Shemar Moore has returned to screens as Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr. in the new series “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” a spinoff of the CBS drama “S.W.A.T.” The show, which premiered on Starz, picks up two years after the original series concluded, following Hondo as he comes out of retirement to lead a fresh group of recruits in Los Angeles. The character is also depicted navigating significant personal challenges, including a recent divorce, the loss of his mother, and the responsibilities of fatherhood.

Moore, 56, has noted parallels between the role and events in his own life. He lost his mother, Marilyn Wilson Moore, about six years ago, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on him. Moore described his mother as not only a mentor but also his closest confidante. He credits his 3-year-old daughter, Frankie, whom he shares with partner Jesiree Dizon, with helping him find renewed purpose during a difficult period of grief and depression.

The actor has portrayed Hondo since “S.W.A.T.” debuted on CBS in 2017. The original series weathered several near cancellations before concluding with its eighth season in 2025. The transition to the Starz spinoff affords both Moore and the producers greater creative freedom, according to the actor. Sony Pictures Television has already committed to a second season of “S.W.A.T. Exiles.”

Moore emphasized that while the spinoff retains the hallmark elements of the original—helicopter chases, gunfights, and intense hand-to-hand combat—it also introduces a new generation of officers. The cast includes Ronen Rubinstein, Freddy Miyares, Zyra Gorecki, Lucy Barrett, and Adain Bradley, portraying younger recruits with differing approaches shaped by technology and social media.

Moore acknowledged the generational gap on set, highlighting the contrast between his character’s disciplined, Marine background and the younger officers, who are more attuned to digital culture. For example, one character balances marksmanship with maintaining an active social media presence. The dynamic extends off-screen, with the younger cast members referring to Moore with nicknames like “OG,” “Unc,” and “pops.”

In addition to the new cast, some actors from the original “S.W.A.T.” series make guest appearances, including Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit, and David Lim. Reflecting on his long career, Moore observed that many of his new co-stars were not yet born when he began his television work in 1994 on “The Young and the Restless.” He expressed enthusiasm about exploring the evolving relationships and fresh perspectives that come with blending generations in the new series.