History of All American (TV series) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2026

All American is a compelling drama series inspired by the true life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger. The narrative follows Spencer James, a rising high school football star from South Los Angeles who is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High. This transition forces him to navigate two vastly different worlds: his gritty neighborhood in Crenshaw and the affluent, high-stakes environment of Beverly Hills. As he balances athletic ambitions, academic pressures, and complex family dynamics, Spencer becomes a bridge between two communities. The series explores themes of identity, systemic inequality, and the pursuit of success against all odds. Throughout the seasons, the show chronicles the characters' maturation as they face personal tragedies, romantic entanglements, and the transition into college life, maintaining a central focus on how sports serves as a catalyst for growth and change within their interconnected lives.

September 2017: Development Announcement

In September 2017, Greg Berlanti announced two new pilots for The CW, including a project inspired by the life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger, written and produced by April Blair.

January 2018: Spencer Pilot Ordered

In January 2018, a pilot for the series, which was at the time titled Spencer, was officially ordered by the network.

February 22, 2018: Taye Diggs Cast in All American

On February 22, 2018, actor Taye Diggs was officially cast to play the role of Billy Baker in the upcoming television series All American.

March 15, 2018: Bre-Z and Greta Onieogou Join Cast

On March 15, 2018, Bre-Z and Greta Onieogou were cast as Tamia Cooper and Layla Keating, respectively, to round out the ensemble cast of All American.

March 19, 2018: Karimah Westbrook Cast as Grace James

On March 19, 2018, it was announced that Karimah Westbrook had been cast to portray the character Grace James in the series.

March 21, 2018: Daniel Ezra Cast as Lead

On March 21, 2018, British actor Daniel Ezra was officially selected to play the lead role of Spencer James in All American.

May 11, 2018: All American Pilot Ordered to Series

On May 11, 2018, the pilot for the show that would eventually be titled All American was officially ordered to series by The CW.

May 31, 2018: Jalyn Hall Promoted to Series Regular

On May 31, 2018, Jalyn Hall, who plays the character Dillon, was promoted to a series regular role for All American.

July 2018: Beginning of All American Season 1 Filming

In July 2018, the production team officially commenced filming for the first season of the television series All American, primarily shooting on location in Los Angeles, California.

October 2, 2018: Showrunner Change

On October 2, 2018, it was announced that April Blair stepped down as showrunner and was replaced by Nkechi Okoro Carroll, who also transitioned into an executive producer role.

October 8, 2018: Additional Scripts Ordered

The CW network ordered five additional scripts for the series on October 8, 2018, indicating confidence in the show's development.

October 10, 2018: Premiere of All American

On October 10, 2018, the sports drama television series All American, created by April Blair, officially premiered on The CW network, introducing viewers to the lives of characters from Crenshaw and Beverly Hills.

November 8, 2018: Episode Count Increased

On November 8, 2018, The CW announced that three additional episodes were ordered, extending the first season of the series to a total of 16 episodes.

April 24, 2019: All American Season 2 Renewal

On April 24, 2019, it was officially reported that the network The CW decided to renew the television series All American for a second season.

October 7, 2019: Season 2 Premiere

The second season of the television series All American officially premiered on The CW network on October 7, 2019.

October 8, 2019: Order for Additional Episodes

Following the season premiere, The CW network announced on October 8, 2019, that they had ordered three additional episodes to extend the second season of All American.

January 7, 2020: All American Season 3 Renewal

On January 7, 2020, the television series All American was officially renewed for a third season by the network.

October 1, 2020: Chelsea Tavares Promoted to Series Regular

On October 1, 2020, actress Chelsea Tavares was officially elevated to the status of series regular for the third season of the television show All American.

December 18, 2020: All American spin-off development

On December 18, 2020, it was announced that a backdoor pilot for an All American spin-off featuring the character Simone Hicks was in early development at The CW, with Geffri Maya set to reprise her role.

January 18, 2021: Premiere of All American Season 3

The third season of the series All American officially premiered on television on January 18, 2021.

February 1, 2021: All American: Homecoming pilot order

On February 1, 2021, The CW officially ordered a pilot for the spin-off series, giving it the title All American: Homecoming.

February 3, 2021: Season 4 Renewal

On February 3, 2021, the television network The CW officially announced the renewal of the series All American for a fourth season.

March 29, 2021: Cast announcements for All American: Homecoming

On March 29, 2021, the production announced the casting of Peyton Alex Smith, Cory Hardrict, Kelly Jenrette, Sylvester Powell, Netta Walker, and Camille Hyde for the upcoming spin-off series.

May 24, 2021: All American: Homecoming series pickup

On May 24, 2021, All American: Homecoming was officially picked up to series, with Nkechi Okoro Carroll serving as creator and executive producer alongside a production team including Greg Berlanti.

July 5, 2021: Airing of the backdoor pilot

On July 5, 2021, the backdoor pilot for the spin-off, written by Nkechi Okoro Carroll and directed by Michael Schultz, aired as an episode of the third season of All American.

October 4, 2021: Hunter Clowdus Promoted to Series Regular

On October 4, 2021, actor Hunter Clowdus received a promotion to become a series regular for the fourth season of the television show All American.

October 25, 2021: Season 4 Premiere

The fourth season of the series All American made its official broadcast debut on The CW on October 25, 2021.

December 16, 2021: Spin-off casting update

On December 16, 2021, it was announced that Mitchell Edwards would join the spin-off as a series regular to reprise his role as Cam Watkins, with Rhoyle Ivy King joining the cast in a recurring role.

February 21, 2022: Series premiere of All American: Homecoming

On February 21, 2022, the series All American: Homecoming officially premiered on The CW network.

March 22, 2022: Season 5 Renewal

On March 22, 2022, the television network The CW officially announced the renewal of the series All American for a fifth season.

October 10, 2022: Season 5 Premiere

The fifth season of the series All American officially premiered on television on October 10, 2022.

January 11, 2023: All American Season 6 Renewal

On January 11, 2023, The CW officially renewed the television series All American for a sixth season, which was initially planned to consist of 13 episodes following the network's acquisition by Nexstar.

April 1, 2024: Season 6 Premiere

The sixth season of the television series All American made its official debut on the air on April 1, 2024.

April 22, 2024: Season 6 Episode Count Expansion

On April 22, 2024, it was announced that the sixth season of All American would be extended, increasing the total number of episodes from 13 to 15.

June 3, 2024: All American Season 7 Renewal

On June 3, 2024, The CW officially renewed the TV series All American for a seventh season consisting of 13 episodes, which included a reduction in budget and the departure of several regular cast members.

June 24, 2024: Daniel Ezra Departure as Series Regular

On June 24, 2024, it was announced that actor Daniel Ezra would not return as a series regular for the seventh season of All American, a decision he reached with showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll prior to the start of the sixth season's production.

September 24, 2024: Major Cast Shakeup for Season Seven

On September 24, 2024, it was revealed that Samantha Logan, Cody Christian, Karimah Westbrook, Monet Mazur, and Chelsea Tavares would depart as series regulars for the seventh season. While Daniel Ezra would transition to guest appearances and directing, Osy Ikhile and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre joined the cast, and Antonio J. Bell and Alexis Chikaeze were promoted to regular status.

September 30, 2024: Final episode of All American: Homecoming

On September 30, 2024, the series concluded its three-season run with the airing of its 41st and final episode.

October 10, 2024: Samantha Logan Guest Star Announcement

On October 10, 2024, it was reported that Samantha Logan was scheduled to appear as a guest star in the second episode of the seventh season of All American.

January 29, 2025: Premiere of All American Season 7

The seventh season of All American officially premiered on television on January 29, 2025, following a period of cast changes and production adjustments.

April 2025: Discussions Regarding Final Season Renewal

In April 2025, The CW President Brad Schwartz confirmed that the network was engaged in talks with Warner Bros. Television to secure a final season for the series, aiming to provide a proper conclusion to the story.

June 1, 2025: Bulk Release of All American Seasons 1-6 on Three Now

On June 1, 2025, the streaming platform Three Now Website made the first six seasons of the television series All American available to viewers in a bulk release.

June 2, 2025: All American Renewed for Final Season

On June 2, 2025, The CW officially announced the renewal of All American for an eighth and final season, which will consist of 13 episodes and is scheduled to premiere on July 13, 2026.

June 2025: Renewal of All American for Final Season

In June 2025, it was officially announced that the show All American had been renewed for an eighth season, which was designated as the series' final installment.