David Lim Complained About ‘Sting’ Of S.W.A.T. Getting Canceled And Then A Spinoff, But Sony TV Boss Shared Her Side Of The Story

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Among the shows wrapping up or getting canceled in 2025, the popular CBS series S.W.A.T., starring Shemar Moore, is a standout contender. Despite narrowly avoiding cancellation multiple times over the past few years, the show ultimately met its end earlier this year. However, exciting news surfaced in May when a spinoff titled Exiles was announced, with Moore set to lead it. This decision sparked some discontent among other franchise veterans, including David Lim, who expressed their feelings during an executive’s discussion about the spinoff.

What Did David Lim Have To Say About S.W.A.T. Exiles Being Greenlit After The Parent Show’s Cancellation?

As a dedicated fan of S.W.A.T, I’ve followed David Lim’s portrayal of Officer III Victor Tan throughout all eight seasons. Tan was an unwavering team player with a deep understanding of drug trafficking in Los Angeles. After we wrapped up Season 8, Lim, along with other cast members, shared heartfelt social media posts to mark the end of production. Following the spinoff announcement, Lim returned to Instagram after some reflection and expressed immense pride in the work he and his colleagues accomplished for eight years. He also got candid about how he felt when he heard about the spinoff: it was a mix of emotions, but ultimately he was excited for what’s to come.

It’s hard to conceal my disappointment in the sudden release of the S.W.A.T. spinoff, especially since it was revealed only two days after our final episode. The fact that the original cast, who were instrumental in creating S.W.A.T. from scratch, weren’t even acknowledged, makes it feel like we were overlooked. After eight fantastic seasons, it seemed like there could have been a chance for a farewell moment, acknowledging our contributions and the influence the show had on numerous viewers.

The former star of Quantico posted a picture featuring the cast and crew of the TV series, along with heartfelt thanks to fans for their continued support and kind messages. Despite feeling a twinge of sadness about the swift announcement of a new show and its fresh cast, he expressed immense pride in what they had collectively achieved. In his own words, “nothing can diminish the impact” of the story they brought to life. Here’s the post below:

[Image of Quantico cast and crew]

“I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support throughout this journey. The love and kindness I have received from all of you has been truly humbling.

While it’s bittersweet to see a new chapter unfold so quickly, I couldn’t be more proud of what we managed to create together. No version of this story can take that away.

Thank you again for being a part of our journey and making it one I will always cherish.

Every individual undoubtedly has their unique viewpoint regarding specific situations, and this matter is no exception. It’s understandable that David Lim, expressing optimism for the show before its cancellation, holds his own sentiments. Meanwhile, one might ponder over how executives at Sony TV perceive these events.

How Did A Sony Exec Explain The Circumstances Behind The Spinoff?

Ever since the unveiling of “S.W.A.T. Exiles”, the production team has been transparent about their efforts to maintain the franchise’s momentum. Key figures such as Katherine Pope, Keith Le Goy, and Ravi Ahuja from Sony TV Studios played significant roles in bringing this new series to life. In an interview with Variety, Pope and Le Goy shared insights on the spinoff’s origin. According to Pope, the idea was sparked by her and others trying to keep the original show running at CBS.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been putting in countless hours trying to secure a new base for our ‘S.W.A.T.’ production. Then, Keith dropped a suggestion that sparked an idea we’d talked about for quite some time – a spinoff!

We realized the strength of our brand and our team, and it became clear that we needed to hold onto our crew, our stages, and keep the show rooted in L.A., considering all the changes happening in our city and industry. This urgency pushed us forward. We brainstormed, discussed the team dynamics, and mapped out creative strategies.

I give credit to Keith and Ravi for their determination: “Let’s just keep moving. Let’s push forward, find fantastic partners, and discover the perfect home for this project.” If it means keeping our crew intact and preserving the essence of the show, we’re ready to make it happen – swiftly! The journey has been fast-paced, but I’m excited about what lies ahead.

The rapid development aligns with the latest reports from recent weeks concerning backstage problems. It seems that the main cast and many of the writers from the original series found out about the spin-off just a few days before it was officially announced to the public. At the time, it was rumored that some of them were surprised by the news. Shemar Moore expressed “bittersweet” emotions about joining the new show but stated that he would not apologize for the chance given to him.

In the upcoming series “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” Shemar Moore’s character Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson will be seen training a fresh group of young trainees. Although some new characters are expected, the creators have hinted that established members from the original franchise may also make appearances. This suggests a possibility for David Lim and others to return to their previous roles. However, it’s important to note that a guest appearance doesn’t necessarily mean a regular role in the series.

Regardless of varying viewpoints about the show’s circumstances, the S.W.A.T. Exiles project continues to be circulated for potential buyers, and production has already agreed on 10 episodes. As the program is being developed, enthusiasts can keep themselves entertained by watching the original series, which is accessible through a Netflix subscription.

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2025-06-02 21:38