So, the dust has finally settled on the rollercoaster that was the 20-Squad finale, but the internet hasn't stopped buzzing about what’s next. Specifically, everyone's asking the same thing: What is the deal with the s.w.a.t. spinoff david lim situation?
If you’ve been following the drama, you know that S.W.A.T. didn’t just go gentle into that good night. It was canceled, uncanceled, and then basically reborn as something called S.W.A.T. Exiles. But there’s a massive elephant in the room. While Shemar Moore is front and center as Hondo, David Lim—the guy who played the absolute fan-favorite Victor Tan for eight seasons—was nowhere to be found in the initial rollout.
Honestly, it's been a bit of a mess.
The S.W.A.T. Spinoff David Lim Controversy Explained
Here is the reality. When Sony Pictures Television announced S.W.A.T. Exiles in May 2025, they did it just two days after the original series finale aired on CBS.
Talk about bad timing.
David Lim didn't hold back his feelings on Instagram. He basically said the rollout "stung." He wasn't just being dramatic, either. Imagine spending nearly a decade building a franchise, surviving multiple "final" seasons, and then seeing a new show announced that replaces your character with a bunch of "untested recruits" before your own finale's seat is even cold.
Lim’s exact words were that it felt like the original cast was "brushed aside."
You've got to feel for the guy. Victor Tan wasn't just a background player; he was the tactical backbone of the team. But Hollywood is a business, and the "business" part of this spinoff is pretty transparent. By pivoting to Exiles, the studio gets to keep the massive Shemar Moore star power while cutting the costs associated with a long-running ensemble cast. Long-term regulars like Lim, Jay Harrington, and Patrick St. Esprit become expensive over eight years. A "new team" means new, cheaper contracts.
Is Victor Tan Actually in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
This is where things get tricky. As of early 2026, David Lim is not a series regular on S.W.A.T. Exiles.
The new squad is already set. We’re looking at:
- Ronen Rubinstein as Jude Reddick
- Lucy Barrett as Samantha Bishop
- Freddy Miyares as Ethan Cole
- Zyra Gorecki as Cassidy Han
- Adain Bradley as Malik Henderson
However, there is a glimmer of hope. We already know that Jay Harrington (Deacon) and Patrick St. Esprit (Hicks) are popping up in the pilot episode as guest stars. This sets a precedent. Sony executives have dropped hints that "fan favorites" will likely show up eventually.
Katherine Pope, the president of Sony Pictures TV, mentioned in an interview that they view this as a "universe." That’s usually code for "we’ll bring back the old guys for sweeps week or when ratings dip."
📖 Related: Mad Square Movie Tickets: What Most People Get Wrong
But for Lim specifically? He’s been pretty clear that while he’s proud of Tan’s legacy, he isn't currently part of the plan. He’s looking at new projects, though nothing major has been inked yet. He's basically a free agent who is rightfully a little annoyed.
Why the Spinoff Shifted Away From the OG Squad
The premise of Exiles is Hondo coming out of a "forced retirement" to lead an experimental unit. It’s basically S.W.A.T. meets Top Gun: Maverick.
It's a soft reboot.
They needed a reason for the old team to be gone. In the world of the show, 20-Squad essentially disbanded or moved on, leaving Hondo as the "bridge" to the next generation. If Victor Tan were there, he wouldn't be an "exile"—he’d just be the same reliable cop we’ve seen for 160+ episodes. The writers wanted "scrappy" and "unpredictable," and let’s face it, Tan was way too professional for that vibe.
What Fans Are Doing About It
The fans are predictably furious. There are petitions. There are hashtags. But more importantly, there is a weird tension between the new cast and the old guard.
Shemar Moore has tried to smooth things over, calling the decision a "football trade" and reminding everyone that the original cast is "family for life." But when you’ve got David Lim posting about being "stung" and Jay Harrington admitting he didn't have a spinoff on his "bingo card," the "family" vibe feels a little strained.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're holding out for a Victor Tan comeback, here is how to navigate the next few months of S.W.A.T. Exiles news:
- Watch the Pilot: Ratings for the first episode will determine if Sony feels the need to bring back the "Old Guard" sooner rather than later. If the chemistry of the "new recruits" doesn't land, expect a Tan or Street cameo by episode five.
- Follow David Lim Directly: He’s been very active on social media. If he signs a guest deal, he’ll likely tease it there before a press release hits.
- Stream Season 8 on Netflix: Sony is watching the streaming data. If Victor Tan episodes are the ones getting the most rewatches, it proves his market value to the producers of the spinoff.
- Check the Production Timeline: Filming for the 10-episode first season is wrapping up in early 2026. If we don't see a "Lim on set" leak by March, he's likely sitting out the first year entirely.
The s.w.a.t. spinoff david lim saga is a classic example of the "streaming era" of television. It’s about IP (Intellectual Property) being more important than the individual actors who built it. Victor Tan might be on the sidelines for now, but in a world where shows get canceled and uncanceled three times in a row, never say never.
For now, the best thing to do is keep an eye on those guest star announcements for the back half of the season.