Daniel Ezra leaves series regular role in 'All American' after Season 6

Daniel Ezra, who has portrayed Spencer James on The CW’s All American for six seasons, will not return as a series regular for the show's seventh season. 

Deadline confirmed that while Ezra's role will end as a main cast member, he will still appear as a guest in future episodes.

In Monday’s episode titled “Victory Lap,” Spencer is drafted into the NFL after an emotional Draft Day where he was not selected in the first round. The episode ends with a time jump, showcasing Spencer at the Super Bowl and proposing to Olivia (Samantha Logan).

The final two episodes of Season 6, which received an extension in April, will focus on Spencer and Olivia’s wedding plans.

According to Deadline, the decision for Ezra’s exit was a creative one made jointly by Ezra and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll before Season 6 began. 

This decision was not influenced by budget concerns rumored for the upcoming season. Ezra's departure paves the way for casting changes, potentially introducing new, next-generation characters.

Ezra expressed his feelings about leaving the show in a statement to Deadline: “After making the difficult decision to leave All American, my sole focus became completing the journey of the most life-affirming character I’ve ever played in the manner he deserves. 

“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.”

Ezra has led the cast since the series premiered, chronicling Spencer’s journey to the NFL. In recent seasons, he has also directed multiple episodes, including the show's 100th episode, which aired in May.

Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll said in a statement, “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, with executive producers including Greg Berlanti, Jameal Turner, Sarah Schechter, Mike Herro, and David Strauss.