The CW network’s acclaimed sports drama series All American returns for its sixth season on Monday, April 1st, 2024, with a premiere episode titled “Things Done Changed“. The episode airs from 8 pm to 9 pm EST.
The show, inspired by the life of NFL linebacker Spencer Paysinger, explores the collision of two separate worlds—a star high school football player from South Central Los Angeles is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High School. The series delves into the challenges and triumphs of the player’s journey towards athletic excellence and personal growth.
Season six finds the characters embarking on new chapters in their lives. Spencer and Jordan are now juniors at GAU and are eligible for the NFL draft, which places Spencer in the media spotlight. The attention could prove to be a distraction as he begins a new academic year. Meanwhile, Olivia returns to LA after a transformative trip to London. Layla is occupied with the opening of her new lounge, which will host Patience’s first performance since she was stabbed in the season five finale. The attack raises questions about Patience’s continued involvement in the series. Asher and Jaymee navigate the responsibilities of being new parents to baby AJ.
The season premiere episode is directed by Nikhil Paniz and written by Nkechi Okoro Carroll.
The CW announced the renewal of All American for season six in January 2023, amidst a slew of cancellations. The network’s decision to renew the show, which first aired in 2018, underscores its popularity. Last season, All American was the CW’s most-watched series in the coveted 18–49 demographic. It also drew the largest total audience across all platforms. The critical acclaim and strong viewership numbers have ensured the show’s persistence, especially as several other long-running CW series were cancelled.
All American’s formula for success lies in its ability to capture a wide range of experiences, from the struggles of high school students to the complexities of everyday life. The series tackles themes of family drama, romantic relationships, and the challenges faced by young athletes. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll and the creative team have crafted a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, keeping them engaged over five seasons.
The sixth season promises more drama, romance, and football action and possible internal strife within the Vortex group. With the majority of the main cast returning, viewers can expect to see Daniel Ezra as Spencer James, Samantha Logan as Olivia Baker, Greta Onieogou as Layla, Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker, Bre-Z as Tamia ‘Coop’ Cooper, Cody Christian as Asher Adams, and Karimah Westbrook as Grace James, among others. Taye Diggs, whose character Billy Baker died midway through season five, is the notable absence from the lineup.
The first five seasons of All American are available to stream on Netflix. However, the debut of season six will likely follow the previous pattern of CW releases, airing first on the CW network and then becoming available on Netflix US around eight days after the finale broadcasts. As the season finale is scheduled for June 24th, we can expect the entire sixth season to arrive on Netflix in July or August 2024.
The show’s fanbase can also look forward to more content in the All American universe. The CW has also renewed the college-set spin-off series All American: Homecoming for its third season, following the adventures of a character attending a historically black college in Atlanta.
