Daniel Ezra, who has portrayed Spencer for the past six years, will not return as a series regular for Season 7, according to Deadline report. However, the actor is expected to make guest appearances.
In Monday’s “Victory Lap” episode, Spencer is seen to be drafted into the NFL after a heartbreaking Draft Day where he wasn’t selected in the first round. The episode ends with a time jump, showing Spencer in action at the Super Bowl before proposing to Olivia (Samantha Logan). The final two episodes of Season 6 —expanded in April — will focus on Spencer and Olivia as they plan their wedding.
According to Deadline report this was a creative decision made by Ezra and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll before starting Season 6, and it was not a result of a rumored budget cut for the seventh season. With Ezra’s departure, it opens the door for further casting changes, likely including newer next-generation characters taking the reins, as previously reported by Deadline.
Talking about leaving the series, Ezra expressed to Deadline that leaving “All American” was a “difficult decision” and now his focus will be on completing the journey of the most life-affirming character of his career. “Thanks to Nkechi and the writers, I got my wish. Season six is ‘Spencer’s goodbye.’ I’ll miss him. I’ll miss our cast and crew. I hope it’s been as fun to watch him as it has been to play him,” said Ezra.
Ezra is part of the show since Season 1, as audiences followed Spencer through the trials and tribulations on his path to the NFL. The actor has also directed multiple episodes, including the milestone 100th, which aired in May.
Okoro Carroll, the showrunner of the show said in a statement that “Partnering with Daniel Ezra over the last six seasons to bring Spencer’s story to life has been such an amazing, fulfilling, experience. Daniel truly is a gift and brought so much to the character on and off the field. And while Spencer has achieved his NFL dreams, I’m grateful Daniel will still remain an important part of this family, both in front of and behind the camera as we step into a new, exciting chapter of All American.”
All American is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios.
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