All American: Homecoming

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.

I watch All American and enjoy it so I gave this spinoff a chance. As much as I want to like it, I find myself rolling my eyes every 10 min. It's unrealistic for college kids with real life problems to handle their issues like very mature experienced adults in every episode. Too many kumbaya moments. It's cheesy.

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.

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.