Everything was always about someone else and in that moment Damon supports her in doing what she wants. Since Jordan is still heavily involved with the original show, it seemsAll American: Homecoming will mix Behling into the show using FaceTime primarily, although physical appearances by the actor can still happen. She's going to learn work-life balance and tackle what it means to be an adult and to make certain decisions, but also what it means to dedicate yourself fully, because tennis is something we gave up and now she's deciding she is taking tennis very seriously. Thea praises Simone, and they shake hands. Whether it be coming from her panic attacks or a tennis match, she's really discovered what type of athlete she wants to be. All American season 3 gave us a . Simone's new life at college is whereAll American: Homecoming begins its story. Ser Baffo/The CW. All Rights Reserved. The most important factor is that the boundaries of Jordan and Simone's relationship is definitely going to be tested and I don't only mean romantically, I mean in terms of growing up. It makes me happy to support him as an artist and a dear friend. It's great for people to be able to see her outside of what she's attached to, which are her relationships, so give people an opportunity to really be able to connect with her, and build a relationship with her. Titled All American: Homecoming, the spinoffs pilot will air as an episode of All Americans current third season (aka a backdoor pilot). But Homecoming seems to know what Simone doesnt: that that very capacity for growth and change can be the core of a winning identity. Damons adoptive mother who wants Damon to have a pro baseball career way more than Damon himself does quickly finds a silver lining when Damon is caught practicing with the Lions, theorizing that the MLB will want him evenmore if they think Damons considering playing for a college team instead of getting drafted. Returning from Los Angeles single, Simone mourns her relationship on the newest episode of All American: Homecoming. Jock Zonfrillo Dies: 'MasterChef Australia' Judge And Acclaimed, Damar Hamlin's Charity Sponsor, the Giving Back Fund, Embroiled, Even Without Barry, 'Barry' Is Delighted with Its Own Misery, Malaysia's 'Abang Adik' Wins Udine Festival's Golden Mulberry, Editor's Choice: I Purchased This TikTok-Viral Walking Pad and I, TVLine is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. She visited Bringston University for the weekend with Jordan, Spencer, and Olivia Baker. From your perspective, why does she make that choice? From the surface, her mother comes off as harsh and a little smothering, but she could just come off that way because people don't necessarily understand her off hand. Derek Rivera previously appeared in13 Reasons Why. It's very empowering that she's able to step into that world of Blackness and Black joy. What were exploring is what friendship between members of the opposite sex look like and when that starts to get complicated. Simone chooses not to tell people about baby Shay. In the meantime, the two leads balance academics, athletics and the squishier project of self-discovery with the help of new friends and adult mentors, and in defiance of unfriendly teammates or disapproving parental figures. Sylvester Powell previously appeared onCriminal Minds. She is portrayed by Camille Hyde . Airdate: 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 (The CW) Cast: Geffri Maya, Peyton Alex Smith, Kelly Jenrette, Cory Hardrict, Sylvester Powell, Camille Hyde, Mitchell Edwards, Netta . PMC Entertainment. He's a fantastic talent and being on All American since season 1, it's a testament to remaining diligent and dedicated to your craft to be take his character into this new space. Serena, Venus, Naomi, so many of these Black women who are playing this sport are pushing through and persevering as a Black person, a Black woman. There's an emotional scene where Simone and Nate have a ceremony to help Simone mourn the end of her relationship. Still, it seemed that Simone and Jordans story could have been preparing for an eventual breakup to give them each a chance to start fresh when they go to college. There's a beautiful history that stands firm on a foundation of strength, perseverance, art, music, and creativity. Build your customCulturess Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onCulturess and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Amara Patterson | All American Wiki | Fandom This is especially true considering there have been no signs that Jordan is moving toAll American: Homecoming. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. She gives props when due.[2]. It's engulfing in a way and she's put in a place where she never expected to be so attached to spiritually. The series premieres Monday on the CW. When it was time to decide if she wanted to adopt baby Shay, she had to consider her parents. What are you hoping Homecoming explores about Simone's family? It's a great question. Thats what makes us the best.Thea to Simone. All American: Homecoming star Geffri Maya breaks down Simone's rough All American: Homecomingwill also give Kelly Jenrette a prominent role as Amara Patterson. I don't think there's anything to worry about. The show will be co-led by a Chicago baseball player, Damon Sims. He is one of the main characters ofAll American, and his appearance in the spinoff is not too surprising considering Jordan and Simone's relationship. All Rights Reserved. It's going to be interesting in terms of Damon, Thea, and Simone, because at the end of the day in terms of Damon and Simone, my biggest hope is that as the season progresses and hopefully we get a season 2 they navigate truth and learn or grow. All American: Homecoming's Geffri Maya on All American spinoff | EW.com All Americans third season is currently airing Mondays at 8/7c; theres no word yet on when the plantedHomecoming pilot will debut. Every year Cooper looks forward to seeing the latest blockbusters from the likes of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, but also loves the rush to catch up on Oscar films near the end of the year. 'All American' Spinoff a Go at CW Simone to Be Focus - TVLine Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. At least, if Im reading their dance-floor makeout sesh correctly, that is. While she initially wasn't considering attending the school, her time at Bringston made a big impact on Simone. Sorry. The former assistant coach for Bringston's baseball team finds himself learning how to be a head coach in the series after the previous coach was fired for an academic scandal. 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . The one where EW follows up with the cast. What was shooting the backdoor pilot like? Her parents paid for the facility and if anyone had a choice they wouldnt choose to hang out with her. (L-R): Geffri Maya as Simone and Michael Evans Behling as Jordan The CW. What was your reaction to Cam (Mitchell Edwards) coming to All American: Homecoming? this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. What types of obstacles will she face as an athlete? Thea drills Simone to hit ten in a row and refuses to move on until she does. On the flip side, storylines involving the faculty like Amara and Marcus trying to figure out what exactly president Allen (Leonard Roberts) isnt telling them about the schools budgetary woes are progressing at too slow a burn to hold much interest, at least at this early point in the series. About All American: Homecoming (TV series). "which is why you brought us to this ugh. All American Season 4 News & Updates: Everything We Know, All American: What [SPOILER]'s Survival Means For Season 4, return of Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker, All American: What Jordan & Simone's Marriage Means For Her Spinoff. Simone is excited to move into her dorm, but her past choices present unexpected setbacks. Grade it in our poll below, then drop a comment with your full reviews! Beyond his role in theAll American universe, audiences might also know Michael Evans Behling for his role inGrey's Anatomy andA Cinderella Story: Starstruck. Simone is attracted to her Aunt Amara because she's so different than her mother. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We know people love Jordan and Simone together and everything they have overcome. Tennis tryouts are almost over and Simone jogs off the court. OnceAll Americanrevealed their marriage, though, it's difficult not to think about what it means for Simone's spinoff. Thea arrives having heard about the party. Simone gives Loni her clearance note from President Allen, making it in time for Queen of the Court. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. GEFFRI MAYA: It was the right way to begin because college ultimately is about transitioning and that's not easy, especially when you're having to live on your own and make decisions on your own. It'll be exciting for people to see Black girls from different backgrounds find ways to support one another. Actress: Private Practice. Airdate: 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 (The CW) Netta Walker as Keisha McCalla -Keisha McCalla is the unofficial mayor of Bringston University and one of Simone's closest friends at Bringston. I can easily say the most challenging part of the tennis, but I want to honor the sport, my form, train, take care of my body. Simone starts to crack but finds motivation from a group assignment with Damon and Thea. What was shooting that emotional scene about Simone and Jordan's relationship with Michael like? It's a testament to something [creator Nkechi Okoro Carroll] wanted to talk about, because she is young and trying to figure herself out. GEFFRI MAYA: The most exciting aspects of this journey is that we're able to see Simone and finally able to get a chance to know her for who she truly is, and who she's becoming. In the morning, Simone begins tennis practice and Thea warns them theyll be there for a while. (And Jordan might have good reason to worry, because Damon Sims is clearlyvery interested in his girl.). Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Time100: The World's Most Influential People, Felicity Dj Vu on The Diplomat? Set against the backdrop of the historically Black college and university (HBCU) experience, All American: Homecoming follows a young tennis hopeful from Beverly Hills (Maya) and an elite baseball player from Chicago as they contend with the high stakes of college sports, all while navigating the highs and lows (and sexiness!) Viewers might recognize Kelly Jenrette from her roles inMixed-ish andGrandfathered. This episode was well set up on All American Season 3 Episode 16 as Simone, Jordan, Spencer, and Olivia sought to escape their personal drama by taking a college tour as many high school seniors do. Thats why theyre the best. It would be beautiful to be able to see that unfold and see their relationship take a turn. They discuss Queen of the Court, a tradition at Bringston. Viewers could recognize Cory Hardrict from any number of projects, such asThe Chi,All Eyez on Me, andAmerican Sniper. This seemed to be a clear move to set up Simone going off on her own forAll American: Homecoming. Now he's decided to give back to his community and his spot in a different way. It's time for her to take charge of who she is and [who] she wants to be. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . In the lead-up toAll American: Homecoming, it seemed the best way to set up the next chapter in Jordan and Simone's stories would be to endtheirrelationship, but the show didthe exact opposite. The most pertinent details: Simone is an ambitious tennis player from Beverly Hills starting her freshman year at Bringston, a historically Black university in Atlanta, with support from her journalism-professor aunt Amara (Kelly Jenrette) but against the wishes of her Ivy League-obsessed parents. "All American: Homecoming" follows Geffri Maya as Simone Hicks, a teen mother and tennis star from Los Angeles who heads to Atlanta to begin college. A beautiful friendship has been born, one that is meaningful and deep. We're just getting to know Simone as an athlete. When they arrive, the room is empty except for a few male students playing video games, Keisha, and Nate. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The idea of living on my own and making new friends and being in a totally different state was exciting. All American: Homecoming| Simone and Mom makeup - YouTube 'All American': Jaclyn Smith to Play Laura's Mom - TVLine A warm and likable spin on the college experience. All Rights Reserved. Thea doesnt have any friends as the girls from the team only tolerate her. Simone outmatches everyone on the court and makes it to the last match against Thea. GeffriMaya. Damon was going to the MLB and had a whole different journey planned for him by his mother. But, instead, she receded to the background. Why do you think it's the right way to begin her college journey? ), though their romantic outlook is now a bit hazy with news of a potential spinoff. Where to Watch Free Movies Online in 2023 - IGN She is Simone's aunt and a journalism teacher at Bringston University. He joined Screen Rant in late 2016 following a year-long stint with MCU Exchange, which came after first developing an MCU blog of his own. Feb 21, 2022, 09:00 AM EST | Updated Jul 20, 2022. She is portrayed by Camille Hyde. A backdoor pilot for the spinoff wasincluded in season 3that set up Simone for her college adventure. Mitchell Edwards as Cam Watkins- Cam Watkins is Spencer James' former rival and an excellent football player. While telling a story about college life is very different than that of high school, the drama remains as does the romance. Television audiences first met Geffri Maya as a high schooler portraying Maya Bennett on . If she is meant to be an exciting draw for the spinoff, as a character fans know well, thenAll American should have given her a bit more to do in preparation for her to lead a brand new series. So why was her perspective not at the forefront? By the end of the episode, Simone has the beginnings of a strong tribe. The college years are a door opener to the real world, and it's not always going to be pretty. It's no secret that Las Vegas special episodes always make up for excitement and simultaneously, worries because of the city's reputation. All American 3x18 Simone & Jordan Doesn't get married Televisions favorite dad Bob Saget dies at age 65, Kevin Hart is the latest celebrity to make a guest appearance on Shark Tank, followed the question of if the duo could succeed in a long-distance relationship, The Siren of Sussex is the gorgeous historical romance we've all been waiting for, My Fine Fellow is a fresh retelling filled with food, fun, and romance, Emily in Paris renewed at Netflix for two more seasons, The Morning Show renewed for a third season. During the hour, Simone pays a visit to the (fictional) Atlanta-based school Bringston University, where her aunt Amara teaches a course on journalism and activism. The 'All American' spinoff follows a tennis player from Beverly Hills to her first year at a historically Black university in Atlanta. See on this team nothing just gets handed to you. Camille Hyde previously appeared onAmerican Vandal and played the Pink Dino Charge Ranger inPower Rangers Dino Charge. Simones storyline remained entwined with Jordans. She'll play Nhani Rivers, a confident, fun, and energetic student at South Crenshaw High. The most prominent and most emotionally resonant arc in the first four hourlong episodes sent to critics concerns Simones struggles to adjust. As we know from the show's official . I cannot wait until this is normalized and we're simply sharing what the world looks like, and what Black excellence looks like. We don't know what's going to be in store for Jordan and Simone's futures, whether together or apart. Here's a complete guide to the cast and characters of All American: Homecoming. The CW's 'All American: Homecoming': TV Review Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Kyanna Simone (Chambers) is joining the Season 3 cast of the CW's All American as recurring. The dancers and our choreographers, Nico and Rhapsody, were amazing. Although this proved to not be the case, Jordan and Simone fell in love and the two have had a strong relationship ever since. I grew up as a dancer. That night, Simone runs to the elevators as Thea passes. Throughout both shows, which will follow the same timeline and have a few natural crossovers, the theme of how one relationship affects a larger friend group will continue. Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Time100: The World's Most Influential People, Felicity Dj Vu on The Diplomat? Also, with Nate being non-binary, the door is open for that community to be showcased, supported and loved. This includes reconnecting with a variety of people she met during her visit to Bringston University inAll American season 3. She is queen-bee sophomore that gives off slight mean girl tendencies. That tennis match seems to rattle Simone for much of the weekend, even as she starts to consider applying to Bringston instead of just visiting for fun. Jordan was like the wind beneath her wings. Still, it followed the question of if the duo could succeed in a long-distance relationship, followed by her absence at prom to compete in a tennis competition. It really has to do with being able to be exposed to such a different world with people that look like her. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Amara is in journalism because she has a powerful palette and mind, which Simone is inspired by. GeffriMaya is known for Private Practice (2007), WTF, Baron Davis (2019) and Loco (2020). Its teammate versus teammate in a series of single-elimination matches. 'All American' Spinoff Eyed by The CW - Deadline How are you feeling about getting to tell the story of a Black tennis player? Corte offers Simone a job working with the alumni office. The different experiences and backgrounds of the characters make this melting pot of stories about people who deserve to be represented, ultimately. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. I give so much love and support to these athletes, especially Black athletes who constantly have to raise their bar every single time that they play. She doesnt get what Simone is trying to do. "It was just an exciting feeling to know Peyton and I are at the helm of this show and are able to see that and really fulfill a vision of bringing a universe together with so much love and so much fun," Maya says, looking back on filming the episode. How important is it to be part of bringing that to TV? The description ofAll American: Homecoming teases Simone's story focusing on pursuing her tennis career again, attending a historic Black college, and the expected young adult drama troubles (including romantic ones). (TVLine first broke the news in December that The CW was eyeing an All American offshoot centered on Mayas character.). Whether they are friends, love interests, or foes,All American: Homecoming's cast includes plenty of recognizable characters from the backdoor pilot. What do you think Simone thinks of Damon by the end of the episode? I was classically trained in that part, and once you're a dancer, it doesn't go anywhere, especially if you keep up with it. I'm excited for people to be able to share that moment with us, because I know people care about Simone and her relationship with Jordan. As we know from the shows official logline, Homecoming will follow Geffri Mayas character at a historically Black college, where she and an elite baseball player from Chicago (played by Legacies Peyton Alex Smith) contend with the high stakes of college sports.