Shemar Moore is ready for his return to the small screen.
The actor, who left “Criminal Minds” in 2016 after 11 seasons of playing Derek Morgan on the CBS procedural, told reporters during the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour on Tuesday that he is excited by the challenges of starring on “S.W.A.T.”
Moore told the crowd that the show is very different from the 1970s series and 2003 film that it’s based on, as the new version is “taking on the Trump years.”
Referring to his “Criminal Minds” exit as a “blind leap,” he explained: “I just believed in me, and I was hungry — I was hungry to grow.”
He said that he was impressed by the visions of “S.W.A.T.” executive producers Shawn Ryan, Aaron Thomas and Justin Lin, including their plans to address the complicated relationship that police have with the public in light of numerous shootings over the years.
“I get to be a part of a really cool show that I honestly think will surprise you,” Moore continued. “Are we going to fix what’s going on between blue and civilians? I don’t think we’ll fix it, but we’ll create some patience.”
“S.W.A.T.” premieres on Nov. 2 on CBS.