The CW just isn't what it used to be. For years, we knew exactly what to expect from the network: superheroes, vampires, and high-stakes teen drama that felt like it could run for a decade. But things changed. Nexstar took over, the budget got slashed, and suddenly, long-running hits like Riverdale and The Flash were shown the door. Fans have been sweating. Honestly, the biggest question on everyone’s mind lately has been whether the lights are finally going out at GAU and Beverly Hills. So, will there be a season 7 of All American, or is the story of Spencer James officially in the rearview mirror?
The short answer is yes. It's happening. But it’s not going to look like the show you’ve been watching for the last six years.
The Official Word on the Renewal
It was a nail-biter. While many other shows on the network were getting the axe, The CW officially greenlit a seventh season of All American in June 2024. This wasn't a given. The show is expensive to produce, especially as the cast gets older and their contracts get pricier. However, the numbers don't lie. Even with a shifting cable landscape, All American remains one of the most-watched programs on the network, largely thanks to its massive secondary life on Netflix.
The renewal comes with a catch, though. We aren't getting a massive 20-episode order. Instead, Season 7 is slated for a leaner 13 episodes. This reflects the new reality of "New CW"—tighter budgets and faster storytelling. They want the drama without the filler.
Why the Show Survived When Others Didn't
Look at Walker or The Winchesters. Those shows had fanbases, but they didn't have the "Netflix Effect." All American has this weird, powerful dual identity. It’s a CW broadcast show, but it’s also a consistent Top 10 performer on streaming. That cross-platform dominance made it too valuable to kill, even if the network is pivoting away from scripted dramas toward cheaper unscripted content and sports. Brad Schwartz, the President of Entertainment at The CW, has been pretty vocal about wanting to keep the "prestige" brands of the old era alive while they transition, and All American is the crown jewel of that era.
The Massive Cast Shakeup Everyone is Worried About
Here is the part that’s kinda tough to swallow. Season 7 is going to feel like a soft reboot. If you’ve been following the news, you know that Daniel Ezra, the man who literally is Spencer James, will not be returning as a series regular.
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Yeah. You read that right.
Spencer James is headed to the NFL. His journey from Crenshaw to the Super Bowl was always the "North Star" of the show. With that arc basically completed in Season 6, Ezra decided it was time to step back. He’ll likely show up as a guest star or maybe direct an episode—he's done that before and he's great at it—but he won’t be the focal point anymore.
- Michael Evans Behling (Jordan Baker): He’s expected to stay on, likely becoming the new "vet" of the show.
- Bre-Z (Coop): Her storyline has drifted far from the football field, but she remains a fan favorite.
- The "New Generation": Expect a lot of fresh faces. The show is shifting its gaze back to the younger players at South Central and Beverly Hills to capture that original high school magic.
This isn't just about actors wanting to leave; it’s a financial reality. By moving the focus to new, younger characters, the production can keep costs down. It’s the Degrassi model. Or the Friday Night Lights model, if you want a football comparison. It’s risky, sure. Fans tune in for the characters they love, and losing the lead is a massive gamble for will there be a season 7 of All American to actually succeed in the ratings.
What is the Plot Even Going to Be?
If Spencer is gone, what’s left? Well, plenty. The show has always been about more than just one guy. It’s about the community. Season 7 is expected to lean heavily into the coaching side of things and the "next up" mentality.
We’re likely looking at a "full circle" moment. Remember how Coach Baker brought Spencer into a world he didn't belong in? We might see Jordan Baker or even a returning veteran character stepping into that mentor role. The tension between the wealthy streets of Beverly Hills and the grit of South Central is the DNA of the show. That isn't going anywhere.
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We also have to deal with the fallout of the Season 6 finale. The weddings, the career shifts, the "what comes next" for the Vortex. While the show is moving forward with new kids, they have to give the OGs a proper send-off or a reason to stay in the orbit. It’s a delicate balance. If they ignore the old cast, the audience revolts. If they focus too much on them, the show can’t evolve.
The Real-Life Inspiration
Don't forget that this show is loosely based on the life of Spencer Paysinger. Paysinger has always been involved as a consultant and producer. His actual life didn't end when he got to the NFL; it just changed. The show might explore the realities of what happens after the "big dream" comes true, contrasted with those who are still fighting for their first chance.
When Can We Actually Watch It?
Production timelines have been a bit wonky lately because of the previous strikes and the network's internal restructuring. Generally, All American has been a mid-season or fall staple. For Season 7, we are looking at a late 2024 or early 2025 premiere.
The CW has been moving away from the traditional September-to-May calendar. They’re "stacking" shows differently now. Because Season 7 is only 13 episodes, they might hold it for a January premiere to run it straight through without those annoying three-week breaks that kill momentum.
Is This the Final Season?
Nobody wants to say the "F" word yet. But let’s be real. A 13-episode order and the departure of the lead actor usually signals the beginning of the end. Most shows that go through this kind of transition are being given a "victory lap."
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However, if the new characters pop—if the audience falls in love with the next great wide receiver from Crenshaw—there’s no reason it couldn't go to Season 8 or 9. The CW needs established brands. If All American can prove it survives without Daniel Ezra, it becomes an immortal franchise for the network.
Breaking Down the Rumors
You might have seen TikToks or tweets claiming the show was cancelled. Ignore them. Most of that comes from people confusing the end of Daniel Ezra's "regular" status with the end of the show itself. There was also a rumor that the show would move entirely to Netflix. That's not happening either. The CW still holds the primary broadcast rights, even if the Netflix deal is what keeps the lights on.
Another big misconception is that the show is moving away from football. Honestly, the football scenes are the most expensive part of the show to film. While they might scale back on the massive stadium shots, the heart of the show is still the game. It’s the "hook" that brings people in.
What Fans Should Do Next
If you're worried about the future of the series, the best thing you can do is watch it live or on the CW app. Streaming numbers on Netflix are great, but the network specifically looks at those first-week metrics to justify the ad spend.
Keep an eye on the official social media accounts for the first "First Look" images. That’s when we’ll see the new cast members and get a vibe for how the tone is shifting. Whether you're here for the sports or the messy relationship drama, Season 7 is going to be a turning point. It’s the year we find out if All American is a Spencer James story, or if it's a story about a community that’s bigger than any one player.
The transition won't be seamless. There will be growing pains. But for a show that’s always been about "beating the odds," it feels strangely appropriate that it’s fighting for its life and evolving at the same time.
Check your local listings as we get closer to the end of the year. The Vortex isn't closing just yet, but the people inside it are definitely changing. If you're looking to catch up, all previous seasons are currently streaming, and re-watching the early days might be the best way to prepare for the "back to basics" approach Season 7 is reportedly taking. Keep your eyes on the roster; the game is far from over.