The article contains spoilers for All American season 6, episode 13, “Draft Day.”
Summary
All Americanseason 7 will be losing one important cast member. The long-running sports drama secured a renewal, having the distinction of being the only CW Original to avoid cancellation, even as the spinoffAll American: Homecomingwas axed. But after celebrating the milestone 100th episode, and going intoAll Americanseason 7, the show will be missing a crucial presence.
Deadlineconfirms thatDaniel Ezra will not be returning toAll Americanseason 7 as a series regular, though he will continue to make guest appearances in the role of Spencer James. Ahead of the season 6 finale, which will air on July 15, the sports drama is expected to focus on the wedding of Spencer and Olivia Baker (Samantha Logan). The departure is described as a creative decision from both Ezra and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, who felt Spencer had reached the end of his story, andnot a budget cut. Read Ezra’s statement below:
“After making the difficult decision to leaveAll 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.”
How All American Wrote Off Spencer James
Ezra’s Character Gets A Fitting Farewell
It’s the end of an era forAll American’s true story origins, as Ezra’s character was positioned as the main protagonist and the one the sports drama has been positioned around.
Spencer’s farewell episode, “Draft Day,” begins on a less-than-ideal note. His chances of gettingdrafted to the NFL seem to be slippingaway due to some leaked audio where Spencer is critiquing the process. Although he’s momentarily defeated, and upset that the audio leaked, Spencer’s fortunes turn around before he makes his final bow as a main character.
“Draft Day” is written by Mike Herro & David Strauss and directed by Dawn Wilkinson.
A ten-month time jump, before the end of “Draft Day,” showsSpencer playing in the NFL. He’s not only one of the players in the large league. Instead, he’s the player whoclinches the Super Bowl win for his team, the fictional New York Bobcats, becoming the first win in the team’s history. But it’s not the only feel-good moment, asSpencer proposes to his girlfriend Oliviaon the field after the game.
10 Best Shows Like All American
Whether it’s Playmakers and Friday Night Lights or Pitch and The Big Shot, there are several worthy sports dramas to watch alongside All American.
It’s the end of an era forAll American’s true story origins, as Ezra’s character was positioned as the main protagonist and the one the sports drama has been positioned around. But as the long-running CW hit moves on to its next chapter, it will likely have the space to spend more of the spotlight on other characters while still checking in on Spencer for guest appearances.
All American
Cast
This sports drama, inspired by the real-life journey of football player Spencer Paysinger, follows a high school student from south L.A. when he is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High.
