Mediaboss Marketing

Don't let the funky theme song or the '70s origins fool you.

While technically a remake of both the original series and the subsequent 2003 film based on it CBS' upcoming cop drama"S.W.A.T."is very plugged into the current moment, according to its cast and creators.

In the series,former "Criminal Minds" starShemar Moore plays a native Angeleno whoruns atactical unit for the LAPDand finds his loyalty torn between his fellow officers and the community in which he was raised.

As co-creator Aaron Rahsaan Thomas told reporters Tuesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour, the series was inspired by his experiences growing up in Kansas City, which have helped him understand both sides of the raging debate over police violence.

"I grew up in a neighborhood that had a very complicated view towards police officers," said Thomas, who created the series with veteran showrunnerShawn Ryan. "On one hand, a 12-year-old kid who was a neighbor of mine was shot and killed by a police officer. On the other hand, another neighbor of mine was an actual police officer."

Moore, best known for his long run on the CBS procedural "Criminal Minds," noted the diversity of the cast and creative teamandadded that, while the show is primarily designed to entertain, it will also resonate politically.

"Were taking on the Trump years," he said. "I dont care who you voted for. Its just whats happening today. Its Black Lives Matter. As much as some people dont want to hear it, its All Lives Matter. Its not just black versus blue or black versus white. Its every ethnicity. Its fear. Its racism. Its terrorism. Its subject matter of today."

Ryan, who created the groundbreaking drama"The Shield," aboutcorrupt Los Angeles police officers, said he was excited about the chance to examine theoften charged relationship between law enforcement and the communitiesthey serve.

"Los Angeles is such a diverse, amazing community, and seeing an officer who kind of lives in the city and sort of sees the people that are being policed as humans and as neighbors and as friends was really important to me."

Continued here:
CBS' 'SWAT' reboot 'will take on the Trump years,' #BlackLivesMatter, says Shemar Moore - Los Angeles Times