College kids are messy. Simone starts to crack but finds motivation from a group assignment with Damon and Thea. Simone arrives late to her court time, but the player there isnt interested in her excuses. This is on top of her ongoing relationship with Jordan, butAll American season 3 began setting up her future away from her friends, family, and life in Beverly Hills. The 50 greatest TV and movie detectives of all time. All American Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. The male lead of theAll Americanspin-off Homecoming is Damon Sims, played by Peyton Alex Smith. Black women are judged on everything the moment they set foot on a court, Thea says, and Simone cant get psyched out so easily if she wants to be a serious contender. New Romance Brewing on Superman, Fox News 8 pm Viewership Down Sharply Since Tucker Carlson's Ouster, Stephen Amell Doesn't Think He's Done Playing Green Arrow, All American Spinoff, Naomi Adaptation Snag Series Orders at The CW, All American Spinoff Adds Legacies' Peyton Alex Smith, 5 Others to Cast. At the end of the day, that's how you grow pressure. What the plots in juicy twists or epic emotions, they make up for with a warm sense of community, often built over the weekly family dinners that Simone hosts at her aunt Amaras house. Her mother refuses to pay for housing, so she moves in with her aunt, Amara Patterson (Kelly Jenrette), and a night of partying costs her a strong start to her collegiate tennis career. RELATED STORIES Damon is seemingly a good inspiration for her to just be her best self. The emotional entanglement she has with Damon back at school is what she sees in Layla and Jordan, even if Jordan doesn't. GEFFRI MAYA: It was an amazing experience because it's where I started. A warm and likable spin on the college experience. Thea makes a point of telling Simone that four other girls are striving for a spot on her team. What was shooting that emotional scene about Simone and Jordan's relationship with Michael like? If Homecoming, like its lead characters, still seems to be trying out this and that to see what clicks, thats part of the charm right now. It's been time, so I'm grateful and honored for the opportunity. Leonard Roberts as President Zeke Allen- Zeke Allen is the president at Bringston University and trying to keep the school afloat amid budgetary concerns. GeffriMaya. Amara faces the consequences of her actions. These Black athletes all have stories and come from different backgrounds. 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. Thea has no choice but to show up now that everyone knows, but Simone convinces her to show up so they can celebrate her. Simone is confused as Thea said Loni couldn't be on the field. It is going to be a huge test of the genuine friendship that we believe Thea and Simone have created with each other. 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. At the end of Simones time on All American, she left Beverly Hills High and her boyfriend, Jordan (Michael Evans Behling), behind. Once the semester officially starts, Coach Loni breaks down the schedule for the tennis players. ), At first, Bringstons president is content to sweep the cheating under the rug; since these ghost classes were offered to everyone, and not just student athletes, the NCAA likely wont penalize the school for giving athletes exclusive advantages. All American episode 7 was full of secrets and confessions as the show finally revealed what went down in Las Vegas, something that kept haunting the fans ever since the first episode of season 3. The CW's All American universe expands with a Simone-focused spinoff, and here's a guide to the cast and characters of All American: Homecoming.The original football drama based on Spencer Paysinger's pre-NFL career has become an incredibly popular series for The CW, as a wider continues to find it on Netflix. The writer notes that for years, shes had conversations with her friends about different types of emotional relationships, friendships and boundaries. Simone Hicks has fallen in love with Bringston University in the backdoor pilot for, Geffri Maya as Simone on 'All American: Homecoming.'. And baseball! From your perspective, why does she make that choice? It has to be earned. The chemistry is definitely there. The most challenging [thing] was definitely the tennis, because I am learning tennis now. How worried should we be about what Simone's Homecoming journey means for her and Jordan? Professor Corte decides to go with Simones ideas, and Thea attempts to take credit but he cuts her off. All American: Homecoming -- "Start Over" -- Image Number: AHC101a_0258r.jpg -- Pictured: Geffri Maya as Simone Hicks -- Photo: Ser Baffo/The CW -- (C) 2021 The CW Network, LLC. Not just to each other's arcs, but to All American. 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. But, instead, she receded to the background. It would be beautiful to be able to see that unfold and see their relationship take a turn. Thea knew that no one would show at her party and thats why she didnt want one. Were watching the development of a best friendship that is born out of what both of them had gone through. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. As he attempts to prove he made the right decision for his baseball career, Damon is also searching for answers about his birth family. It really has to do with being able to be exposed to such a different world with people that look like her. The different experiences and backgrounds of the characters make this melting pot of stories about people who deserve to be represented, ultimately. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Why do you think Simone ultimately decides breaking up is the right choice? A backdoor pilot for the spinoff wasincluded in season 3that set up Simone for her college adventure. Thea drills Simone to hit ten in a row and refuses to move on until she does. It's my family, you know what I mean? 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. While she initially wasn't considering attending the school, her time at Bringston made a big impact on Simone. He graduated college in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Media & Public Communication, with a minor in Media Production. All Rights Reserved. But even as the series stumbles into the occasional rough patch, Homecomings dependable north star is its generosity of spirit. Talk to me a bit about their bond and relationship. Theyre both exceptional actors is such a dream to work with and have so much natural chemistry, teases showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll about whats to come between Simone and Damon. The big question around Simone and Damon (Peyton Alex Smith) is if there's romantic future, but whatever comes next, they do have a connection. All Rights Reserved. The 'All American' spinoff follows a tennis player from Beverly Hills to her first year at a historically Black university in Atlanta. What types of obstacles will she face as an athlete? We don't know what's going to be in store for Jordan and Simone's futures, whether together or apart. Not that you need to have seen the original in the first place, since Homecomings determination to do its own thing extends to its plot. It's an important aspect of her life because she's going to have to incorporate [baby Shay] and the decision to be in his life eventually. Those discussions continue in the writers rooms for both series. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How do you feel about getting to take Simone on this new journey? Rebecca Iannucci / During the series premiere of All American: Homecoming, we saw that Simone has a tough start to life as a college student. It was such a beautiful experience because it was so genuine. This seemed to be a clear move to set up Simone going off on her own forAll American: Homecoming. Oh, and an important development for the mothership series: Spencer and Olivia are finally getting together, yall! Homecoming is attempting something different than its predecessor was less soapy, more down-to-earth and if its not quite as addictive to start, its still a likable companion piece that tackles the unique challenges of life after high school with warmth and understanding. Simone outmatches everyone on the court and makes it to the last match against Thea. They decided to stay together and try a long-distance relationship, despite the pressures theyre both facing. A current Bringston student named Keisha (relative newcomer Netta Walker) gives Simone and Olivia a tour of campus, and Simone meets the schools tennis star, Thea (Katy Keenes Camille Hyde), who absolutely knows how good she is. Simone's rough start includes getting on the tennis team. In class, Thea is assigned to Damon and Simone for an assignment in English literature. It's just a journey, it's college. Tennis tryouts are almost over and Simone jogs off the court. GeffriMaya is known for Private Practice (2007), WTF, Baron Davis (2019) and Loco (2020). The pressure explodes in a very emotional scene with Damon. February 1 2021, 11:00 AM PST. 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. Kyanna Simone (Chambers) is joining the Season 3 cast of the CW's All American as recurring. The CW is officially expanding its All American universe. That time shaped who I am today, as an artist, person, friend, and sister. Although this proved to not be the case, Jordan and Simone fell in love and the two have had a strong relationship ever since. All American: Homecomingwill also give Kelly Jenrette a prominent role as Amara Patterson. All American season 3 reveals Jordan Baker and Simone Hicks got married in Las Vegas, and that adds a huge twist to the story ahead of Simone's spinoff show, All American: Homecoming. Peyton Alex Smith did appear inAll American: Homecoming's backdoor pilot, but viewers also might recognize him from his recurring role onLegacies asRafael Waithe. What was more challenging the tennis game scene or the dance sequence? It was nerve wracking for us because we're not going to working together as much anymore. What are you hoping Homecoming explores about Simone's family? ET. All American showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll will executive-produce and write Homecoming, while Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Robbie Rogers all exec producers on the mothership series are on board as EPs, as well. We're just getting to know Simone as an athlete. I grew up as a dancer. Still, Simone has been involved inAll American since season 2. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. It'll be exciting for people to see Black girls from different backgrounds find ways to support one another. With All American: Homecoming set to premiere on Monday, February 21, it would have made sense that Simone would have been a more significant focus in All American's fourth season. People love to hate Cam, but people are going to be excited and surprised by his journey. Simone has still only been a supporting character inAll American, although her excellent tennis abilities and desire to be a positive voice within the Black community have come to be defining parts of her story. Geffri Maya's character joined the show in season 2 and theHomecoming spinoff was set up with a backdoor pilot in season 3. The next day in class, Simone, Damon, and Theas presentation goes well and the class claps for Simone's speech. Mondays episode of the CW drama doubled as the pilot for All American: Homecoming, a Simone-centric spinoff that was officially ordered to series in May. The last two women standing will battle to become Queen of the Court. If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. She is portrayed by Camille Hyde . She doesnt get what Simone is trying to do. They are different, and a lot of the times, what we need to do is not always comfortable. One user there wrote: "Between their terrible saves, their constant praise of mediocrity, and standing for every act (I've never seen judges more guilty of this than these Idol judges), I think it's time for a change." Cast: Geffri Maya, Peyton Alex Smith, Kelly Jenrette, Cory Hardrict, Sylvester Powell, Camille Hyde, Mitchell Edwards, Netta Walker Sorry. I can honestly say All American's cast and crew from the moment I stepped foot into the makeup trailer made me feel loved and supported. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. All American season 3, episode 7 revealed that Jordan and Simone got married over the summer during the trip to Vegas. 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. 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. It takes an emotional ceremony with Nathaniel Hardin (Rhoyle Ivy King) for Simone to begin working through her breakup. What all of them take seriously is that their friend group is extraordinary. Grade it in our poll below, then drop a comment with your full reviews! Jordan is one of the main characters ofAll American andhas continued to be involved in the show's fourth season. 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. 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. He graduated college in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Media & Public Communication, with a minor in Media Production. More:All American: What Jordan & Simone's Marriage Means For Her Spinoff. After spending time with her Aunt Amara (Kelly Jenrette), a journalist and professor at the university, and meeting elite high school baseball player Damon Sims (Peyton Alex Smith), Simone leaves. 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. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. It'll be exciting to see how they both navigate [Bringston] together and apart. Here's a complete guide to the cast and characters of All American: Homecoming. Simone's mother has a story. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. The one where EW follows up with the cast. Rhoyle Ivy King as Nathaniel- Nathaniel is a loyal friend to Simone at Bringston who always watches out for her. Initially she says she's fine and tries to push through, but the. She leaves, feeling humiliated by the event. Thea admits that shes always watching, showing her a series of text messages in which Loni admonishes Simone for sloppy footwork and unacceptable training. Warning: This story contains spoilers for the latest episodes of All American and All American Homecoming. Obviously available through Amazon Prime, free movies . The most prominent and most emotionally resonant arc in the first four hourlong episodes sent to critics concerns Simones struggles to adjust. 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. Amidst new obstacles, Simone Hicks discovers the makings of a found family in the. She is someone who gives herself the permission to be herself, which is all Simone ultimately wants to do and be at the end of the day. It's pretty exciting. Though it certainly doesnt hurt to go back and catch up on the backdoor pilot that aired as part of All American last year, Simone (Geffri Maya) the Homecoming protagonist who links the two shows recaps everything a new viewer really needs to know in the first few minutes of the new series. Freevee (fka IMDB TV) A sub-site of Amazon (formerly IMDB), Freevee has transitioned to an app-only format that requires an Amazon sign-in. Mitchell Edwards reprises his role fromAll American, but viewers might also know him fromSpinning Out. Whether it be coming from her panic attacks or a tennis match, she's really discovered what type of athlete she wants to be. 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. All Rights Reserved. Its hard finding something that fits who I am when I feel like Im a work in progress, minus the progress, Simone sighs to her friends while picking out school outfits in the second episode. Camille Hyde as Thea Mays - Thea Mays is Simone's biggest tennis rival at Bringston who wants to proudly represent the Black community in athletics. All American Spinoff Adds Legacies' Peyton Alex Smith, 5 Others to Cast. The network confirmed on Monday that its moving forward with a potential spinoff of the football drama, to be focused on Geffri Mayas Simone. It's a testament to something [creator Nkechi Okoro Carroll] wanted to talk about, because she is young and trying to figure herself out. I am a WOMAN and I personally dislike . Its teammate versus teammate in a series of single-elimination matches. The next day, Thea finds Simone practicing on the campus tennis courts, and though Theas still got a serious catty streak, she gives Simone some advice on how to perfect her form. Nate (Rhoyle Ivy King) and Keisha (Netta Walker) welcome Simone back to Bringston with open arms. Simone wants to get back to practicing, so Thea reminds her that real practice starts tomorrow and since the NCAA limits coaches hours, shell be running the drills, and her opinion does matter. In addition to makingAll American season 4, the network also began developing a spinoff for Simone Hicks. Thats what makes us the best.Thea to Simone. What were exploring is what friendship between members of the opposite sex look like and when that starts to get complicated. Simone joinedAll American's story during season 2 when she tricked Jordan into believing that he was the father of her soon-to-be child. Jordan was like the wind beneath her wings. 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So her coming back to the world of All American and experiencing home and Jordan in a different way plays a big part. This is especially true considering there have been no signs that Jordan is moving toAll American: Homecoming. Simone Hicks (Geffri Maya) had a hell of a trip back to Los Angeles. Instead, Simones part inAll American is reduced drastically. The idea of living on my own and making new friends and being in a totally different state was exciting. Monday's episode of the CW drama doubled as the pilot for All American: Homecoming, a Simone-centric spinoff that was officially ordered to series in May. Now he's decided to give back to his community and his spot in a different way. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. All of this tough love seems to resonate with Simone, who seems more certain about applying to Bringston and pursuing tennis by the end of the episode. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! "which is why you brought us to this ugh. One thing I love about Thea is no matter how she comes off, she wants the same thing we want. Simone hears about the event and everyone's aversion to throwing a party for Keisha. Simone is attracted to her Aunt Amara because she's so different than her mother. Damon was going to the MLB and had a whole different journey planned for him by his mother. Michael and I were both in our heads about the breakup scene because we know how pivotal the characters are. Keisha and Nate are such a huge part in the ebb and flow of [Simone's] college life because they are good friends and sophomores. On top of that, she's experiencing big girl things when it comes to jobs, handling her emotions, making adult decisions. But as a character notes a couple of episodes into its brand-new spinoff, All American: Homecoming, college is a different ballgame, honey. I cannot wait until this is normalized and we're simply sharing what the world looks like, and what Black excellence looks like. I was nervous because I've never danced on camera before, but it was fun because I had Samantha [Logan] to support me and we truly had such a good time. I was able to connect with so many Black people from many different walks of life. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . By 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? 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. At the end of the episode, Simone breaks up with Jordan in a letter after an emotional conversation where the young couple is very honest about how they've grown apart. Simone deserved to be more included inAll Americans fourth season to give more insight into her character leading up to attending Bringston University and how her tennis game is improving. "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. Spooorts baa-aar". This includes reconnecting with a variety of people she met during her visit to Bringston University inAll American season 3. It makes me happy to support him as an artist and a dear friend. All American Spinoff, Naomi Adaptation Snag Series Orders at The CW As we head to the season finale, what can you share about Simone's journey in terms of tennis in the final episodes? John Marshall Jones has previously appeared inFor All Mankind,Big Little Lies, andBosch. Simone was a student at Beverly Hills High School and upon graduating, moved to Atlanta to attend Bringston University. I don't think there's anything to worry about. Simone takes Thea to Amara's for family dinner. Beyond his role in theAll American universe, audiences might also know Michael Evans Behling for his role inGrey's Anatomy andA Cinderella Story: Starstruck. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. During the series premiere of All American: Homecoming, we saw that Simone has a tough start to life as a college student.Her mother refuses to pay for housing, so she moves in with her aunt . When they arrive, the room is empty except for a few male students playing video games, Keisha, and Nate. Sylvester Powell as Jessie 'JR' Raymond - Jessie Raymond is a longtime friend of Damon's thanks to youth baseball. Simone is returning home after some time at college. Thea arrives having heard about the party. He is an elite baseball prospect from Chicago who turned down a shot to play professionally to help Bringston's baseball program regain prominence. All American: Homecoming can do more with her character than the original series had the opportunity to, and should use that chance to create meaningful storylines and relationships for her. She is Simone's aunt and a journalism teacher at Bringston University. Simone is practicing tennis on the court when Thea and her friend intervene. 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. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Camille Hyde previously appeared onAmerican Vandal and played the Pink Dino Charge Ranger inPower Rangers Dino Charge. Real-life inspiration notwithstanding, The CWs All American seemed to fit pretty squarely into the template of high school dramas set in ultra-posh neighborhoods. Thea praises Simone, and they shake hands. As great of a person as Jordan is and has been to Simone, it's just different. Season 1. Jordan supported her in all the ways, from being a mother to making a decision about going to a school she felt brought her joy, courage, and strength. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. She walks off and Thea nods a bit impressed.[1]. Their friend group is their family.. 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. 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. 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.