S.W.A.T. Exiles Production Start Date Revealed – Shemar Moore’s Hondo Returns in 2026!

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Just when you thought S.W.A.T. was saying goodbye for good, the show’s not only coming back — it’s going full Mission: Impossible with a gritty new spinoff: S.W.A.T.: Exiles .

And guess what? We now know exactly when production kicks off — and things are moving faster than a tactical entry team busting down a door.

During a recent interview with Variety , Sony executive Katherine Pope dropped some exciting news: filming on S.W.A.T. Exiles is set to begin by the end of August 2025 — just a few months after the spinoff was officially announced on May 18 . That’s lightning-fast turnaround time in TV land!

But this isn’t just about getting cameras rolling again — it’s about keeping a whole community of crew members, local workers, and fans happy and employed.

🧨 Hondo’s Back — And He’s Bringing the Whole Team With Him

Shemar Moore’s beloved character Hondo Harrelson is returning — but this time, he’s not just leading a team of elite S.W.A.T. officers. In Exiles , he’s coming out of retirement to guide an experimental, unpredictable unit that’s equal parts dangerous and desperate for leadership.

The best part? The same crew that made S.W.A.T. such a hit is sticking around.

Sony exec Katherine Pope emphasized how important it was to keep the production in Santa Clarita , where the original series filmed all eight seasons. She even said:

“We shoot a couple of shows on our lot, and S.W.A.T. has always shot at the same stages in Santa Clarita. A big piece of why we wanted to greenlight so quickly is to try to keep our community working.”

Translation: they’re not just saving Hondo — they’re saving jobs, too.

🕒 From Cancellation to Comeback – Fast

Let’s be real: S.W.A.T. didn’t get canceled the usual way. There was no last-minute save, no eleventh-hour renewal. Instead, CBS wrapped up Season 8 like a series finale , giving fans closure while leaving just enough threads dangling for a sequel-style spinoff.

And now, Exiles is stepping in to pick up those loose ends — and fast. Going from cancellation to confirmed spinoff in just a few months is rare in TV — kind of like finding a needle in a haystack while wearing gloves… blindfolded… during a shootout.

With production starting this summer, there’s a solid chance S.W.A.T. Exiles could debut as early as 2026 , which means fans won’t have to wait long to see Hondo back in action.

👥 Familiar Faces Are Coming Too!

If you were hoping Exiles would feel like more than just a reboot with a new cast, good news: Pope teased that other familiar faces from the original series will show up.

That means we might see more than just Shemar Moore reprising his role — expect some fan-favorite veterans from the original squad to roll back onto set in August, too.

🔄 Same Look, New Mission

Sure, Exiles will bring changes — it’s a new show with a new mission, after all. But thanks to the same location, crew, and core cast, the DNA of S.W.A.T. is staying alive.

So if you’re worried about losing the spirit of the original — don’t be. This isn’t just another spinoff. It’s a redeployment .

🚨 Final Thoughts

S.W.A.T. Exiles is shaping up to be one of the fastest comebacks in TV history — and it’s bringing both the cast and crew along for the ride. From rapid-fire production plans to heartfelt commitments to the Santa Clarita community, this spinoff feels like more than just a continuation — it’s a celebration of everything fans loved about the original.

So grab your gear, suit up, and get ready — because Hondo’s not done yet.