The Ultimate S.W.A.T. Cast Shake-Up: Who’s Out, Who’s In For Season 8, And The Future Of The 'Exiles' Spinoff

The latest updates for the *S.W.A.T.* cast in the 2024-2025 television season mark the biggest shake-up in the show's history, confirming massive changes for the core 20-Squad as the series heads into its eighth and final season. The CBS police procedural, which was famously revived after a controversial cancellation, is making headlines not just for its return but for the significant departures of long-standing fan-favorite characters, including Jim Street and Dominic Luca, alongside a major shift for Hondo's partner, Nichelle Carmichael. This news, coupled with the exciting announcement of the *S.W.A.T.: Exiles* spin-off, guarantees that the show's universe is expanding even as the main story winds down. This article provides the most current and comprehensive breakdown of the *S.W.A.T.* cast, detailing the full biography of its leading man, the shocking exits from the main team, the new series regular, and all known information about the upcoming international spin-off, *S.W.A.T.: Exiles*.

The Commanding Officer: Shemar Moore's Complete Biography

The heart and soul of *S.W.A.T.* is Sergeant II Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr., played by the charismatic Shemar Moore. Moore, who is also a producer on the series, has been instrumental in the show's success and its subsequent renewal for a final, eighth season.

Shemar Franklin Moore - Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr.

• Full Name: Shemar Franklin Moore
• Born: April 20, 1970, in Oakland, California, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Santa Clara University.
• Notable Roles Before *S.W.A.T.*: Malcolm Winters on the CBS serial *The Young and the Restless* (1994–2002, 2004–2005, 2014) and Derek Morgan on *Criminal Minds* (2005–2016).
• Career Highlights: Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (1999).
• *S.W.A.T.* Salary: Reported to be around $175,000 per episode.
• Current Status: Leads *S.W.A.T.* Season 8 and will star in the upcoming spin-off, *S.W.A.T.: Exiles*.

Major Cast Shake-Ups: Who Has Left the S.W.A.T. Team?

The transition into the final seasons has brought about significant and emotional cast changes, with three major characters either leaving or having their roles severely reduced. These departures are a key focus for the current season's storyline, allowing for new character development and the introduction of fresh faces.

The Shocking Departures of Street and Luca

The most talked-about changes involve the reduction of screen time for two of the original 20-Squad members. * Alex Russell as Officer III Jim Street: Street was a main cast member from the pilot, known for his rebellious past and complex mentorship under Hondo. Russell’s role was significantly reduced in Season 7, marking a surprising exit for a character who had been central to the team's dynamics. * Kenny Johnson as Officer III Dominic “Luca” Luca: Luca, the team's veteran driver and tactical expert, also saw his role downgraded to a recurring capacity in Season 7. This change meant saying goodbye to a beloved character who represented the show's grounded, blue-collar roots.

Rochelle Aytes' Exit and the Future of 'Nichelle'

The changes are not limited to the 20-Squad itself. Hondo’s personal life is also set for a major shift. * Rochelle Aytes as Nichelle Carmichael: Aytes, who played Hondo's partner and the mother of his child, Nichelle Carmichael, will not return as a series regular for Season 8. She joined the cast in Season 3 and was promoted to a regular in Season 6. Her departure is due to her taking on a new series regular role in the upcoming CBS medical drama, *Watson*, starring Morris Chestnut. Nichelle's absence will undoubtedly impact Hondo's storyline as he balances his high-stakes job with his family life.

The Core Returning Cast for S.W.A.T. Season 8

Despite the departures, the core leadership and several key team members are returning for the final season, ensuring the 20-Squad remains a formidable force in Los Angeles.

Jay Harrington as Sergeant II David “Deacon” Kay

Jay Harrington plays the wise, veteran Sergeant David "Deacon" Kay, Hondo's trusted second-in-command and the moral compass of the team.

• Role: Sergeant II David “Deacon” Kay
• Background: Harrington is known for his previous lead role in the series *Better Off Ted*. He is a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in visual and performing arts.
• Current Status: Continues as a main cast member and is confirmed to appear in the *S.W.A.T.: Exiles* spin-off.

David Lim as Officer III Victor Tan

David Lim portrays Officer Victor Tan, the team's former LAPD Vice officer who brings a unique set of skills and street smarts to the squad.

• Role: Officer III Victor Tan
• Background: Lim is an American actor and model who joined the cast as a series regular from the pilot. He has been a consistent presence throughout all eight seasons.
• Current Status: Main cast member for Season 8.

Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks

Patrick St. Esprit plays Commander Robert Hicks, the commanding officer who often acts as the liaison between S.W.A.T. and the LAPD brass.

• Role: Commander Robert Hicks
• Background: St. Esprit is a veteran character actor, known for portraying stern, authoritative figures, including his role as Elliot Oswald in *Sons of Anarchy*. He was born in California and has over 100 acting credits.
• Current Status: Main cast member and confirmed to appear in the *S.W.A.T.: Exiles* spin-off.

Anna Enger Ritch as Officer III Zoe Powell (The New Regular)

The most significant promotion for the current season is Anna Enger Ritch, who steps up to fill the void left by the departing cast members.

• Role: Officer III Zoe Powell
• Background: Enger Ritch was born in the Philippines and raised on the Pacific island of Guam. She first appeared as a recurring character in Season 5.
• Current Status: Promoted to a series regular for Season 7 and continues as a main cast member in Season 8, taking on a more prominent role in the 20-Squad’s operations.

The Future of the Franchise: S.W.A.T.: Exiles Spin-Off

The end of the main series is not the end of the S.W.A.T. universe. The announcement of the spin-off, *S.W.A.T.: Exiles*, confirms that Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson's story will continue, albeit in a new, international setting. The spin-off, which was announced shortly after the main series finale was initially scheduled, will see Hondo lead a new, elite team of international S.W.A.T. operators. The show is being run by Jason Ning, known for his work as showrunner on *Lucifer*.

The New 'Exiles' Cast and Team

The new series will feature a blend of familiar faces and fresh talent, taking the action to new, global locations.

• Shemar Moore: Reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr.
• Jay Harrington & Patrick St. Esprit: Confirmed to make appearances, providing a bridge between the original 20-Squad and the new team.
• Lucy Barrett: Joins the cast as Samantha “Sammy” Bishop.
• Adain Bradley: Joins the cast as Malik Henderson.

The plot is expected to focus on this new team tackling high-stakes threats outside of the United States, utilizing the international connections and tactical expertise of the S.W.A.T. unit. This expansion promises to deepen the show’s topical authority by exploring global security issues and police cooperation on an international scale, ensuring the *S.W.A.T.* franchise lives on well beyond the final season of the original series.