Jay Harrington on Missing the S.W.A.T. Spinoff: ‘Not on My Bingo Card’
Here’s a little S.W.A.T. update you didn’t see coming: Jay Harrington didn’t land a spot on the freshly announced spinoff, and his deadpan reaction is peak millennial. In a recent sit-down with Variety (September 14, 2023), the actor best known as the ever-steady Captain Dad Noël on CBS’s S.W.A.T. admitted that getting left off the call sheet “wasn’t on my bingo card,” per Deadline Hollywood. The news dropped via Deadline back in August, along with casting details for the new series that centers on a West Coast SWAT division led by none other than Alex Russell’s Victor Tan character. Harrington says he found out the same way fans did—online—and he’s more amused than offended.
While People Magazine confirms that the spinoff will introduce fresh faces alongside familiar ones like Kenny Johnson’s Dominique Luca, Harrington is taking it all in stride. “I’m rooting for the team, I’m still Team S.W.A.T.,” he told Deadline, adding that he’ll remain fully invested in the original show’s upcoming seasons. Fans on Twitter have already started the #BringBackHarrington campaign, and some insiders whisper a guest-star cameo could still be in the cards. TVLine noted that CBS is open to crossovers—so don’t rule out the possibility of a surprise Harrington drop-in.
This isn’t the first time an ensemble member has sat out a franchise spinoff, but Harrington’s laid-back response might be the most chill yet. On the set of S.W.A.T., sources say his colleagues weren’t shocked—Lina Esco and Shemar Moore allegedly joked about sending him an invite to the “cast party,” which never existed. Behind the scenes, Harrington has been busy developing a comedy pilot with Lionsgate TV, and according to Variety, he’s “excited to flex some comedic chops.” So while fans ponder what Captain Dad Noël is up to, it seems Jay has plenty of projects lined up.
Even CBS President Kelly Kahl hinted at flexible casting, telling TVLine he’s “thrilled” by the spinoff’s ensemble but open to bringing in legacy stars down the line. For now, Harrington’s non-reaction is the reaction: he’ll keep leading the original S.W.A.T. crew, crack the occasional dad joke, and maybe drop in on the new show when the timing feels right. If you needed proof that Hollywood gossip doesn’t always come with salt and vinegar, Harrington’s shrug is Exhibit A. Anyway, that’s the tea on this one—take it or leave it. If this trends, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Deadline Hollywood, TVLine
Attribution: Bill Inoshita (Creative Commons)
