The CW’s hit series “All American” has officially been renewed for an eighth season, but fans of the show will be met with bittersweet news: this upcoming season will be its last. As the final scripted program from the pre-Nexstar acquisition era, “All American” has established itself as a significant part of the network’s legacy.
Originally centered around the character Spencer James, played by Daniel Ezra, the narrative shifted over time, especially in season seven, which saw a transition in focus to characters such as Jordan, portrayed by Michael Evans Behling, Layla, played by Greta Onieogou, and Coop, brought to life by Bre-Z, following the departure of several key characters.
Despite its evolving storyline, “All American” has managed to grip audiences, culminating in a tense cliffhanger at the end of its seventh season. Just a month later, Variety confirmed the show’s continuation for its final chapter, slated for release in 2026. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll expressed emotional gratitude towards those who have contributed to the show’s success, reflecting on the profound attachment he feels to “All American.” He stated, “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.”
Carroll wasn’t the only voice reflecting on the show’s conclusion; Brad Schwartz, the CW Network president, also shared his sentiments. He praised “All American” as one of the finest series the network has produced, expressing a commitment to providing fans with a meaningful farewell to the beloved characters. Schwartz noted the show’s impressive performance, with season seven seeing a 71% increase in viewership among adults ages 18-49, and a 55% increase among those aged 25-54.
The last season will comprise 13 episodes, with Carroll returning to lead the team in crafting what he hopes will be a fitting conclusion to the series.
The end of “All American” presents a unique opportunity for both the audience and the creative team. While fans may feel a sense of loss, there is also a promise of closure, allowing the characters’ stories to conclude properly—something that is not always afforded to shows. The conclusion of the series offers the cast a chance to explore new projects and characters in the television and film industry, often constrained by the demands of a long-running series.
Nkechi Okoro Carroll has hinted at the possibility of spin-offs in the future, although his primary focus remains on bringing the current storyline to its grand finale.
As “All American” prepares to exit the scene, it marks the end of an era, particularly after the recent conclusion of its spin-off, “All American: Homecoming.” The wave of nostalgia from fans underscores the impact the show has had on its audience, and many hope to see familiar faces like Spencer James return for the series finale, bringing the narrative full circle.