At a Glance
- Daniel Ezra will direct the final episode of All American despite stepping down as a series regular in 2024
- He hasn’t read the finale script yet, but former co-stars say “it’s beautiful” and “can’t stop crying”
- Ezra exited after season 6, calling it “Spencer’s goodbye” once the character reached the NFL and married Olivia
- Why it matters: Fans who grew up with the show during COVID lockdowns can expect a heartfelt, closure-filled conclusion
Daniel Ezra is returning to All American one last time-this time from the director’s chair. chatting with News Of Los Angeles at The Running Man‘s Nov. 9, 2025, New York premiere, the 33-year-old revealed he’ll helm the series finale and hinted at an emotional goodbye that has already left the cast in tears.
Behind the Camera for the Final Play
Ezra admitted he hasn’t cracked the script yet, but the water-cooler buzz has reached him fast.
> “I’m getting calls from everybody saying, ‘I can’t stop crying’ at… however they ended it,” he said.
The actor-turned-director promised viewers a cathartic send-off.
> “I cannot wait… I’m convinced it’s going to give the fans that closure that they want.”
Why He Stepped Away in 2024
Ezra left as a regular after six seasons, feeling Spencer James had completed his arc:
- Landed an NFL roster spot
- Married Olivia (Samantha Logan)
- Became a mentor to the next generation
> “We got him to the NFL, he got the girl… He’s done literally everything he set out to do,” Ezra told News Of Los Angeles in 2024.
The Show’s Lasting Impact
Premiering during the 2020 lockdowns, All American became comfort viewing for many households.
> “I still get stopped in the street [by] people telling me that the show got them through COVID,” Ezra noted.
Key Takeaways
- Ezra directs the finale episode, his first creative involvement since departing as a regular
- Early reactions from cast mates signal a tearjerker ending
- Spencer’s story concluded on a high, prompting Ezra’s decision to “go out on top”
With Ezra steering the final hour, longtime viewers can brace for an emotional but satisfying finish to the CW drama that helped define pandemic-era television.
