David Lim Criticizes New S.W.A.T. Spinoff, Says Cast Was “Brushed Aside”

29 May 2025

(L) David Lim as Victor Tan and (R) Shemar Moore as Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson on 'S.W.A.T.'. Credit : Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty

The announcement of the new S.W.A.T. spinoff series, S.W.A.T.: Exiles, starring Shemar Moore, has stirred controversy within the original cast most notably with actor David Lim, who played Officer Victor Tan across eight seasons of the CBS hit. In a strongly worded social media post, Lim expressed disappointment and frustration over how the spinoff was handled, claiming that the original ensemble, which contributed significantly to the show’s success, was left behind without acknowledgement.

The original S.W.A.T. series, a reboot of the 1975 television drama, aired from 2017 to 2025 and built a loyal following thanks to its team-focused narratives and high-octane action. The chemistry between characters like Hondo (Moore), Street (Alex Russell), Deacon (Jay Harrington), and Tan (Lim) played a major role in its popularity. However, with S.W.A.T. Concluding its final season just days ago, CBS quickly unveiled plans for S.W.A.T.: Exiles, which centers solely around Moore’s character and introduces a brand-new cast of younger recruits.

David Lim didn’t hold back. In an Instagram post shortly after the spinoff was revealed, Lim wrote,

“No goodbye post. No thank you to the team. Just a new show announcement starring one of us, while the rest of us are sidelined. We weren’t just background noise, we were the heart and backbone of that show.”

He continued by highlighting the success of S.W.A.T. was built on collective effort:

“This wasn’t just a Hondo story. It was a squad story. A team. A family. We put in blood, sweat, tears, and laughs every week to deliver stories that mattered stories that people cared about. This rollout felt like a slap to all of us who gave it everything.”

Fans of the show quickly flooded his post with support, agreeing that the rest of the cast deserved recognition. Many pointed out that while Shemar Moore has been the face of the franchise, the dynamics and emotional range of the supporting characters like Tan, Deacon, and Hicks helped ground the series.

Moore eventually responded to the backlash, comparing himself to “the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.” in a now-viral Instagram video. He explained that while he respects his former co-stars, the spinoff was an opportunity given to him and that he has no control over casting decisions.

“I’m not saying I am S.W.A.T. but I’ve been leading this team for eight seasons, and the network chose me to carry it forward. I didn’t push anyone out. I just showed up when they called.”

According to CBS, S.W.A.T.: Exiles will follow Hondo as he takes on a leadership role in an “off-the-books” division filled with troubled but talented young officers. The 10-episode season is set to begin filming in late summer, with a premiere expected in early 2026.

Still, the emotional response from Lim and the silence from many other cast members suggest unresolved tension. Behind the scenes, some crew members anonymously echoed Lim’s sentiments, describing the spinoff’s sudden announcement as “cold” and “dismissive.”

As the dust settles, S.W.A.T. fans are now left wondering whether Exiles will live up to the reputation of the original and whether the absence of beloved characters like Tan, Deacon, and Luca will alienate long-time viewers.

For now, David Lim has gracefully bowed out, thanking fans for their love and support over the years. But his message is clear: you can’t just take the "S" out of S.W.A.T. and expect the same fire without the rest of the team.