The 29 best CW shows of all time

1. Best CW shows: All American

Sports are a major part of the entertainment industry from the athletes that shape the face of their fields to the media that immortalizes the sports themselves in television and film. It’s why the sports drama has a particular hold on consumers whether they’re actual fans of a sport or not. A prime example is the football drama, All American.

Football is ubiquitous in American culture. You can’t escape the pastime be it the industry itself or the fan paraphernalia that can be found even in the grocery store. You don’t have to have seen Disney’s Remember the Titans to know of the film’s icon status or know anything other than “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose” from NBC’s Friday Night Lights to get why the series was so popular.

But it’s not often that the lens is turned to a young Black teen in the land of television, let alone one who is a part of a majority Black cast, and yet The CW has found success with Spencer James’ story on the network.

All American is based on the life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger. The series follows Spencer, played by the talented Daniel Ezra, as he navigates life as a star athlete looking to uplift his community with him once he reaches his dream of being in the NFL.

Spencer, however, still needs to secure a scholarship to a division one school. His rising profile, thanks to his work on the Compton High football team, brings with it the attention of Coach Billy Baker. Billy wants Spencer to play for his team at Beverly High, promising to help him achieve his dream and provide him with more opportunities.

It’s an offer that introduces Spencer to a whole new world, one full of jealousy, secrets, and relationships that will change Spencer’s life though it may not always be for the better.

All American‘s success on The CW has led to a spin-off series, All American: Homecoming which continues this now franchise’s dedication to excellence on the network.