The return of All American‘s original cast members gets an optimistic update from executive Nkechi Okoro Carroll. It was reported back in March that the long-running sports drama would feature significant changes on the way to All American season 7. In particular, it was confirmed that Samantha Logan, Cody Christian, Karimah Westbrook, Monét Mazur, and Chelsea Tavares won’t be returning in their respective roles as Olivia, Asher, Grace, Laura, and Patience. However, as with former series lead Daniel Ezra, they would continue to make guest appearances.
Carroll spoke with Variety as All American season 7 kicked off at the end of January on The CW and was asked about whether former series regulars will guest star often in the upcoming episodes. The executive producer goes into detail in her response, which is included below, mentioning specific names and revealing that almost every former cast member will make appearances:
Absolutely. Olivia didn’t just leave behind her twin brother, she left behind her best friend. Sam returns a couple of times this season. In fact, almost every member of the vortex comes back in some capacity multiple times this season, and for us, that’s just been so exciting. They’ve been so encouraging of our our new cast, and it’s been such a beautiful extension of their storyline. They’re all sort of transitioning into the big brother, uncle, auntie — sometimes reluctantly — roles. Daniel Ezra, who is currently sitting across from me, is directing right now and guest-starring. Da’Vinchi, who plays Darnell, is coming back since they’re the sucess stories — the NFL players who made it big, but they’re never going to forget where they came from. Chelsea Tavares has been back as Patience a couple of times. Monet Mazur’s [Laura Baker] been back. Karima Westbrook [Grace James] has come in to direct. It’s literally just like we expanded the family. It wasn’t that anyone was replaced, we just grew it.
The Show Isn’t Forgetting Its Past
The finale of All American season 6 represents an ending, of sorts, for the popular CW series. Daniel and Olivia got married and headed for New York. Laura gave her home to Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) and Layla, (Greta Onieogou), which represented a major step forward for Laura since the death of her husband, Billy Baker. Patience was also charting a new path as a performer. Asher, as well, is in a good place as a coach.
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7 Biggest Questions All American Season 7 Needs To Answer
Although the All American season 6 finale wrapped up several characters’ stories, it also presented cliffhangers and questions for season 7 to answer.
For the moment, with Behling serving as the anchor of the new All American cast, the series is attempting to start a new chapter. That includes Antonio J. Bell as Khalil Edwards, a new South Crenshaw student, and Osy Ikhile as the new coach Cassius Jeremy. There’s also Nathaniel McIntyre, as the coach’s son, in an echo of the show’s previous history with Coach Baker. But the original cast will still have a presence, at least for the time being.
Our Take On All American’s Cast Changes
It’s A Balancing Act
Part of the reason for the significant cast change has to do with budget considerations. But if the sports drama is meant to continue for a few more years, whether in its current form or as a spinoff, it will have to be able to keep the story lively and dynamic by endearing the audience to new faces. It may be the crucial part that paves the way for All American season 8 to happen.
All American
- Release Date
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October 10, 2018
- Showrunner
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Nkechi Okoro Carroll
- Directors
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Nkechi Okoro Carroll
- Writers
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Nkechi Okoro Carroll