Every Actor Joining Shemar Moore in ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ (With Pictures)
‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ has officially arrived, and the Starz spinoff of the long-running CBS procedural is built around a simple but effective premise. The series premiered September 25, 2026 on Starz as a direct continuation of the original ‘S.W.A.T.’, with Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last chance experimental S.W.A.T. unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits.
The show leans heavily on the tension between a proven leader and a squad of outsiders who have yet to earn his trust. As Hondo trains his new team, he also discovers his unit has a mole, someone disclosing private information to outside forces who may not have his best interest at heart, which slowly turns paranoia into a real threat. Here is a breakdown of every actor bringing that new and returning roster to life.
Shemar Moore
Moore anchors the entire series as its lead and its emotional center. On May 19, 2025, it was announced that Shemar Moore would reprise the role of Hondo in the spin-off.
Beyond starring in ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ Moore also has a producing credit on the show. He executive produces alongside Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, showrunner Jason Ning, and past ‘S.W.A.T.’ executive James Scura.
Ronen Rubinstein
Rubinstein joins the cast as one of Hondo’s newest and most unpredictable recruits. He plays a young officer named Jude Callen, and is known to audiences for his work on ‘9-1-1, Lone Star.’
His character arrives with more baggage than most of the squad. The role has been described as “a wildcard with a troubled past,” which suggests his backstory will factor heavily into how Hondo manages the team’s internal friction.
Freddy Miyares
Miyares fills out the roster as a recruit whose skill set does not always translate to easy teamwork. He plays Ethan Cole, having previously appeared in ‘When They See Us.’
His character is framed as a technical asset who still needs to grow socially. Ethan has been described as “a socially awkward tactical savant,” positioning him as one of the team’s more unconventional personalities.
Lucy Barrett
Barrett brings a very different energy to the unit, one rooted in public image rather than pure tactics. She plays Samantha Bishop, and is recognizable from her work on The CW’s ‘Charmed.’
Her character’s background as an online personality sets her apart from the rest of the recruits. Sammy Bishop has been called “a gun show influencer with something to prove,” hinting at a credibility gap she will have to close with Hondo and the rest of the squad.
Zyra Gorecki
Gorecki rounds out the new unit as another recruit still fighting to prove she belongs. She plays Cassidy, and is known for her role on ‘La Brea.’
Her character keeps people at arm’s length, at least at first. Cassidy has been described as “guarded and determined to earn her place,” a description that lines up with the show’s broader theme of outsiders trying to prove themselves.
Adain Bradley
Bradley plays a recruit whose ambition may be hiding something more complicated underneath. He portrays Malik Henderson in the new unit.
His character is set up as one of the more layered members of the group. Malik has been described as “sharp, ambitious, and hiding more than anyone realizes,” a detail that suggests his storyline will unfold gradually across the season.
Jay Harrington
Harrington represents one of the direct links back to the original ‘S.W.A.T.’ cast. It was confirmed that Jay Harrington would reprise the role of Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay as a guest role in at least the pilot episode of the spin-off.
His presence carries extra weight given his history with the franchise. Moore acknowledged the final season’s titular cast, particularly Harrington, as consistent cast members through the show’s eight season run.
Patrick St. Esprit
St. Esprit also returns from the original series in a guest capacity. He was confirmed to reprise the role of Commander Robert “Bob” Hicks in at least the pilot episode of ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles.’
His character remains a familiar authority figure within the department, even as Hondo takes on an entirely new team. His appearance in the pilot helps bridge the gap between the original series and the new experimental unit at the center of the spinoff.
With Hondo’s new squad now fully assembled and a mole already complicating things from the inside, which member of this untested unit are you most curious to watch earn their place on the team.
