The Shocking Truth: 5 Ways Jay Harrington Felt 'Stung' By Being Left Out Of The S.W.A.T. Spinoff

The news surrounding the *S.W.A.T.* universe continues to generate intense debate among fans, especially following the announcement of the new spinoff, *S.W.A.T. Exiles*. As of December 12, 2025, the most significant revelation has come from Jay Harrington, the actor who masterfully portrayed David "Deacon" Kay for eight seasons, who has finally broken his silence on being completely excluded from the new project. His candid remarks shed light on a surprising lack of communication and the emotional toll of being left out of the next chapter of a show he helped anchor.

Harrington’s comments confirm what many fans feared: the original cast, outside of the lead, was not brought into the fold for the new series. He admitted to feeling "stung" and "brushed aside" by the news, which he only learned about through industry channels, not from the producers or network directly. This exclusion of a core veteran character, who was central to the original series’ success, has become a major talking point, raising questions about the creative direction and respect for the show’s legacy.

Jay Harrington: A Profile of S.W.A.T.'s Beloved David 'Deacon' Kay

To truly understand the weight of Jay Harrington's exclusion from the *S.W.A.T. Exiles* spinoff, it is essential to appreciate his career and the significance of his role as David "Deacon" Kay. Harrington is a versatile actor and director with a long history in television and film, bringing a seasoned professionalism to every project.

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• Full Name: James H. Harrington III
• Born: November 15, 1971
• Birth Place: Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA
• Education: Graduated from Syracuse University in 1993 with a degree in visual and performing arts.
• Notable Roles Before S.W.A.T.: Harrington is widely recognized for his lead role as the title character Ted Crisp in the critically acclaimed ABC sitcom *Better Off Ted* (2009–2010). He also had significant roles as Dr. Wyatt Lockhart in *Private Practice* and as Detective Chester Lake in *The Division*.
• S.W.A.T. Role: David "Deacon" Kay, a highly respected, veteran SWAT officer and the second-in-command of the 20-Squad. His character was known for his strong moral compass, dedication to his family, and often served as the grounded, emotional center of the team, balancing the intensity of Shemar Moore's Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson.

Deacon Kay’s journey on the original *S.W.A.T.* series was marked by deep character development, including his initial struggle with being passed over for the team leader position, which established a key emotional arc for the show's early seasons. His departure leaves a massive void in the narrative structure of the new spinoff.

The Unexpected Sting: How Harrington Found Out About S.W.A.T. Exiles

The announcement of *S.W.A.T. Exiles* was a surprise to the entire industry, given the original *S.W.A.T.* series had faced multiple near-cancellations and last-minute renewals over its eight-season run. However, the biggest shock was reserved for the cast members who were not asked to return.

Harrington revealed in a recent interview with TVLine that the news of the spinoff was completely unexpected. He candidly stated that the idea of a continuation project was "not on my bingo card" at all. This suggests that the decision to pursue a spinoff, and its specific direction, was made quickly and without consulting the actors who had been integral to the show's success for nearly a decade.

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The actor confirmed that he was never contacted by the studio or network regarding reprising his role as Deacon Kay. This lack of communication is what truly resonated with fans and fellow cast members.

He admitted that, as a "human being," he felt "stung" by the exclusion. It’s a natural reaction for an actor who poured so much into a character and a series, only to be left out of its next iteration. This sentiment was reportedly shared among other long-time cast members who also found themselves on the outside looking in.

The core issue for Harrington and the original cast is not just the exclusion itself, but the way the news was delivered—or rather, not delivered—suggesting that their contributions were perhaps "brushed aside" in favor of a new, youth-focused direction.

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Understanding the *S.W.A.T. Exiles* Creative Pivot

The creative decision to exclude veteran characters like Deacon Kay is directly tied to the premise of *S.W.A.T. Exiles*. The new series is not a direct continuation of the 20-Squad as fans know it, but rather a new chapter focused entirely on Shemar Moore's character, Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, in a different setting.

The spinoff reportedly centers on Hondo leading an "experimental unit". This new team is said to be composed of "untested, unpredictable young" members. The narrative focus is intended to explore "generational divides" within the police force, contrasting Hondo's veteran leadership with the fresh, perhaps more volatile, perspectives of a younger team.

The exclusion of the original cast, including Harrington, is likely a deliberate move to reinforce this "clean slate" and "generational divide" theme. By removing the familiar faces of Deacon, Street, Luca, and Tan, the show can fully establish a new dynamic and a new set of stakes without the baggage or expectations of the previous team structure. However, this artistic choice comes at the cost of alienating a significant portion of the dedicated fan base who cherished the chemistry and camaraderie of the original 20-Squad.

The Future for Jay Harrington and the Door to Return

Despite the initial sting and the clear pivot of *S.W.A.T. Exiles*, Jay Harrington has maintained a professional and optimistic outlook on his future and the possibility of a return to the *S.W.A.T.* universe.

He has not ruled out the possibility of reprising his role as David Kay in the future. Given the history of the *S.W.A.T.* franchise—which has been marked by multiple cancellations and surprising resurrections—Harrington acknowledges that anything is possible in the world of television.

The actor’s immediate future is wide open, allowing him to pursue new and diverse acting and directing opportunities. His extensive resume, including his acclaimed work on *Better Off Ted*, proves his versatility beyond the action-drama genre. Fans are eager to see what his next project will be, whether it’s a return to comedy, a new dramatic role, or even a directing gig.

While the door to *S.W.A.T. Exiles* may be closed for now, the enduring popularity of Deacon Kay and the love for the original 20-Squad mean that a future guest appearance, or even a return in a potential second spinoff, remains a possibility. The public nature of Harrington’s comments ensures that the producers are well aware of the fan appetite for the return of the beloved veteran officer.

The story of Jay Harrington’s exclusion is a powerful reminder of the business side of Hollywood, where creative pivots often trump long-standing character loyalty. Fans will continue to follow his career closely, hoping to see the veteran actor back on screen soon, perhaps even in a surprise reunion with his former 20-Squad teammates.