All American returned with its seventh season premiere last night on The CW. Although the audience was met with cast changes, the exciting revamped storylines offered a twist while paying homage to the show’s origin. Notably, Daniel Ezra (Spencer James) and Samantha Logan (Olivia Baker-Spencer) are no longer series regulars, however Ezra will be making guest appearances and directing episodes during the season.
Veteran characters Coop (Bre-Z), Layla (Greta Onieogou), and Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) are now adjusting to adult jobs and responsibilities while their relationship with new characters are established. Introducing the Jeremy family, Coach Cassius Jeremy (Osy Ikhile) and his son Kingston “KJ” Jeremy (Nathaniel McIntyre), who are visiting from Oakland for a football camp. Little does KJ know, his parents are trying a trial separation, sending him and his father to coach and now play for Beverly High. Tensions arise within the family, yet towards the end of the episode KJ accepts the changes for something that may be for the better instead of the worse!
Kareem J. Grimes returns as the character Preach, navigating his role as father to Amina (Alexis Chikaeze), now enrolled at South Crenshaw High School. Amina, while trying to make her crush Khalil (Antonio J. Bell) jealous, randomly kisses KJ at a beach party. As conflict erupted between the two, one of Khalil’s friend’s pulled a gun on KJ, highlighting Amina’s fears of Khalil hanging with the wrong crowd.
After graduation, we find Jordan Baker balancing mentorship, brotherhood, and coaching at South Crenshaw High. As the new quarterback coach, he’s learning to set personal boundaries with the players as respect and friendship lines are blurred. After a disagreement with his star player Yasi (Elijah M. Cooper), he sets his Instagram page as personal. Yet, head coach Bobby (Rett Terrell) is noy letting him off the hook. But why?
Coop is headed for her first semester of law school, at GAU’s law program of course! I hope that her growth and maturity will finally peak this season as she deals with the complicated journey of furthering her education. Layla, now Layla Keating-Baker wonders if her accomplishments are peaking after being awarded a Top 25 Under 25 award for her career.
The season is promising to give many twists and turns in the coming episodes! Will you be watching? Let us know how you enjoyed the premiere below.
All American airs on The CW Wednesday’s at 8/7c.
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