All American first premiered in 2018, back when The Originals had just ended, Legacies was just starting out, Supernatural was gearing toward its end, Riverdale was in the middle of its run, and the Arrowverse was still going strong. As the final show in the Golden Age of The CW Network, All American is a reminder of what The CW Network used to be and what fans had grown to love about it. Premiering as a teen drama coming-of-age story about football, love, and family, the show covered arcs that discussed what it means to work hard toward the future you want, no matter if it is in sports, music, journalism, or any other profession.
On Monday, June 22, 2026, The CW Network honored the series with an hour-long behind-the-scenes special that discussed what went into building the show. Everything from music choices to costume design to storylines focusing on social justice was all highlighted, as the special recognized the details that allowed All American to stand out from a crowd of teen dramas.
The special discussed stances on Black Lives Matter and police brutality that occurred on the series during the show's run, including high school football teams taking a knee during a game and Olivia's podcast that brought attention to a tragic death. Grief also played a role in the discussion, bringing up the fallout of Billy's death and the narrative choice to sit in the discomfort and figure out how to live with this tragedy, rather than moving on from it so quickly. Additionally, Layla's mental health storylines also got referenced, as she has undergone various versions of confronting her own mind and relationship with depression.
The first half-hour focused primarily on the first six seasons of the series, mostly discussing some of the key storylines that unfolded during the first six years. The special featured most of the original cast and some of the newer additions as well. Those who only joined the show later on mentioned their original uncertainty toward how big of a role they would have in the show, only to realize they had ended up becoming a massive part of seasons 7 and 8.
The back half mostly featured discussing season 7's evolution and teases for season 8. The addition of the showrunner, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, as well as various producers who had a role in helping the show develop into the success it was, helped give a rounded celebration and look back at how All American started and how the series is wrapping up.
Season 7 had plenty of its own issues, as the loss of most of its main characters left the series in an uncertain state, searching for an identity that no longer existed. The strong ensemble was mostly gone, leaving Jordan, Layla, and Coop as a nucleus that the narrative struggled to connect to its new characters. Original fans of the show, the same ones who were responsible for helping to boost the series in their love for its characters, were likely the same people to face the most frustration by season 7's drastically different direction.
The fans who would fight tooth and nail for their favorite characters were left out in the cold if those individuals were the ones to either not return or only have brief guest star appearances. For those who would rally around the characters who did stay, season 7 struggled to keep them happy, too, as season 7 constantly found ways to disappoint its fan base. Season 7 spent too much time keeping Jordan and Layla in different storylines, with the two occasionally not being in the same episode at all, while Coop ended up playing more of an aunt role to Amina than developing her own law career.
All American made its mark on The CW Network, as Spencer, Olivia, Jordan, Layla, Coop, Asher, Patience, and Jaymee became a part of households all over the world who were rooting for them to succeed. Parental figures such as Billy, Grace, Laura, and Preach also played integral roles. This was an ensemble cast that went through hardship and came out the other side. For as many messes as the Vortex may have undergone, it was always clear that they would come out stronger together. That loyalty and dedication gave All American its own identity, one that was not afraid to have its main characters challenge each other.
Friendships grow and change. All American was steadfast in showing how friendships, such as between Olivia and Layla, can survive periods of arguments and hurt because ultimately, their love for each other is stronger than their anger. Initial antagonistic behavior, such as how Jordan and Asher treat Spencer, can grow into the strongest of brotherhoods because they take the time to get to know each other and care for each other. Relationships can change, but putting in the work helps keep them alive, and that is something that many of the main dynamics experience over the course of the show, no matter if it is the strong bond between Spencer and Coop or the sibling connection between Jordan and Olivia.
All American's conclusion is an official end to an era that had been closed out by Nexstar's acquisition of The CW Network in 2022. The show has one last chance to develop episodes that find the magic that was once so present every time these characters appeared on screen. While Spencer and Olivia are expected to return in season 8, it is unlikely they will be present in every episode. Meanwhile, for as much emotional depth as Jordan, Layla, Coop, and Preach bring to the show, unless season 8 devotes more time to them in the final episodes, it will be difficult to lean on the emotional plot lines that only original and veteran characters can bring in a final season of a show. All American was a strong show for most of its run, and season 8 has the chance to close out the series with an emotional ending that will give the characters and audience everything they have been waiting for.
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