Is Jay Harrington leaving SWAT? What happened to Deacon?

The Young and the Restless alum Shemar Moore plays Sergeant II Daniel “Hondo” Harelson in CBS’ police procedural drama S.W.A.T., which centers on the former marine who is assigned to head the department’s new “last stop” Special Weapons and Tactics unit. The show is based on the 1975 TV show and the same-titled 2003 film.

In May 2023, CBS abruptly canceled the show; however, the network soon changed its mind and announced a seventh and final season. In April 2024, good fortune once again prevailed, and the program was unexpectedly renewed for Season 8.

Fans are ecstatic about the news, but it is unclear if numerous significant characters who have already been written off will be added back when the show returns. David “Deacon” Kay (Harrington), a beloved character and S.W.A.T. veteran, is one of these characters. He submitted his resignation in Episode 8. 

His departure occurred soon after Dominique Luca (Johnson) was forced into an early retirement due to an injury and Jim Street (Russell) transferred to the Long Beach Police Department.

Fans are curious about Jay Harrington’s future on the show and whether Deacon will retire now that S.W.A.T. is officially returning for 22 more episodes. Continue reading to find out if Jay Harrington is leaving SWAT.

What happens to Deacon in SWAT Season 7?

In Season 7 of SWAT, Deacon is genuinely considering retirement and is giving Hondo several weeks’ notice before he plans to hang up his gun and badge.

In Episode 10, Deacon is training his teammate Victor Tan on how to take over as the SWAT academy instructor when the time comes. Tan advises Deacon to consider his options first.

Tan, who struggled with the decision before realizing he could finish the job, chooses to replace Deacon at the academy following a protracted and difficult hunt for another murderer.

 Is Jay Harrington leaving SWAT? 

The answer is no. 

Jay Harrington, who plays David “Deacon” Kay, seemed to confirm that he wasn’t leaving S.W.A.T. in an Instagram post in April 2024 celebrating the series’ Season 8 renewal.

Harrington was also seen in a video shared by star Shemar Moore, who plays Hondo, announcing that the series had been renewed for an eighth season. 

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