When a show gets to six seasons, we often see a mass cast exodus. That is the case for All American, which saw the exit of a number of major players from the series. All American season 7 has seen some stick around while others have been promoted to series regular, and it looks like we’re getting a bit of a soft reboot.
The trailer for All American season 7 gives us a look at what to expect as the season gets started. It does pick up off the back of some of the events from the previous season, which included a new coach at Beverly and Jordan Baker taking over as coach at South Crenshaw High—following his dad’s footsteps. Jordan is following his dad in more ways than one, recruiting a player for his own team in the way that his dad recruited Spencer James.
The All American season 7 trailer gives a pilot episode feel
The trailer certainly gives off the feeling of being a pilot episode. We get to meet many of the new characters, while also getting a reminder of some of the things that the former high school students turned adults have had to go through.
Layla seems to be taking Grace’s and Laura’s spot, as someone who is able to offer words of wisdom and support to the troubled youths. Jordan is taking his dad’s spot, recruiting Khalil because he sees potential but also sees what’s holding Khalil back.
Then there’s the father-son duo at Beverly. The new coach’s son is on a bit of a power trip, and as everyone learns that this boy is the coach’s son, they realize why he thinks he owns the team. Jordan was also respectful about his position when it came to Billy’s position as coach, but it looks like we’re going to see the opposite this time.
There is a reminder of Billy in the trailer as Olivia speaks about him. We’ll get to see Liv in at least one episode, despite her character leaving the show. It’s clear that while some of the characters have moved on, they won’t be ignored or forgotten. The door is open for them to return in All American season 7.
Can All American beat the soft reboot curse?
When shows have attempted a soft reboot around this point in the story, it’s not been easy to keep the attention and the fans. So many shows have ended up canceled right after or shortly after the soft reboot. Look at the way Once Upon a Time couldn’t keep going after the loss of most of its OG characters at the end of season 6, or the way The Vampire Diaries struggled with the loss of Elena Gilbert when Nina Dobrev decided to leave.
Can All American manage with the soft reboot? There is some hope considering some of these characters have already been introduced. We got to see season 6 lead us into this change, almost knowing that not everyone would re-up their contracts.
All American season 7 premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 8/7c on The CW with a sneak peek and then moves to Mondays at 8/7c from Feb. 3.
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