Jay Harrington recently spoke out regarding the announcement of a spinoff from the CBS series S.W.A.T., revealing that he was completely unaware of any such plans until shortly before the official announcement. Harrington, who portrayed Deacon since the show’s debut in 2017, expressed surprise in an interview after being asked about the potential for a spinoff. He stated, “No. No. Not once. Not at all,” indicating there had been no prior discussions about it.
Despite the series’ turbulent history with cancellations and renewals, Harrington has not dismissed the possibility of returning in some capacity. He reflected on previous experiences with S.W.A.T. and mentioned, “There’s a chance, you never say die, especially with the streaming world and such.” The actor revealed that he did not anticipate a spinoff when thinking about the future of the show.
The announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles, starring Shemar Moore, came shortly after the original series concluded its eighth season, but it has received some criticism from former cast members who had expressed interest in reprising their roles. Harrington indicated that he learned about the new project from Moore, who reached out to the cast the night before the announcement. He emphasized that while he might have felt slighted by not being included in the spinoff, he holds no ill will towards Moore and wishes the new project well.
He explained, “As a human being, of course you’re going to feel stung, but again, I didn’t want to go to that place because I thought, truthfully, ‘It’s show business.’ It’s a business.” While acknowledging a bit of disappointment that former cast members weren’t mentioned during the spinoff announcement, Harrington highlighted the importance of the legacy they built together over the years.
Moore, who leads the spinoff, addressed the backlash in an Instagram video, suggesting that change is often necessary for growth in the entertainment industry. He compared his position on S.W.A.T. to a football quarterback, asserting that he valued his former castmates while also indicating his desire to forge a new path with the spinoff.
Harrington expressed understanding for Moore’s intentions amid the backlash, showing unwavering support as he reminded viewers of the hard work put into their shared experience over eight years. He also mentioned the overwhelming response from fans, reflecting on the emotional connection many have to the series.
Both Harrington and Moore recognize the tension surrounding change but maintain a hopeful outlook for the future, emphasizing their commitment to their craft and the appreciation they have for their audience. The journey of S.W.A.T. has left a lasting impression, illustrating the impact a show can have on its cast and fans alike, as they all look forward to what comes next.