Shemar Moore Says ‘Nobody Likes Change’ as ‘S.W.A.T.’ Fans Saddened by

Shemar Moore Says ‘Nobody Likes Change’ as ‘S.W.A.T.’ Fans Saddened by Spinoff Not Bringing Back Co-Stars: ‘I’m the Tom Brady’ of ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘It’s a Fact’

“Return to Base” – The SWAT team undertakes its final mission when a violent crew of ex-pat Russian mercenaries holds Los Angeles hostage after planting hundreds of hidden explosives across the city in a bid to extort the release of their brutal leader, Dmitri Rykov. When Rykov is brought to SWAT for safekeeping, SWAT HQ comes under attack, forcing Hondo and 20-Squad to fight for their very survival, in the second part of the two-hour series finale of S.W.A.T., Friday, May 16 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS ©Sony Pictures Television. All Rights Reserved.

Shemar Moore posted a divisive video on his Instagram profile defending his decision to return for a “S.W.A.T” sequel series without his former cast members.

As reported by Variety, Moore is returning as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson for the 10-episode “S.W.A.T. Exiles” spinoff after the flagship series ended its eight-season run on May 16. Moore’s co-stars, included Jay Harrington (who played fan favorite Deacon), were not announced to be joining him, prompting disappointing and criticism from “S.W.A.T.” fans.

“I might catch some flak from the industry and probably most likely from the fans,” Moore said at the start of his video post. “Nobody likes change. I understand it. But without change you can’t grow.”

Moore promised that “S.W.A.T. Exiles” would be “bigger” and “bolder” than the original show, describing it as “‘S.W.A.T’ on steroids.” He then called himself the “Tom Brady of ‘S.W.A.T.’”

“That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego, it’s a fact,” Moore said. “Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but you know, people get traded. Tight ends get traded. The running back gets traded, the receivers get traded but the teams keep pushing with their quarterback and I’m that guy. I’m so proud, so grateful and not gonna apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and excited for the future.”

Moore called his former cast members “family for life,” adding it’s “bittersweet” to move on without them.

CBS announced in March that it was cancelling “S.W.A.T.” after eight seasons. The synopsis for the new series reads: “After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is.”

Watch Moore’s full message to “S.W.A.T” fans in the video below.