Call it the franchise that refuses to die, or simply sit back and marvel at its luck; following two past cancellations, the “S.W.A.T.” universe’s latest brush with television’s demise only lasted forty-eight hours. Despite Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore) concluding what was thought to be the final episode with a fitting line, he is set to return in a new ten-episode sequel spin-off series titled “S.W.A.T.: Exiles.” This decision was made so swiftly that numerous people involved in the beloved franchise were left frustrated and blindsided, including the original show’s writers, directors, and actors. Even CBS executives allegedly learned of the new series through industry news outlets, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction over the rapid approval of “Exiles.”

Moore took the initiative to personally inform his fellow cast members before the news was officially announced. This was a bold move, especially since he is the sole returning actor for the new spin-off. Some former castmates expressed dismay at losing their roles and the lack of communication from Sony Pictures Television. Although Moore informed them, many who contributed to “S.W.A.T.”‘s success were shocked to discover that the series would continue without their involvement, having only learned through the media — a revelation that left them displeased.

The agreement for “S.W.A.T.: Exiles” came together rapidly as Sony was eager to retain Moore under contract and preserve the existing production crew and facilities. There is an intention to showcase “S.W.A.T.: Exiles” to potential international buyers at the LA Screenings in May and proceed swiftly afterwards. How rapid was the development process? Showrunner and co-EP Jason Ning’s pitch advanced through the approval stages at such a pace that it took merely two weeks to transition from concept to an official deal.

All of the series’ writers supposedly found out about the new spin-off through the trades or via the cast. A talent rep speaking to Deadline about the situation called the absence of communication from Sony “a slight,” adding that the alleged lack of professionalism wasn’t appropriate. Another person speaking to Deadline under the request of anonymity added that it all felt incredibly unusual.

Even though Shemar Moore emphasized his love for the cast in an Instagram post, he also took the time to point out his own worth to the franchise. “I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady but I’m the Tom Brady of ‘S.W.A.T.’ That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego, it’s a fact,” he wrote. “I’m the quarterback […] I had a strong squad, a family, a team. And I would be remiss If I didn’t say out loud to the world and to them — because I know they’re watching this – love you, I respect you, I appreciate you.”

Virtually any series that goes through a major premise change finds itself in trouble. But “S.W.A.T.” survived the loss of multiple cast members over the years, so it’s possible that fans will happily accept the notion of the franchise shifting into a students-and-mentors series. If Hondo really is the central, Tom Brady-ish figure of “S.W.A.T.,” then the rest of the cast won’t be missed for very long. After all, other shows have successfully survived similar changes in the past; “Frasier” is one example of a massively successful spin-off that budded from its own show in a similar (if less controversial) manner.

On the other hand, the S.W.A.T. team being a stand-in family for the rich, personal connections each member of the squad needs is a huge part of what makes the series unique. When the spin-off’s “family” is made of an entirely different group of people, will fans be able to attach to the newcomers, or will they end up switching to another show featuring a group of characters that they can follow from the beginning? While plenty of people love Hondo, it might take a miracle to get fans to watch more of his adventures without the cast they already know and love. But then again, the history of “S.W.A.T.” is nothing if not miraculous.