“S.W.A.T.” star David Lim is voicing his disappointment {that a} spinoff is transferring ahead with out involving him or most of his castmates.

It’s been a rocky street over the previous few years for the regulation enforcement drama. CBS canceled “S.W.A.T.” after six seasons in 2023, however following an uproar from followers, reversed the choice and renewed the sequence for a seventh season. After Season 7 started airing, the community determined to increase it yet one more time earlier than a closing cancellation after Season 8. The sequence finale aired on Might 16, and two days later, Sony Photos Tv introduced that it might be producing a by-product titled “S.W.A.T. Exiles.” (Neither CBS nor another platform has agreed to air it but.) Sequence lead Shemar Moore is at present the one solid member connected to “Exiles.”

That isn’t sitting proper with Lim, who performed officer Victor Tan for all eight seasons of the CBS drama.

“I’d be mendacity if I mentioned the rollout of the brand new spinoff didn’t sting. It was robust to see it introduced simply two days after our finale—with no point out of the solid who helped construct S.W.A.T. from day one,” he wrote in an Instagram submit. “After 8 unbelievable seasons, it felt like we had been brushed apart when there might’ve been a second of reflection and recognition—for the individuals who constructed this present, and for the impression it had on so many.”

In his submit, Lim additionally famous that the workforce “fought” to get “S.W.A.T.” renewed for Season 9: “We believed we nonetheless had extra to provide, extra tales to inform. We needed it for our crew, for one another, and for the newer faces simply becoming a member of us. It wasn’t within the playing cards for all of us—and that’s okay.”

A number of members of the “S.W.A.T.” workforce are backing Lim up. Actors Rochelle Aytes, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj all wrote feedback of help, as did author and co-producer Ryan Keleher and visitor stars Emily Alabi and Coby Ryan McLaughlin.

In an interview with Selection, Sony Photos Tv president mentioned there’s an opportunity different “S.W.A.T.” solid members will finally be part of the spinoff: “It’s a universe. There’s a clear world that we’re exploring right here. We’re a couple of weeks in. We’re nonetheless placing all of it collectively, however for certain, I feel you possibly can anticipate a few of your favorites to be part of it indirectly,” she mentioned. Regardless, it appears clear that Lim hasn’t gotten a name but — and manufacturing is about to start in August, in keeping with Pope.

The official logline for “S.W.A.T. Exiles” reads, “After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson (Moore) is pulled out of compelled retirement to steer a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable younger recruits. Hondo should bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and switch a squad of outsiders right into a workforce able to defending the town and saving this system that made him who he’s.”

Learn the complete textual content of Lim’s Instagram submit under.

I’ve been sitting with every part that got here out final week, and I simply wish to say this:

Being part of S.W.A.T. for the previous 8 seasons has been one of many nice honors of my life. I poured my coronary heart into enjoying Tan—and much more than that, into the workforce and friendships we constructed on and off display.

What made S.W.A.T. particular wasn’t simply the motion, or one character. It was the squad. The bond. The camaraderie. The shared blood, sweat, tears, and laughs we gave to each episode. That easy chemistry was there from the very first day we got here collectively for the pilot, and it carried via all 8 seasons.

I’m pleased with how we fought for a ninth season. We believed we nonetheless had extra to provide, extra tales to inform. We needed it for our crew, for one another, and for the newer faces simply becoming a member of us. It wasn’t within the playing cards for all of us—and that’s okay. We had a magical run and went out on a excessive be aware with these closing two episodes.

I’d be mendacity if I mentioned the rollout of the brand new spinoff didn’t sting. It was robust to see it introduced simply two days after our finale—with no point out of the solid who helped construct S.W.A.T. from day one. After 8 unbelievable seasons, it felt like we had been brushed apart when there might’ve been a second of reflection and recognition—for the individuals who constructed this present, and for the impression it had on so many.

I’ve seen the feedback, the messages, the help—and it actually means lots. I’ll not know what the long run holds for Tan, however I couldn’t be extra pleased with what we created collectively—our solid, writers, producers, crew… our SWAT household. No model of this story can take that away.

Thanks for using with us. All the time.
Roll SWAT.