All American is an award-winning show that is known globally as one of the best coming of age shows to star on Netflix. Based on a true story, All American is about a talented high school student given the opportunity of a lifetime to take his passion to another level. It is an aspiring story that involves drama, love, and hardship as well as having a fun twist by including teenage life and high school experiences, making it as famous a show as it is today. 

The main character is a teenage boy juggling being one of the primary income sources in his household, living in a lower-income neighborhood, as well as transferring schools to follow his dreams. This can resonate with many students at Steinbrenner Highschool with struggles in their home life and trying to achieve the best for themselves, with all the responsibilities and stress associated with growing up. This can include one of the many reasons why students enjoy watching this show so much, it’s a driven story that can be inspiring for the young. 

This show emphasizes struggles in teenage years, including not being able to fit in the crowd around you. The main character of the series, Spencer James, had a very difficult time at the new school, Beverly Hills High. Not only for the drastic change of social classes but also having difficulty fitting in with a team that was not so welcoming towards him. With this came more troubles in his life but also sprung out a new opportunity for change. A role model to look up to, his coach. Being the first steppingstone to a development of family and friends he could only dream of. 

Many see this show as a family. Everyone supports each other no matter their differences, this may lead to fights and drama, but they are there for one another at the end of the day. Bringing a wholesome feeling while watching to many viewers at Steinbrenner. Juliana Guerrero, a senior at Steinbrenner said, “I love all the characters and the friend group, and how they all have their own little community. I find their friendships in the show to be inspiring.” The impact this show has on people’s view of relationships is fascinating. Knowing that they can create friendships and make them seen and felt through the tv screen into student’s hearts is a real talent that All American was able to achieve.  

With All American being a very popular show on Netflix, this new season has been highly anticipated, but some may say they are not as excited as before. Sophomore Aniyah James, said, “In the first seasons there was more drama and anticipation, and I feel like the newer seasons you already know what’s going on.” Although students are still watching the new season, speculation is that it won’t be as good as before. With already so many plot twists and events that occurred in the past few seasons, what more could there be? What else could come from the rivalry between Beverly Hills and Crenshaw? 

While students say the show is running too long, others are more disappointed about their beloved characters not coming back. Freshman Kloe Ansell said, “I think it’s going to be different because a lot of the main cast are not going to be in the new season, including… Spencer James.” As known by many, the main character, Spencer James, played by Daniel Ezra, will not be coming back this new season. Followed by the character Asher, Laura, and Patience, saying a farewell to the show for good. Still with fan favorites such as Jordan, played by Micheal Evan Behling, acting in the new season, students are sad to see the original cast depart All American.  

This new season of All American starts off with a very similar plot as the first season, there is still a pronounced rivalry between Crenshaw and Beverly. This season starts off with Jordan Baker being the assistant coach of the Crenshaw football team. Jordan has speculation about the head coach of the team, even debating if they are related to one another. He’s treated Jordan poorly, leading Jordan to think he has some sort of resentment towards his family. While Jordan is in the Crenshaw area, he follows in the footsteps of his father trying to mentor troubled youths. Starting with Khalil, a football player on the Crenshaw team that is dealing with school and personal life issues.  

While these courses of events happen in Crenshaw, Beverly has their own news to attend to. Including a new head coach, Coach Cassius. Problems arise from this arrangement mostly because of Coach Bakers passing in the last few seasons. The team has deteriated in performance and is not living up to the expectations of the now head coach. Causing aggravation to Cassius, wanting to win on his name and not the Baker name. Since Coach Cassius has newly come to the school, he brought his son along with him, KJ. A quarterback on the Beverly’s team and has a better talent in his sport than his peers on his team. Beverly has made a drastic change from the football team being the most appreciated and celebrated to the cheerleading team taking on that role. Cheerleading being the main sport to win awards and achieve more popularity. 

But some things never change, including the complicated relationships and drama in All American. Shortly into the first episode a love triangle forms, between the students of Crenshaw and Beverly. More specifically Amina, Preach and Monique’s daughter, KJ, Coach Cassius’ son, and Khalil, the troubled kid Jordan is helping on the football team. It reminds students of the love triangle that included Spencer, Olivia, and Layla in the first few seasons of All American. Giving fans a nice reminder of the past, but excitement for the future.  

All American has evolved significantly from the earlier seasons, but one of the most rewarding aspects of the show is seeing past characters thrive. It continues to highlight the struggles individuals face, particularly with topics like street life and the pressure of a predetermined future, while emphasizing resilience and triumph. By showcasing characters who carve their own paths, the show delivers a message that resonates deeply with students and encourages them to take control of their own life. This authentic portrayal of real-life challenges is what makes All American such an incredible show and a driving force behind its success from the very beginning.