‘SWAT’ Spinoff ‘Exiles’ Finds a Home at Starz
A spinoff of SWAT that’s been in the works for more than a year has found a home.
Starz has picked up SWAT Exiles, a follow-up to the 2017-25 CBS series, and has set a Sept. 25 premiere date for the show. Producer Sony Pictures Television has also secured international distribution for Exiles across Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa; a number of those territories will also debut the show on Sept. 25.
Shemar Moore reprises his SWAT role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, who is pulled out of forced retirement after a mission goes awry. He’s asked to train a team of young, unpredictable and untested recruits and potentially save the SWAT program that made him who he is. Lucy Barrett, Adain Bradley , Zyra Gorecki, Freddy Miyares and Ronen Rubinstein also star; Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit and David Lim will reprise their roles from the original series.
After CBS canceled SWAT (for good, this time) during the 2024-25 season, Sony developed Exiles on spec. Sony Pictures TV, led by Katherine Pope, and the studio’s global distribution arm, headed by co-presidents Jason Spivak and Mike Wald, partnered up to produce the 10-episode season.
“The response to SWAT Exiles has been extraordinary and is a testament to the strength of the franchise, as well as the passion and commitment of Shemar Moore, [showrunner] Jason Ning and [executive producer] Neal H. Moritz, who have been outstanding partners throughout the process,” said Keith Le Goy, chairman of Sony Pictures Television. “As we continue to expand the SWAT universe, this project reflects our broader strategy of making bold investments in premium IP and leveraging our independent studio model to identify opportunities, move quickly and maximize value around the world. The commitment from Starz, combined with robust worldwide sales, validates both the franchise’s lasting appeal and the strength of Sony’s global business.”
Said Starz Networks president Alison Hoffman, “SWAT Exiles engages a deeply passionate fanbase that aligns strongly with our audience. We’re thrilled to join forces with Sony to be the first place U.S. fans can experience this thrilling new chapter in the franchise.”
Moore added, “I couldn’t be more excited that Starz is bringing this next chapter to audiences in the U.S. A huge thank you to Sony Pictures Television for believing in this franchise and continuing to invest in what we’ve built together. What makes this moment even more special is that we’re reaching audiences in all major territories worldwide. Fans everywhere will get to experience this epic new ride together.”