19 feel-good shows to start 2019 off right
By Sundi Rose
All American
The what: All American may seem, after a passing glance, like Friday Night Lights goes OC, but it has its own legs. It tells the story of Spencer James, a Crenshaw native, who is recruited by a Beverly Hills high school coach to play football in the 90210 zip code. Spence must move in with said coach so as not to violate zoning rules, and what ensues is your basic fish out of water story.
What is not so basic, however, is how the show treats its warring socioeconomic worlds. Spencer’s Crenshaw side is set up with respect, establishing his ties to the neighborhood, including his friend Coop, a lesbian grappling with criminal elements and coming out to her mother. The Beverly Hills side of things is set up in homage to another teen soap set on the west coast, The O.C. At least I hope it’s meant to nod to it, because the similarities are eerily close.
The feels: Much like teenagers in the real world, the melodrama is amped up as high as the knob will allow. Every actor is chewing his or her way through every scene, and we never have to guess what the emotional landscape is for that particular moment.
Aside from that, it’s got enough heart, as a show about football, to keep you watching and investing. The team dynamics offer a parallel to the drama happening off the field, much like it’s (better done) ancestor, Friday Night Lights. It’s a little heavy handed, but it’s The CW, after all.
The deets: Season 1 currently airs on Wednesday nights, and you’ll most likely have to catch up on The CW app or website. Spencer is played by newcomer Daniel Ezra, and his chemistry to TV veteran Taye Diggs is carrying the show, for now. However, Spencer’s friend Coop, played by Bre-Z is the absolute break-out star of the series.