With many beloved shows disappearing before our very eyes over the last few years, it’s nice to know one of them is making a return.
We’ve heard a lot about S.W.A.T. Exiles, and while the information has been promising, there had been no word on whether the series would air in the U.S.
Until now.
Deadline reports that the 10-episode freshman season will touch down on Starz on Friday, September 25.
The premium cabler is certainly an unexpected home for the series, but if you’re not interested in signing up for a subscription for just one show, there may be some good news.
Sony Pictures TV is reportedly using a windowing strategy, meaning that if a second-window deal comes together, the show will air on another platform at a later date.
The outlet states that negotiations with Netflix have been underway and that it would be a fitting home, considering the original S.W.A.T. has been streaming there for years.
Starz is certainly an unexpected home, and landing the Shemar Moore-fronted drama is a notable pickup for the network.
S.W.A.T. undoubtedly softened in the ratings during its final years on CBS, but the show continued to beat the odds with renewals, even after multiple cancellation announcements.
It became one of those rare shows nobody in the industry ever counted out because there always seemed to be another surprise renewal around the corner.
With the original S.W.A.T. now over, it’ll be interesting to see whether those viewers follow S.W.A.T. Exiles to Starz.
The series is a big swing for Starz, and the network will be hoping the appeal of the original series encourages viewers to give the spinoff a chance.
The S.W.A.T. franchise may have originated on CBS, but this new series promises to be a bold new chapter.
“After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance, experimental S.W.A.T. unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits,” the official description for S.W.A.T. Exiles reads.
“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.”
It certainly sounds like a change of pace, particularly with the amount of new blood joining the show.
The new cast includes Ronen Rubinstein (9-1-1: Lone Star), Freddy Miyares (When They See Us), Lucy Barrett (Charmed), Zyra Gorecki (La Brea), and Adain Bradley (All American).
Shemar Moore is, of course, back as a series regular, but to date, the only other confirmed returning alums are Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit, and David Lim.
There was a somewhat polarizing response from the fan base when S.W.A.T. Exiles was announced, particularly because the news came as a surprise even to some members of the original cast.
The original S.W.A.T. had a passionate fan base that made their voices heard every time CBS canceled it.
Without those fans, the franchise would probably have been dead and buried years ago.
Now comes the big test: Will they switch up their viewing habits to make S.W.A.T. Exiles a success?
Something is refreshing about this new entry, so for that reason alone, I’m intrigued to see where the spinoff goes.
What are your thoughts on the news, S.W.A.T. Fanatics? Are you ready for a new chapter, or did the show do with its CBS series finale?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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S.W.A.T. is not returning to CBS, but S.W.A.T. Exiles — a new spinoff — has landed a fall premiere date. Let’s discuss all the details.
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