All American

***All American*** is an American sports drama series created by April Blair. The series is inspired by the life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger. It premiered on The CW on October 10, 2018.

On April 23, 2019, The CW announced a second season renewal. On January 7, 2020, Season Three was announced. On February 4, 2021, Season Four was announced. On March 22, 2022, Season Five was announced. On January 11, 2023, Season Six was announced.

## Logline

"When a rising high school football player from South Crenshaw L.A. is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High, the wins, losses and struggles of two families from vastly different worlds — Crenshaw and Beverly Hills — begin to collide. Inspired by the life of pro football player Spencer Paysinger."

## Cast

### Main Cast

* Daniel Ezra as Spencer James
* Bre-Z as Tamia "Coop" Cooper
* Greta Onieogou as Layla Keating
* Samantha Logan as Olivia Baker
* Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker
* Cody Christian as Asher Adams
* Karimah Westbrook as Grace James
* Monet Mazur as Laura Baker
* Jalyn Hall as Dillon James
* Chelsea Tavares as Patience
* Hunter Clowdus as JJ Parker
* Taye Diggs as Billy Baker

## Production

### Development

In September 2017, it was announced that Greg Berlanti signed on to executive produce two drama projects in development at The CW; one was an "epic love story told in two time lines" titled "Hold Fast," and the other being inspired by the life of National Football League player Spencer Paysinger, which would be written and executive produced by April Blair, with Berlanti and Sarah Schechter being executive producers as well. In January 2018, The CW ordered six pilots including the untitled football inspired project dubbed *Spencer*. On May 11, 2018, The CW ordered the pilot to series. The following week, the network added *All American* to their fall 2018 lineup.

### Casting

In March 2018, nine series regulars and one co-star were added to the cast. Among all ten, Daniel Ezra was cast as lead role Spencer James. Jalyn Hall was promoted to a series regular on May 31. On October 1, 2020, Chelsea Tavares promoted to series regular. Hunter Clowdus was promoted to series regular on October 4, 2021.

### Filming

Filming for the pilot took place in Los Angeles, California in early 2018. Filming began in August 2018.

## Spin-off

On December 18, 2020, it was announced that The CW is in early development of a backdoor pilot for a spin-off of Geffri Maya's character Simone Hicks reprising her role from All American. On February 1, 2021, The CW gave the spin-off a pilot order and titled it as *All American: Homecoming*. On May 24, 2021, The CW picked up the show to series.

## References

1. ↑ The CW Renews 'All American', 'In The Dark', 'Roswell, New Mexico', and 'The 100' For Next Season
2. ↑ The CW Renews 13 Series Including ‘Batwoman’, ‘Nancy Drew’, ‘The Flash’, ‘Riverdale’ & ‘All American’ - Deadline
3. ↑ The CW Renews 12 Series Including ‘The Flash’, ‘Riverdale’ & Freshman ‘Walker’ - Deadline
4. ↑ The CW Renews 7 Series: ‘The Flash’, ‘Kung Fu’, ‘All American’, ‘Nancy Drew’, ‘Superman & Lois’, ‘Walker’ & ‘Riverdale’ - Deadline
5. ↑ ‘All American’ Renewed For Season 6 At The CW; Marks First Scripted Deal Under New Owners
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "The CW Picks Up ‘Charmed’ & ‘Roswell’ Reboots, ‘TVD’/’Originals Offshoot, ‘In The Dark’ & Greg Berlanti Pilot To Series" - Deadline
7. ↑ "Greg Berlanti to Shepherd Time Travel Love Story, Football Drama Projects at CW" - Variety
8. ↑ "‘Roswell’ Reboot, Greg Berlanti Football Drama Among Six CW Pilot Orders" - Variety
9. ↑ "Daniel Ezra Lands the Lead In Spencer Paysinger CW Pilot From Greg Berlanti" - Deadline
10. ↑ "‘All American’: Jalyn Hall Upped To Series Regular On CW Drama Series" - Deadline
11. ↑ ‘All American’: Chelsea Tavares Upped To Series Regular For Season 3 Of the CW Drama - Deadline
12. ↑ ‘All American’: Hunter Clowdus Upped To Series Regular For Season 4 Of CW Series - Deadline
13. ↑ "Pilot Locations 2018: New York Business Booming, Chicago Gains As Atlanta Slips" - Deadline
14. ↑ "Production Dates - Various Shows \*Updated 5th July 2018\*" - SpoilerTV
15. ↑ ‘All American’ Spinoff Officially Set As Backdoor Pilot At The CW With Geffri Maya - Deadline
16. ↑ ‘All American’ Spinoff & Ava DuVernay’s ‘Naomi’ Picked Up To Series By The CW