"All American": Why This CW Teen TV Drama Is Must-See TV for My Family by Dawn Taylor

My teen daughter recommended a TV show she thought I would enjoy. She had already binged it during coronavirus quarantine, but wanted me to watch it with her. Currently streaming on Netflix, the CW hit show, All American, was just renewed for a third season. And with good reason.

The story is set in Los Angeles, with the main character, Spencer, living with his single mother in a poor neighborhood in L.A. A football star, he eventually ends up living with a family in Beverly Hills on his quest to make it to the NFL.

But, this show is not just about football. It is about class, racism, violence, inequity and family relationships. With the recent events surrounding the deaths of several black Americans and the Black Lives Matter movement finally gaining the momentum it deserves, "All American" is especially timely.

Spencer bounces back and forth between his old "hood" and Beverly Hills and this highlights the contrast between the rich and poor and the black and white. While many teen TV dramas spend most of their time focusing on the teens, this one gives major screen time to the teen's relationships with their parents, as well as a close look at the adult's relationships. This is unique, as the family dynamics and adults who are part of a teen’s life are often neglected in shows aimed at teens and young adults.

I quickly was invested in the characters, both young and old. Story lines about addiction, family breakups and affairs, racial profiling, family expectations, career pressures, All American has it all. It delicately takes a look at problems from different perspectives, and does so without being preachy.

And it stars Taye Diggs. I rest my case.

Photos: CW "All American" Twitter

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