All American Renewed for Final Season, Eights Years After Its Debut.
The CW’s popular series All American has officially been renewed for its eighth and final season, marking a bittersweet conclusion to a show that has captivated audiences since its inception. As the last scripted series on the CW from the pre-Nexstar era, All American has gained a reputation as one of the network’s standout dramas.
Originally centered on Daniel Ezra’s character, Spencer James, the show has evolved through various character arcs, particularly in its seventh season, which saw a shift towards stars like Michael Evans Behling’s Jordan, Greta Onieogou’s Layla, and Bre-Z’s Coop. Despite significant changes, the series managed to maintain audience engagement, culminating in a gripping cliffhanger at the end of season 7.
Just a month following the season finale, Variety confirmed that All American will return for its concluding season, though it comes with the poignant news that this will be the last chapter in its journey. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll expressed heartfelt gratitude in a statement regarding the end of the show. “How do I condense into just a few words what would be the longest love letter to this show, the fans, the cast, crew, staff, and producers? My heart is so filled with love and gratitude for everyone who helped bring ‘All American’ to life and kept it going for its historic run. It is so hard to say goodbye to the thing that you love, but we are so excited we get to do it in the way we envisioned with this final season. Thank you to Brad Schwartz, Channing Dungey, Brett Paul, and Greg Berlanti for supporting our vision. Thank you to the many executives at Warner Bros Discovery, CW, and Berlanti Productions who have been a supportive part of the ‘All American’ huddle since day one. Thank you to our OG and new generation cast members, our writers, crew and full staff for raising the bar every episode. Thank you to Spencer Paysinger, whose life inspired this epic journey. And thank you to everyone who not only watched the show, but took Spencer James’s mantra of ‘Dream Big. Stay Real’ to heart and were inspired to chase their seemingly impossible dreams. We see you. We salute you. Here’s to leaving it all on the field one last time.”
Brad Schwartz, president of The CW, echoed similar sentiments while discussing the series’ impact. “‘All American’ is one of the greatest CW shows of all time and we are honored to bring it back for one final season to give fans a chance to say a meaningful goodbye to these inspiring characters and this incredible world. The series took bold new steps in Season 7, adding exciting new characters to those we already love, and viewers truly embraced it all. From the first episode of Season 7 to the last, viewership grew 71% among adults 18-49 and 55% among those age 25-54. We cannot wait to see the emotion, heart, and magic that Nkechi Okoro Carroll and the entire cast and creative team deliver in giving this story the proper ending it deserves.”
Slated for release in 2026, the final season will consist of 13 episodes, with Carroll returning as the showrunner.
While fans are undoubtedly saddened by the impending conclusion of All American, the commitment to a full season allows the creative team to provide a satisfying and respectful wrap-up for the beloved characters. This contrasts sharply with many shows that are abruptly canceled without proper closure.
On a brighter note, the end of All American will free its talented cast to explore new projects, as the extensive commitment to a network television series often limits their opportunities elsewhere. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll has also hinted at the potential for future spinoffs, although his focus remains on the current series.
The prospect of All American concluding after eight seasons delivers a sense of nostalgia, especially as fans also bid farewell to All American: Homecoming. The heartfelt attachment from viewers underscores the show’s significance in their lives. Many hope that Daniel Ezra’s Spencer James will make a special appearance in the series finale, bringing the story full circle and honoring the character’s foundational role in the narrative.
Source: Variety