Spottiswood was involved in a writers room controversy during Season 1 when five of All Rise's original seven writers — including the show's three highest-ranking writers of color led by co-showrunner Sunil Nayar — exited in late 2019 after clashes with Spottiswood over the series' depiction of people of color. Warner Bros. TV at the time conducted a work environment review which it said "did not reveal conduct that would warrant removing Spottiswood," although the studio said they "identified areas for improvement, and implemented procedures and protocols in response to the findings," including the hire of a corporate coach, a Black woman, to work with Spottiswood.
Following Nayar's exit early in Season 1, Spottiswood also was paired with a new co-showrunner, David Makes Man's Harris-Lawrence, in December 2019.
But, according to sources, the climate in the (now virtual) writers room did not improve in Season 2, and some writers were reportedly offended by remarks Spottiswood allegedly made that were perceived as insensitive, especially for the writers of color. Complaints about Spottiswood's behavior led to a new investigation by Warner Bros. TV, which resulted in his dismissal. Spottiswood's exit comes after the All Rise writers room had finished work on Season 2. Harris-Lawrence will serve as showrunner for the remainder of production and post-production on Season 2, which is currently filming Episode 15 of its 17-episode order. CBS has not made a renewal decision on most of its series, including All Rise, for next season.
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