All American Review
“We are the authors of our own stories. Don't let anyone else hold the pen.” - Olivia Baker
I love football dramas! The Game and Friday Night Lights are still two of my favorite shows. There's just something special about the brotherly bond between teammates and how they always show up for one another, no matter what. Plus, you can never be entirely sure whether they’ll win or lose a game, which makes watching a football drama feel like experiencing an abridged version of an actual football game.
If you’re looking for a sports drama that will keep you invested for eight seasons, you should check out All American. The series follows Spencer James, a rising football star at South Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles.
When Coach Billy Baker recruits Spencer to play for the football team at Beverly Hills High School, Spencer seizes the opportunity. Inspired by the true story of NFL player Spencer Paysinger, the show explores the challenges of navigating two very different worlds while pursuing a dream of playing professional football.
However, I must admit that the one thing that genuinely appealed to me about All American was its representation of African American characters and experiences. The show tackled important social issues including racism, discrimination, police injustice, activism, mental health, peer pressure, and addiction. Beyond football, it explored the struggles that young people face as they navigate their identities, relationships, and place in the world.
Spencer James may be a fantastic football player, but he struggles to balance his roots in South Crenshaw with his new life in Beverly Hills. Tamia “Coop” Cooper is Spencer’s best friend and she encourages him to embrace new opportunities. However, Coop has her own struggles, including her involvement in the local gang scene. Her storyline highlights the difficulties of trying to break free from the circumstances and expectations of your environment while remaining loyal to the people you love.
Billy Baker, the head football coach at Beverly Hills High School, becomes a father figure and mentor to many of his players, including Spencer. His role extends beyond the football field, as he helps guide the young athletes through personal challenges and teaches them valuable lessons about life, responsibility, and perseverance.
Olivia Baker, Coach Baker's daughter, is another standout character. Compassionate and nonjudgmental, she often goes out of her way to help others work through their problems. As an aspiring journalist, Olivia is passionate about uncovering the truth and making a difference. Her personal struggles also make her a relatable and compelling character.
At its heart, the show is about football, family, friendship, and personal growth. It offers incredible life lessons about perseverance,
forgiveness, loyalty, and learning to navigate life’s challenges.
Whether you’re a sports fan or simply enjoy character-driven
dramas, there’s something here for everyone.
The Los Angeles music scene also plays a significant role in the series, with tracks from artists such as Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, and many others. The music adds another layer of authenticity to the show, helping capture the culture, energy, and atmosphere of Los Angeles.
Debuting in 2018, All American has come to a bittersweet ending with its series finale airing in September 2026. I started watching this show in college so it’s emotional to see it finally come to an end. Over eight seasons, we watched Spencer James and the rest of the crew grow from high school students into college students and eventually into adulthood. We experienced their wins and losses, heartbreaks and triumphs, and everything in between. In a way, I was navigating different stages of my own life while watching these characters navigate theirs.
What made All American so special was that it was never just about football; it was about friendship, family, overcoming obstacles, and discovering who you are along the way. While I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, I’m grateful for the journey and the many life lessons the show offered along the way.
If you’re looking for a sports drama with compelling storylines, meaningful representation, and an incredible soundtrack, All American is definitely worth watching. You can stream the series on Netflix or the CW website.
In the comments or contact form below, let me know your thoughts on the show or if you have any show recommendations. You can click the link here to sign up for the blog email list and submit suggestions for shows :)
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