Pass Me The Remote: All American

To Whom It May Concern,

All American was a coming-of-age teen drama set in my own backyard, South L.A. Some may say it was the little engine that could, the show that Netflix blew up, or the last of what was The CW. If nothing else, it can be called an anomaly in today’s television landscape. So, to see the curtain close on this show feels like the end of an era for a generation that doesn't have nearly as much representation as the ones that came before.

Despite the fact that I wasn’t the demographic age-wise, I watched every episode happy to see us.

The show gave us Spencer James, an elite athlete and a hothead, with a penchant for saving everyone, played by a fresh face from across the pond who did everything for “Crenshaw.” Then there was the Vortex, a messy friend group that gave us Coop, who went from the streets to the courtroom; Layla, who took control of her mental health journey; and Jordan, who learned to stop disguising his shortcomings with arrogance. And there was Olivia, who walked the thin line between boldness and fragility as she fought for her sobriety. Much of the Vortex’s mess came from its relationships, but no one tap-danced on my nerves quite like my ship, Spencer and Olivia, as they perfected the will-they-won’t-they dance. We watched this group reach their goals, find their passions and go from pep rallies to weddings.

In the midst of it all was Billy Baker, a coach and father who anchored the cast and introduced a new generation to Black Hollywood royalty in Taye Diggs. Then came a second wind, a new group of characters who made you want to root for them as they found their way. (Kingston and Amina for the win!)

But, I must admit, I am biased.

I had the opportunity to visit the Warner Bros. lot to shadow one of the producers of the show. What was supposed to be a one-day favor courtesy of Spencer Paysinger, the real-life Spencer James, turned into weeks. Witnessing one of my favorite shows being made by cool-ass Black people made me realize that there was no ceiling. Sitting behind Black men directing, producing and running the show changed what was possible for me as someone who had predominantly sat on the film side of things.

All American wasn't just showing Black life in all its possibilities and imperfections; it was showing Black people living their dreams behind the camera, too. The characters may have felt real to me for the last eight seasons, but Spencer Paysinger, Charles Wilson, Jameel Turner and Nkechi Okoro Carroll are the people who helped bring these stories to life — from the real-life story that inspired the series to the producing, writing and showrunning that carried it forward. Together with so many others, they helped give Black teen life and ambition a face for nearly a decade.

Now, after eight seasons, it's time to say goodbye. Thank you, All American, for showing me that there is no ceiling — on screen or behind it.

Forever Grateful,

Khadijah Fanaka