The future of All American season 8 is currently uncertain, as highlighted by remarks from Channing Dungey, the Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television. As the long-running sports drama moves through its seventh season on The CW, notable changes have occurred, including the departure of several original cast members, such as Daniel Ezra, who portrayed Spencer James. This shift has transitioned these characters to guest star roles while introducing a new ensemble cast. Although this change is portrayed as a creative direction, it also aligns with the budget constraints faced by established series.
In an interview with Deadline, Dungey addressed the show’s viability and financial considerations surrounding its production. While he did not definitively rule out a renewal for All American, he acknowledged that creating a new title may be easier compared to reviving a costly, established series like this one.
We’ll see. Could we produce something for the CW if we were starting from scratch? Yes, absolutely. It’s tough when you have an established show like All American because there are some costs built into that multi-season. But we’re going to put our best efforts toward it. And as for Fox, we are still working there quite avidly, and we’re figuring it out. But again, it feels like it’s one of those things where you have to build the show correctly to be able to produce it for a budget. Luckily, that’s something that we have many years of experience doing.
The Future of All American
Influencing Factors for the Show’s Future
Several key aspects are pivotal when assessing the future trajectory of All American. A significant factor is that since 2022, The CW is owned by Nexstar, which replaced the previous ownership by Warner Bros. and Paramount. Nexstar’s strategy has involved pivoting towards profitability by replacing established series with lower-budget international shows and sports content.
All American stands as the sole surviving series from the pre-Nexstar era of The CW. Many other programs, including ‘Walker,’ faced cancellation due to conflicts regarding license fees—a point Dungey subtly references. Long-running shows typically come with higher costs, meaning that while some original cast members have left, adjusting the budget by reducing veteran actors might be a consideration.
Our Predictions for All American Season 8
Possibility of Renewal
One significant reason All American has managed to persist under Nexstar’s ownership is its streaming agreement with Netflix in the U.S. This arrangement is advantageous for Warner Bros. Television, potentially providing leverage during negotiations for a potential season 8 renewal.
All American season 7 currently airs on Mondays at 8 PM ET on The CW.
Source: Deadline