Shemar Moore looking serious as Hondo in SWAT season 7
S.W.A.T. season 8 is making changes to its cast, as new character details are revealed ahead of the show’s return. Although it was initially planned to end with its seventh installment, CBS reversed course earlier this year and confirmed that S.W.A.T. season 8 would be happening after all. But along with that confirmation, there will be a few arrivals and departures among the ensemble.

Deadline reports that S.W.A.T. season 8 will welcome Chicago Fire actor Annie Ilonzeh in a recurring capacity. Ilonzeh, who played Emily Foster on NBC’s One Chicago shows, is playing Devin Gamble. In another shift, Niko Pepaj has been upgraded to a main cast member for the upcoming episodes. Pepaj has portrayed Miguel Alfaro since season 6, appearing in 12 episodes overall, but he’ll now be a regular presence.

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According to a description of the character, Gamble was born into a family that’s deeply entrenched in crime. The Los Angeles family has led her to cultivate a desire to break free of her past. Gamble believed she achieved her goal by becoming a standout rookie in the LAPD. But then her father’s arrest, for what’s described as a “heinous crime”, caused her to leave Los Angeles and join the Oakland police department. Hondo (Shemar Moore) has brought Gamble back, knowing she’ll be an important part of his new team.

As for Miguel Alfaro, the character initially had issues with Jim Street (Alex Russell) but soon adjusted to helping the team. The character’s increased presence follows a storyline in which Hondo was given permission to add two members to his squad. But it also happens as S.W.A.T. season 8 will be missing out on some familiar faces, including Street.

A composite image features the cast of SWAT in a cropped promotional poster in the background with the SWAT team in uniform and armed in the foreground
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Street and Kenny (Dominique Luca) were both written off during S.W.A.T. season 7, though both characters remain alive and could return as guests. Rochelle Aytes, who plays Hondo’s wife Nichelle, is also exiting as a series regular and moving on to a new role in the upcoming CBS series Watson. But the hope is that she’ll still be able to appear in a recurring capacity. But in any case, the surprise eighth season will look a little different.

S.W.A.T. season 8 debuts Friday, October 18 at 8 PM EST on CBS.

Source: Deadline

SWAT TV Show Poster
S.W.A.T.
This action-packed series follows a specialized tactical unit in the Los Angeles Police Department, led by Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The team tackles high-stakes crimes in the city while addressing issues of race, loyalty, and justice. The series is notable for its intense action sequences and the personal dramas of its members.

Cast
Shemar Moore , Alex Russell , Kenny Johnson , Jay Harrington , Stephanie Sigman , Rochelle Aytes , Patrick St. Esprit
Release Date
November 2, 2017
Seasons
7
Network
CBS
Writers
Shawn Ryan , Aaron Rahsaan Thomas
Directors
Billy Gierhart
Showrunner
Shawn Ryan , Aaron Rahsaan Thomas
Main Genre
Crime