The CW’s “All American,” a sports drama series created by April Blair, just released its seventh season, marking the return of original characters and a brand new cast.
With the exit of original characters Spencer James (played by Daniel Ezra) and Olivia Baker (Samantha Logan), the original characters Jordan Baker (Michael Evans Behling), Layla Keating-Baker (Greta Onieogou) and Coop (Bre-Z) grow into their new roles and navigate their journeys into adulthood.
The series debuted in 2018 and followed Spencer James, a talented football player from Crenshaw who was offered the opportunity to play for Beverly Hills High School. The plot of seasons one through six followed his ambition to enter the NFL while highlighting the complex lives of his friends.
Each of the beloved characters, Spencer, Layla, Jordan, Olivia and Coop, has matured over time. Following his character’s decision to retire early from football, actor Michael Evans Behling hinted at the difficulty of balancing Jordan’s new coaching journey at Crenshaw High School.
“He struggles with the idea of understanding that he is close to these kids’ age,” Behling said. “At first, he wants to use that as a relatability factor but in reality, it just creates more distance when dealing with authority.”
Behling said that his character’s coaching style will change quickly.
“He’s a lover boy and he’s kind of bringing that onto the field,” he said.
This new season also signifies the beginning of a new era. The story will follow KJ, played by Nathaniel McIntyre, a gifted quarterback from Oakland who begins playing for Beverly Hills High School under the guidance of his father, Coach Cassius (Osy Ikhile).
McIntyre said the new father-son dynamic between characters KJ and Coach Cassius is stronger and he’s excited to see how fans interpret their chemistry.
This season, viewers will also be introduced to Alex Chikaeze, the actress taking on the role of Amina, Coop’s younger cousin, who currently attends South Crenshaw High School.
Chikaeze explained her preparation process for her character’s evolving storyline for the season.
“How I have been approaching the character is to just rest in the fact that it’s okay to look for yourself,” Chikaeze said. “It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to speak your truth. Breathe life into others and hopefully breathe life into yourself.”
The conversation of authentic representation and visibility for marginalized communities has been a prevalent topic in the television and film industry. Over the years, actors and production teams have spoken on this discourse, stating varying opinions on its progression in current media.
According to a study published by the Statista Research Department in 2024, “Black actors led 24 percent of the most popular linear TV shows, while only 12 percent of streaming series featured Black leads.”
Following the conclusion of Black-led shows like “Grown-ish,” which featured a diverse group of students navigating the challenges of college life, the representation of Black youth in television has declined.
Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll spoke about the ongoing conversation of representation and expressed her excitement about bringing in the “new generation.”
“The world they’re dealing with is very different and visceral,” Carroll said. “Getting to tell stories of our youth, and specifically our Black youth and how they are processing the world while they’re trying to pursue their dreams, that is a constantly evolving story.”
To combat the decline seen in Black representation in television, “All American” creators plan to continue authentic storytelling and showcase stories surrounding race and mental health.
Co-showrunner Jameal Turner elaborated on the show’s mission to continue this kind of storytelling.
“We have always made the choice to incorporate [mental health] and speak on the importance of how we approach that, while also providing potential solutions that are true to the circumstances,” Turner said.
Benjamin Dadson, a sophomore psychology major from Northern Virginia and an avid watcher of the All-American series, shared his perspective on the importance of visibility.
“I respect the show for portraying as many mental health issues as they could with their characters—Spencer mainly with his abandonment and anger issues—while seeing a Black therapist. I think that was very healthy and lovely. I really love that, especially as a psychology major.” Dadson said.
Carroll shared her optimism for the new cast and spoke about the portrayal of authentic evolving storylines contributing to the series’ legacy.
“Which is why I believe a show like this has been able to be on the air for so long. As long as we keep it grounded in truth and authenticity, we will continue to have stories to tell.” Carroll said.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
