Here’s Why Darnell Left All American Season 3

Now that season 3 of All American is on Netflix, fans of the show are catching up on Spencer, Coop, and all the other teens of The CW’s football drama. Toward the end of the season, fans were left with a number of questions, including whether or not one character was alive (click if you dare). In episode 4, viewers watched as Darnell Hayes made an unexpected exit. Now everyone is wondering: Why did Darnell leave? And when will he return?

To recap, we first meet Darnell in season 2 as a quarterback at South Crenshaw High School. He’s revealed to be Spencer’s half-brother, a son from their shared father’s previous relationship. Darnell and Spencer are at odds for much of season 2, but manage to reconcile before their father’s death.

While grieving his father’s death, Darnell almost leaves for Germany to live with his mother, but instead decides to stay. In season 3, Darnell and Spencer are poised to play football together. Darnell fights to become starting quarterback on the South Crenshaw team. But four episodes into the season, Darnell has to leave when his mother is injured while serving in the army.

With such an open-ended exit, it’s unclear exactly if and when Darnell could return to All American. Here’s everything we know about why Darnell left, and if it’s possible for the character to come back.

Why Did Darnell Leave All American?

It turns out Darnell’s exit in All American was due to actor Da’Vinchi’s real life career. He recently booked a new role on Starz’s upcoming show Black Mafia Family. According to ScreenRant, the show was filming at the same time as season 3 of All American, hence the actor’s quick exit from the show. He’s also booked for an upcoming Broadway production.

As for a possible return of his All American character, since Darnell wasn’t killed off during the show, there’s still a chance for Da’Vinchi to return. In an interview with MEEAW, the actor says there’s a strong possibility he could be back. “I’m not gonna spoil it, but Darnell is definitely here to stay. As long as he can and as long as it does not conflict with any other project that I’m working on,” he says.

Fingers crossed Darnell will return for season 4 of All American. Or maybe he’ll make an appearance in the upcoming spin-off?

Milan Polk

Milan Polk is an Editorial Assistant for Men’s Health who specializes in entertainment and lifestyle reporting, and has worked for New York Magazine’s Vulture and Chicago Tribune.