No spinoff for you.
“S.W.A.T.” star David Lim has addressed the upcoming spinoff series that excludes the main cast — except for Shemar Moore.
Lim, who played Officer Tan for all eight seasons of the CBS drama that was canceled in March, released a statement where he said that seeing the news of “S.W.A.T. Exiles” did “sting.”
“Being a part of S.W.A.T. for the past 8 seasons has been one of the great honors of my life,” he wrote alongside a group photo of the “S.W.A.T.” cast and crew on Wednesday. “I poured my heart into playing Tan — and even more than that, into the team and friendships we built on and off screen.”
“What made ‘S.W.A.T.’ special wasn’t just the action, or one character. It was the squad. The bond. The camaraderie. The shared blood, sweat, tears, and laughs we gave to every episode,” he continued. “That effortless chemistry was there from the very first day we came together for the pilot, and it carried through all 8 seasons.”
The actor said that while “he’s proud of how we fought” for Season 9, he believes the cast “had more stories to tell.”
“We wanted it for our crew, for each other, and for the newer faces just joining us,” said Lim. “It wasn’t in the cards for all of us — and that’s okay. We had a magical run and went out on a high note with those final two episodes.”
“I’d be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn’t sting,” Lim admitted. “It was tough to see it announced just two days after our finale — with no mention of the cast who helped build S.W.A.T. from day one. After 8 incredible seasons, it felt like we were brushed aside when there could’ve been a moment of reflection and recognition — for the people who built this show, and for the impact it had on so many.”
Lim thanked fans supporting the “S.W.A.T.” cast and reiterated that he’s “proud” of the entire team behind the series.
“No version of this story can take that away,” he added. “Thanks for riding with us. Always.Roll SWAT. 🖤.”
Lim’s co-stars Niko Pepaj and Annie Ilonzeh, who have also been excluded from the spinoff, supported his message in the comments section.
“Very well said David🫶🏽🤎,” wrote Ilonzeh, 41.
“S.W.A.T. Exiles” was announced by Sony Pictures two days after the original series was canceled.
Moore, who is reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, shared an Instagram video where he addressed being the only cast member to return.
“Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100%, but without change, you can’t grow,” he stated earlier this month. “You can’t win without taking your lumps. ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ baby, we won the battle.”
The 55-year-old actor went on to call himself “the Tom Brady of “‘S.W.A.T.,’” adding, “that’s not arrogant, that’s not ego, it’s the fact.”
“So proud, so grateful,” said Moore. “Not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and excited about the future.”
“S.W.A.T.” also starred Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
