If you’ve been watching the Johnston family since they first hit TLC, you probably remember Alex Johnston as the kid who was always a little more sensitive than the rest. He was the one who’d get emotional during the big family challenges or worry about the smallest things. But man, things have changed.
If you haven't checked in lately, 7 Little Johnstons Alex is basically a different person now. He isn’t that crying kid anymore. He’s 20 years old, a college student, and recently made a move that has the entire fanbase buzzing—and some people a little worried.
The Promise Ring and the Long-Distance Grind
Honestly, the biggest news coming out of the most recent episodes is Alex’s relationship with Allie Smith. For those who aren't caught up, Allie lives way up in Ohio on a farm. Alex is down in Georgia. That’s a massive distance, especially when you’re barely out of your teens.
Just this past December, things got pretty real. Alex gave Allie a promise ring for Christmas. It wasn't some spur-of-the-moment thing, either. He actually had his sister Emma help him pick it out because he wanted it to be "simple and not too flashy."
✨ Don't miss: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
It’s kind of a big deal in the Johnston household. While Jonah has been dating his girlfriend Ashley for what feels like forever without a ring, Alex just went for it.
- The Gift: A simple promise ring and her favorite perfume.
- The Reveal: He dropped the news during a chat with Jonah and Emma.
- The Vibe: Some fans think he’s rushing it, while others think it’s the sweetest thing they've seen on the show.
Why Fans Are Actually Worried About Alex and Allie
Here is where it gets a little complicated. If you spend five minutes on Reddit or Facebook fan groups, you’ll see people have opinions. A lot of viewers feel like Alex is "talking big" but might not be ready for the reality of farm life.
Allie is a farm girl. We’ve seen Alex visit her in Ohio, and let’s just say, watching him try to navigate the manual labor was... interesting. There’s a lot of chatter that Amber (his mom) is pushing this "farm life" narrative because she wants a spinoff—think Little People, Big World but with the Johnstons.
🔗 Read more: Why This Is How We Roll FGL Is Still The Song That Defines Modern Country
Is Alex actually going to move to Ohio? He’s currently doing online college at Middle Georgia State University. The theory is that as soon as he finishes those classes, he’s headed north. But can he handle the 4 a.m. wake-up calls? Only time will tell.
Education and the "New" Alex
Alex graduated high school in May 2024 alongside Emma. It was a huge milestone for the family, even though it was overshadowed by some pretty nasty drama with their sister Anna (who reportedly skipped the graduation events, causing a massive rift).
Since then, Alex has been focusing on:
💡 You might also like: The Real Story Behind I Can Do Bad All by Myself: From Stage to Screen
- Online Studies: He’s pursuing his degree while staying under the family roof for now.
- Digital Ventures: He launched his own YouTube channel in early 2025. He’s trying to build a brand outside of just being "the kid on TLC."
- Maturity: He’s definitely found more confidence. He doesn't shy away from the cameras as much, and he seems to have found his voice when it comes to standing up to his siblings.
Health Updates: Is He Okay?
Whenever we talk about 7 Little Johnstons Alex, people always ask about his health. Years ago, he had a major scare with central apnea and had to undergo brain surgery. It was one of the most terrifying arcs in the show's history.
The good news? As of 2026, there haven't been any reports of complications from that specific surgery. However, the family has been dealing with other health scares recently, specifically regarding Trent’s MRI results showing brain shrinkage. Alex seems to be the one trying to stay positive for the family, which shows how much he’s grown.
What's Next for the Youngest Johnston?
Look, Alex is at a crossroads. He’s clearly head-over-heels for Allie, but he’s also still very much under the "Johnston Umbrella."
If you’re following his journey, watch for the college graduation announcement coming up. That’s going to be the "go" signal. If he finishes that degree and immediately packs a U-Haul for Ohio, we’ll know he’s serious. If he stays in Georgia, the skeptics might have been right about the relationship being a "TV romance."
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the YouTube Channel: If you want the "unfiltered" Alex, his personal YouTube is where he posts more than the TLC-edited version.
- Follow the Instagram: The family account (@team7lj) is still the best place for real-time updates on whether he’s actually moved to Ohio.
- Look for Season 17: Rumors suggest the next season will focus heavily on the "Alex and Allie" long-distance struggle.