All American: Homecoming

Alot of the worst reviews seem to be from people bothered the show has Black leads, is focused on an HBCU and has an LBGTQ+ character. The show isn't perfect but isn't it bad. If you have been a fan of All American, you'll appreciate Homecoming as a fan of the world, getting to know what was a small character that became a bigger one in Simone. The issues being addressed in the show are real ones in the struggles of student-athletes, the issues HBCUs are facing with financial and accreditation statuses and inclusion. The details aren't perfect, but it has potential. And i personally appreciate diversity on television.

The show is bland. There's nothing new, profound, or riveting going on. It's one of those show you can just have playing in the background without feeling like you are missing anything. Firstly, the main characters are not interesting enough/doesn't shine off to keep the interest. A couple of the supporting characters seem more interesting right off the bat I guess it depends on how the show continues. Secondly, the sports choices are just bad. Should've just focused strictly on tennis, baseball wasn't needed. Also a good point to note that they have them playing baseball in the fall (it's a spring sport). Thirdly, it's hard to miss that the show is repeating/re-using storylines that we've already seen on the home show. If the show wants any success it needs to focus on being it's own thing. Build the characters and make them interesting to watch and root for. As of now, the storylines between the adults (Coach Turner, Amara) has been more entertaining which is worrying for a show claimed to be a "college show"

Every time I watch an episode I am reminded of the Quad. A story that center's around incoming freshmen that have all the answers while creating the most drama. Sprinkled in is some adults with their own dysfunction. It's even easier when Payton Smith is basically playing the same role he played in the Quad. The only difference is he is an athlete instead of a want to be rapper. It is better than the Quad but I can see it is heading in the same direction that killed the Quad.

This show is entertaining enough; however, you can't take it too seriously. The writing is just as bad as the original All American, but the storylines are a bit better (maybe I'm biased because I'm an HBCU grad!). None of the scripts are believable whatsoever... nor at ALL how real people act. If you go into this knowing that it's practically a soap opera, then you can certainly find some entertainment in it! There are so many moments where the acting was so poor, or the line was ridiculously corny, or the dramatic ridiculous tension that you just can't help but laugh. Definitely not my first choice, but okay enough to keep up with.

First off, I would say give the show a chance. I watched the original All American and admit I did not like Simone at all. When I heard she was the lead on a spinoff, I thought it was a terrible idea. I'm current with Homecoming and can say that Simone has made great strides as a character. The ensemble cast does a decent job and have their own storylines/arcs. Yes, no one can work through their own personal issues but gives the best advice to other characters which is consistent with the original All American. It's a nice change of pace to an HBCU college campus. I enjoy the show and don't take it too serious. Just my opinion.