All American has been renewed for Season 7, but its primary star, Daniel Ezra, will no longer be a series regular.

The CW has stated that the actor will still remain on the series as a guest star. He has also directed multiple episodes of the series as well.

Why is Daniel Ezra leaving ‘All American’ as a series regular?

The decision is not related to any cast/budget related cuts that were a part of the Season 7 renewal, and was made by Ezra and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll before Season 6 began.

It also played out in this week’s Season 6 episode, which saw Ezra’s Spencer James being selected in the NFL draft, followed by a fast-forward to seeing him playing in the Super Bowl and being engaged to Samantha Logan’s Olivia.

“After making the difficult decision to leave All American, my sole focus became completing the journey of the most life-affirming character I’ve ever played in the manner he deserves,” Ezra said in a statement. “Thanks to Nkechi and the writers, I got my wish. Season 6 is ‘Spencer’s goodbye.’ I’ll miss him. I’ll miss our cast and crew. I hope it’s been as fun to watch him as it has been to play him.”

Carroll added, “Partnering with Daniel Ezra over the last six seasons to bring Spencer’s story to life has been such an amazing, fulfilling, experience Daniel truly is a gift and brought so much to the character on and off the field. And while Spencer has achieved his NFL dreams, I’m grateful Daniel will still remain an important part of this family, both in front of and behind the camera as we step into a new, exciting chapter of All American.”

All American season 6 has a few more episodes before wrapping on July 15.