out how to lead a generation that doesn’t necessarily respond to the same methods that worked for him in the past.
And while Hondo tries to turn the group into a real S.W.A.T. unit, there is another problem developing inside the organization: someone appears to be working against the team.
Hondo Is Back — But He’s Different
The biggest reason fans of the original S.W.A.T. will be interested in Exiles is obviously Hondo.
But the new series isn’t simply treating him as the same character from the previous show.
When Exiles begins, Hondo has already experienced a major professional failure.
He has lost his position, spent time away from S.W.A.T. and now has to decide whether he still belongs in the organization.
Showrunner Jason Ning has described the new version of Hondo as someone audiences haven’t seen before.
The character still has the leadership skills and experience that made him successful, but his new circumstances force him to question his own approach.
Rather than commanding a polished team, he now has to build one from scratch.
That creates one of the central themes of Season 1: can an experienced leader adapt to a completely different generation of recruits?
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Cast
Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson
Shemar Moore returns as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, the central character of the series.
Moore played Hondo throughout the original S.W.A.T. and is the only original series regular returning to lead Exiles.
Hondo’s role is different this time. Instead of working with the established 20-Squad, he has to train and command a group of recruits who are still trying to prove themselves.
His personal journey is just as important as the team’s missions.
Lucy Barrett as Sammy Bishop
Lucy Barrett plays Sammy Bishop, one of Hondo’s new recruits.
Sammy is described as a gun-show influencer who has something to prove.
Her personality puts her firmly in the group of unconventional recruits that Hondo must transform into a professional tactical unit.
Adain Bradley as Malik Anderson
Adain Bradley plays Malik Anderson.
Malik is ambitious, sharp and determined to make his place in the new unit.
However, his character is also carrying secrets, which becomes important as the season’s larger storyline develops.
Zyra Gorecki as Cassidy Reed
Zyra Gorecki plays Cassidy Reed.
Cassidy is guarded and determined to earn her place.
Her character represents another side of Hondo’s challenge: the recruits aren’t simply inexperienced — many of them have reasons for being viewed as outsiders.
Freddy Miyares as Ethan Cole
Freddy Miyares plays Ethan Cole, a socially awkward but highly talented tactical specialist.
Ethan’s technical ability could make him extremely valuable to the team, but Hondo must help him turn that ability into something that works in the field.
Ronen Rubinstein as Jude Callan
Ronen Rubinstein plays Jude Callan.
Jude is described as the wildcard of the new group.
He has a troubled past and an unpredictable personality, making him one of the recruits Hondo will have to work hardest to understand.
Original S.W.A.T. Characters Returning
Although S.W.A.T. Exiles introduces a mostly new cast, several familiar faces will appear.
Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay
Jay Harrington returns as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay.
Deacon was one of Hondo’s closest colleagues throughout the original series.
He is confirmed to appear in the first episode, giving longtime viewers a familiar connection to the original show.
Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks
Patrick St. Esprit returns as Commander Robert Hicks.
Hicks plays an important role in bringing Hondo back into the S.W.A.T. world and giving him the opportunity to lead the experimental unit.
David Lim as Victor Tan
David Lim will also return as Victor Tan during Season 1.
His appearance is expected later in the season rather than in the premiere.
So while Exiles is introducing a new generation of characters, the original S.W.A.T. universe hasn’t been completely left behind.
S.W.A.T. Exiles New Team
The central group can be summarized like this:
| Character | Actor | Role in the New Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hondo Harrelson | Shemar Moore | Team leader |
| Sammy Bishop | Lucy Barrett | Gun-show influencer / recruit |
| Malik Anderson | Adain Bradley | Ambitious recruit |
| Cassidy Reed | Zyra Gorecki | Guarded recruit |
| Ethan Cole | Freddy Miyares | Tactical specialist |
| Jude Callan | Ronen Rubinstein | Unpredictable wildcard |
The interesting part is that these characters aren’t presented as a perfectly synchronized tactical team.
They have to become one.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Episode Guide
Season 1 contains 10 episodes.
Episode 1 — “Clean Entry”
Release date: September 25, 2026
Hondo gets his opportunity to rebuild his career by creating a new S.W.A.T. unit from Los Angeles’ overlooked talent.
The new recruits are thrown into action and quickly discover that working together is much harder than expected.
The episode also introduces the mystery surrounding one of Hondo’s recruits.
Episode 2 — “Not One But Two”
Release date: October 2, 2026
The second episode continues the team’s early development as Hondo attempts to establish discipline and trust within the new unit.
The recruits are still learning where they fit, while Hondo has to deal with the consequences of bringing such an unconventional group together.
Episode 3 — “The Project”
Release date: October 9, 2026
The new unit faces another challenge as Hondo’s experimental approach begins to take shape.
The title suggests that the larger operation surrounding the team will become increasingly important as the season develops.
Episode 4 — “Hate Crime”
Release date: October 16, 2026
The team responds to another dangerous situation while tensions inside the group continue to develop.
As the recruits gain experience, their personal differences become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Episode 5 — “Edgemount”
Release date: October 23, 2026
The fifth episode continues the season’s serialized storyline.
By this point, the recruits are expected to have developed more confidence, but the pressure surrounding Hondo and his experimental team is also increasing.
Episode 6 — “Molotov Cocktail Attire”
Release date: October 30, 2026
The team faces another dangerous operation as the season moves into its second half.
The episode is expected to continue developing the relationships between Hondo and the recruits.
Episode 7 — “Take the Shot”
Release date: November 6, 2026
The seventh episode pushes the team deeper into the season’s larger conflict.
The title hints at a major decision involving risk, responsibility and the consequences of acting under pressure.
Episode 8 — “The Vault”
Release date: November 13, 2026
The team gets closer to the season’s bigger mysteries.
With Hondo’s unit increasingly under pressure, trust becomes more important than ever.
Episode 9 — “Burn Zone”
Release date: November 20, 2026
The penultimate episode sets up the Season 1 finale.
The team’s problems are reaching a critical point, and Hondo has to determine who he can actually trust.
Episode 10 — “Hard Exit”
Release date: November 27, 2026
The Season 1 finale is titled “Hard Exit.”
The episode will conclude the first season’s storyline while potentially leaving the door open for the next chapter of Hondo’s new team.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Episode Release Schedule
| Episode | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clean Entry | September 25, 2026 |
| 2 | Not One But Two | October 2, 2026 |
| 3 | The Project | October 9, 2026 |
| 4 | Hate Crime | October 16, 2026 |
| 5 | Edgemount | October 23, 2026 |
| 6 | Molotov Cocktail Attire | October 30, 2026 |
| 7 | Take the Shot | November 6, 2026 |
| 8 | The Vault | November 13, 2026 |
| 9 | Burn Zone | November 20, 2026 |
| 10 | Hard Exit | November 27, 2026 |
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 a Sequel or Spin-Off?
S.W.A.T. Exiles is best described as a spin-off and continuation of the S.W.A.T. universe.
It isn’t simply S.W.A.T. Season 9.
The original CBS series ended after eight seasons, while Exiles moves Hondo into a new environment with a different supporting cast and a more serialized story.
The DNA of the original series remains, but the structure is changing.
The biggest difference is the new team.
The original series focused heavily on an established S.W.A.T. unit. Exiles begins with Hondo having to create that unit from the ground up.
How Is S.W.A.T. Exiles Different From the Original S.W.A.T.?
There are several major differences.
1. A completely new team
Hondo isn’t surrounded by the same 20-Squad lineup.
Instead, he gets five younger recruits with very different personalities.
2. More serialized storytelling
The original S.W.A.T. frequently followed a procedural format, with individual missions forming the center of episodes.
Exiles is also an action series, but the new show places greater emphasis on the continuing story surrounding Hondo, his recruits and the problems inside the organization.
3. A different Hondo
Hondo begins the show after a major professional setback.
He isn’t returning as the unquestioned leader of an established team.
He has something to prove.
4. Generational conflict
One of the show’s central ideas is what happens when an experienced S.W.A.T. leader has to work with a younger generation that doesn’t necessarily share his methods or worldview.
5. A mystery inside the unit
The new team isn’t just dealing with criminals on the streets.
There is also an internal mystery involving information being leaked outside the unit.
That gives Season 1 a continuing storyline beyond the individual tactical missions.
Who Created S.W.A.T. Exiles?
Jason Ning serves as showrunner and executive producer.
The executive producers include:
- Jason Ning
- Shemar Moore
- Neal H. Moritz
- Pavun Shetty
- James Scura
- Jon Cowan
The series is produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles Connected to the Original S.W.A.T.?
Yes.
The connection is direct because Shemar Moore returns as the same character, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
Several original characters also appear during Season 1.
However, viewers don’t necessarily need to treat Exiles as simply another season of the old show.
The new series is designed to establish its own identity while continuing Hondo’s story.
For longtime fans, the returning characters provide continuity.
For new viewers, the new team provides a fresh starting point.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Based on a True Story?
No.
S.W.A.T. Exiles is a fictional crime-action drama.
The series uses a fictional S.W.A.T. team, fictional characters and fictional missions.
Like many police dramas, it draws on the general world of tactical law enforcement, but the story itself isn’t a retelling of a specific true case.
Where to Watch S.W.A.T. Exiles?
S.W.A.T. Exiles is a STARZ original series.
In the United States, the series premieres on STARZ on September 25, 2026, with episodes released weekly.
STARZ also offers the series through its streaming service.
Availability can vary by country because Sony Pictures Television has sold the series across international territories.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles on Netflix?
There is no indication that S.W.A.T. Exiles is a Netflix original.
The series was made for STARZ in the United States.
If you’re searching for the show online, the safest option is to check STARZ or the official streaming service available in your country rather than assuming the original S.W.A.T.‘s streaming availability also applies to Exiles.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Worth Watching?
That depends on what you liked about the original series.
If your favorite part of S.W.A.T. was Hondo, the new series brings him back at the center of the story.
But Exiles is intentionally changing the formula.
Instead of giving Hondo another established team, the series makes him responsible for a group of young recruits who have to learn how to operate together.
That gives the show two storylines running alongside each other: the team’s tactical missions and Hondo’s attempt to rebuild himself professionally.
Because Season 1 has not premiered yet as of this writing, a final assessment of the complete season isn’t possible. Reviews and audience reactions should become much clearer after the September 25 premiere.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 2: Is It Renewed?
Yes.
S.W.A.T. Exiles was renewed for Season 2 before Season 1 even premiered.
Shemar Moore announced the renewal publicly in August 2026.
However, detailed Season 2 story information and a premiere date have not been announced yet.
For now, Season 1 is the focus, with its 10 episodes scheduled to run from September 25 through November 27, 2026.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 Trailer
The official trailer introduces Hondo’s return, his new recruits and the larger conflict surrounding the experimental unit.
The trailer also confirms appearances from familiar S.W.A.T. characters, including Hicks and Deacon.
Rather than simply recreating the old 20-Squad, the trailer emphasizes the idea of Hondo building something new.
S.W.A.T. Exiles vs S.W.A.T.
| Feature | S.W.A.T. | S.W.A.T. Exiles |
|---|---|---|
| Main character | Hondo | Hondo |
| Actor | Shemar Moore | Shemar Moore |
| Original network | CBS | STARZ |
| Team | Established S.W.A.T. unit | Experimental new unit |
| Format | Procedural/action drama | Action/crime drama with serialized elements |
| Main setting | Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| Hondo’s position | Established leader | Rebuilding his career |
| Main supporting cast | Original 20-Squad | Five new recruits |
| Connection | Original series | Spin-off/continuation |
Final Thoughts
S.W.A.T. Exiles isn’t trying to simply recreate the original show.
Its biggest change is putting Hondo in an unfamiliar position. He has to take a group of recruits who don’t naturally function as a team and turn them into an effective tactical unit.
That creates a different kind of story for Shemar Moore’s character.
Hondo has the experience, but his new recruits have their own ideas, problems and ambitions. At the same time, the team appears to be dealing with a larger threat from inside the organization.
With 10 episodes scheduled for Season 1, a September 25 premiere on STARZ and Season 2 already confirmed, S.W.A.T. Exiles is set up as a continuation of Hondo’s story rather than a simple return to the old formula.
For fans of the original S.W.A.T., the biggest question isn’t whether Hondo can lead another team.
It’s whether he can learn how to lead this one.
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 FAQs
When does S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 premiere?
S.W.A.T. Exiles premieres on September 25, 2026, on STARZ.
How many episodes are in S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1?
Season 1 has 10 episodes.
Who plays Hondo in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
Shemar Moore returns as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 9?
No. It is a spin-off/continuation of the S.W.A.T. universe rather than an official Season 9 of the original CBS series.
Is Deacon in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
Yes. Jay Harrington returns as David “Deacon” Kay in Season 1.
Is Hicks in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
Yes. Patrick St. Esprit returns as Commander Robert Hicks.
Is Victor Tan in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
Yes. David Lim returns as Victor Tan during Season 1.
Who are Hondo’s new recruits?
The new team includes Sammy Bishop, Malik Anderson, Cassidy Reed, Ethan Cole and Jude Callan.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles on STARZ?
Yes. STARZ is the U.S. home of the series.
Has S.W.A.T. Exiles been renewed for Season 2?
Yes. The series received an early Season 2 renewal before its Season 1 premiere.
Is S.W.A.T. Exiles based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional action and crime drama.
How many seasons will S.W.A.T. Exiles have?
Season 1 has 10 episodes, and Season 2 has already been renewed. The exact total number of seasons has not been announced.