“I never take anything for granted”: When S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moore opened up about feeling blessed because of the show

S.W.A.T.
Shemar Moore as Hondo (Image Source: Instagram @shemarfmoore)

The CBS television drama S.W.A.T. premiered in 2017 and introduced audiences to the character of Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, portrayed by Shemar Moore. Hondo commanded the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, an elite police force in Los Angeles.

The team is responsible for dealing with crimes such as armed robberies, kidnappings, and even gang violence. However, the drama is not only about action-packed missions because it also delves into Hondo's personal life.

While working as an elite officer, Hondo tries to build trust and understanding between the police and the local community. This is crucial for some neighborhoods that share a strained relationship with law enforcement.

The show faced cancellation a few times and is now finally ending with S.W.A.T. Season 8. However, the leading cast member, Shemar Moore, has always been grateful for how viewers loved his show.

When S.W.A.T. completed its six seasons, Moore said in a Zoom interview with Inside Ottawa Valley:

"The fact we are able [to make six seasons] and the world has responded... I pinch myself, I never take anything for granted. I’ve been blessed."

Moore has been in the industry for decades and still finds himself amazed by the success of the CBS crime show. The actor mentioned pinching himself when thinking about how far the series has come, especially when it can be tough for any show to stand out among so much content.


Shemar Moore talks about S.W.A.T.'s cancellation and success

Hondo with his team (Image Source: Instagram @shemarfmoore)
Hondo with his team (Image Source: Instagram @shemarfmoore)

Fans who loved watching S.W.A.T. might have felt incredibly sad when Shemar Moore himself confirmed that his show is finally being concluded with Season 8. Similarly, the actor wasn't ready to bid farewell to the CBS show, as he took to his Instagram and said,

"I said I wasn’t going to do this, but I can’t help it... I ain’t lying, and I’m telling the truth. S.W.A.T., here we are, season eight, three weeks away from the finale, we are canceled again. It sucks. It’s sad."

He also mentioned,

"I say to CBS, if you’re done — I know it’s about money, optics, politics — I don’t think you’re making the right choice. I’ll say that. But if you are done, I say thank you, genuinely, honestly, from my heart. Thank you for the honor. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for the ride. If you change your mind, I promise you will make a lot of people smile."

This isn't the first time Shemar Moore has expressed feeling great to be a part of an acclaimed TV show. The actor shed light on his show's success in a 2022 interview and also shared how he portrayed Hondo.

Hondo is a beloved character with legacy roots dating back to the 1975 series and, later, the 2003 film with Marvel star Samuel L. Jackson. Shemar Moore has watched the original version and even liked its theme song.

The actor brought his unique style and said:

"When I got offered this role, if you think I’m going to follow in Sam Jackson’s footsteps, you are crazy. Sam Jackson’s one of a kind. I’m just bringing my Shemar version of Hondo."

Moore's portrayal of Hondo is fierce yet grounded, action-heavy yet heartfelt. The actor has always felt thankful for the love S.W.A.T. received, and the success wouldn't have been possible without other cast members.


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Also Read: What happened to Jack Mumford in S.W.A.T.? Peter Onorati character's fate in the police procedural, explored

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew