Daniel Ezra leaves the series “All American” after season 6 as a regular contestant

Troy Harvey/The CW

SPOILER ALERT! This post contains some details from Monday night’s episode of All Americans.

Spencer James’ story comes to an end on The CW All Americans.

Daniel Ezra, who has played the character for the past six years, will not return to the series as a regular cast member in season 7, Deadline has confirmed. He is expected to make guest appearances.

In Monday’s episode, titled “Victory Lap,” Spencer is finally drafted into the NFL after not being selected in the first round on heartbreaking draft day. The episode ends with a time jump where the audience sees Spencer in action at the Super Bowl before he proposes to Olivia (Samantha Logan).

The final two episodes of the sixth season, which was extended in April, focus on Spencer and Olivia planning their wedding.

Deadline understands this was a creative decision made by Ezra and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll before the launch of season 6. It was not the result of a budget cut that had been rumored for season 7. With Ezra’s departure, the door is opened for more cast changes that will likely see some newer characters from the next generation take the reins, as Deadline previously reported.

“After the difficult decision to leave All Americansmy sole focus was to complete the journey of the most life-affirming character I’ve ever played in the way he deserves. Thanks to Nkechi and the writers, my wish has come true. Season six is ​​”Spencer’s farewell.” I will miss him. I will miss our cast and crew. I hope he was as much fun to watch as he was to play,” Ezra said in a statement to Deadline.

Ezra has led the cast since Season 1, when audiences followed Spencer through the ups and downs of his journey to the NFL. The actor has also been behind the camera in recent seasons, directing several episodes, including the 100th, which aired in May.

In a statement, Okoro Carroll said: “Working with Daniel Ezra over the past six seasons to bring Spencer’s story to life has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Daniel is truly a gift and has given so much to the character on and off the field. And while Spencer has gone on to achieve his NFL dreams, I am grateful that Daniel will continue to be an important part of this family, both on and off camera, as we move into a new, exciting chapter of the series. All Americans.”

Okoro Carroll is showrunner of All Americanswhich is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios. She also serves as an executive producer alongside Greg Berlanti, Jameal Turner, Sarah Schechter, Mike Herro and David Strauss.