1 00:00:03,559 --> 00:00:06,139 I wanna play in the NFL. 2 00:00:06,239 --> 00:00:09,780 I want a life better than the one I've been living. 3 00:00:09,880 --> 00:00:12,580 You gotta save yourself, cuz out here is every 4 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:13,820 man for themselves. 5 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:15,340 You need a family. 6 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:17,681 I'm hoping you choose to be a part of mine. 7 00:00:20,241 --> 00:00:22,481 'Cause I've already chosen you. 8 00:00:34,803 --> 00:00:37,863 - We were just trying to tell a story 9 00:00:37,963 --> 00:00:41,103 that felt authentic about black youth in America 10 00:00:41,203 --> 00:00:43,204 and the pursuit of a dream. 11 00:00:44,084 --> 00:00:45,344 I auditioned in London. 12 00:00:45,444 --> 00:00:48,344 I got the call from my agent at like 10 p.m. 13 00:00:48,444 --> 00:00:51,005 and I had to be on a flight to L.A. the next day 14 00:00:52,565 --> 00:00:54,905 I thought I was going to get fired 15 00:00:55,005 --> 00:00:57,785 for most of the pilot and like half of season one. 16 00:00:57,885 --> 00:00:59,786 When I had the opportunity to come to Los Angeles, 17 00:00:59,886 --> 00:01:01,746 my parents were, of course, very weary 18 00:01:01,846 --> 00:01:03,306 and thought that maybe this was a scam and I 19 00:01:03,406 --> 00:01:04,586 was gonna get kidnapped. 20 00:01:04,686 --> 00:01:06,827 Fortunately for me and them, that didn't happen. 21 00:01:06,927 --> 00:01:09,227 I just knew it was good and I knew that it was a job 22 00:01:09,327 --> 00:01:10,507 and that I needed one. 23 00:01:10,607 --> 00:01:12,787 So I was very grateful to be working. 24 00:01:12,887 --> 00:01:16,708 I was in LA with my dad on the Santa Monica Pier. 25 00:01:16,808 --> 00:01:19,708 It was like the most surreal, magical moment 26 00:01:19,808 --> 00:01:23,308 to get that news in such an iconic Los Angeles landmark. 27 00:01:23,408 --> 00:01:24,589 And then I met the cast. 28 00:01:24,689 --> 00:01:26,869 The cast was amazing and talented 29 00:01:26,969 --> 00:01:28,989 and youthful and energetic. 30 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:30,349 Everything about the audition process 31 00:01:30,449 --> 00:01:32,190 just flowed and matched up. 32 00:01:32,290 --> 00:01:33,470 And the synchronicity was crazy. 33 00:01:33,570 --> 00:01:35,110 And so I kind of knew that this was 34 00:01:35,210 --> 00:01:37,310 where I was gonna be for the next few years of my life. 35 00:01:37,410 --> 00:01:41,391 - I felt like it was the precipice of something big. 36 00:01:41,491 --> 00:01:44,231 There was this like palpable chemistry. 37 00:01:44,331 --> 00:01:46,831 You could feel that from the very beginning. 38 00:01:46,931 --> 00:01:50,192 - We've been blessed to have a really fun, cohesive set. 39 00:01:50,292 --> 00:01:51,672 We gelled instantly. 40 00:01:51,772 --> 00:01:53,872 - And the writing held up, and I knew we had a 41 00:01:53,972 --> 00:01:55,352 gift on our hands. 42 00:01:55,452 --> 00:01:57,313 - I was so excited to learn that I was gonna be on the show. 43 00:01:57,413 --> 00:01:59,633 - It was surreal, truly surreal. 44 00:01:59,733 --> 00:02:03,153 My life changed from that point on. 45 00:02:03,253 --> 00:02:06,994 - I'm obsessed with YA shows, have been since I was a kid, 46 00:02:07,094 --> 00:02:09,194 still am as a grown adult. 47 00:02:09,294 --> 00:02:11,234 - You know, I remember when we met. 48 00:02:11,334 --> 00:02:12,514 First day of Little League. 49 00:02:12,614 --> 00:02:13,995 Man, I didn't even know you was a girl. 50 00:02:14,095 --> 00:02:15,875 - That's 'cause I striked your ass out three times. 51 00:02:15,975 --> 00:02:17,995 - Twice, man, you did that twice, all right? 52 00:02:18,095 --> 00:02:19,715 - Man, when I first got the news that I got the role, 53 00:02:19,815 --> 00:02:21,315 I was so excited. 54 00:02:21,415 --> 00:02:22,636 I loved it, I loved being Coop. 55 00:02:22,736 --> 00:02:24,556 I loved bringing that to life. 56 00:02:24,656 --> 00:02:26,676 And just giving my girl a platform 57 00:02:26,776 --> 00:02:28,316 and all the girls that look like her. 58 00:02:28,416 --> 00:02:31,597 I don't want you hanging around that Patience girl anymore. 59 00:02:31,697 --> 00:02:35,237 You think Patience's trouble because she's gay? 60 00:02:35,337 --> 00:02:38,157 That would make me trouble, since I'm gay, too. 61 00:02:38,257 --> 00:02:39,318 It was emotional. 62 00:02:39,418 --> 00:02:41,118 It was a little bit of drama. 63 00:02:41,218 --> 00:02:42,798 It turned out to be a lot of everything, 64 00:02:42,898 --> 00:02:44,718 but the experience was like none other. 65 00:02:44,818 --> 00:02:46,398 My very first day, my first episode, 66 00:02:46,498 --> 00:02:48,679 we needed them to ad-lib just a birthday song. 67 00:02:48,779 --> 00:02:50,119 You know, there was nothing scripted. 68 00:02:50,219 --> 00:02:51,959 And so they were like, OK, well, what do you want us to do? 69 00:02:52,059 --> 00:02:54,159 I said, put whatever's your spin on happy birthday. 70 00:02:54,259 --> 00:02:54,880 Happy birthday. 71 00:02:54,980 --> 00:02:56,200 And it was phenomenal. 72 00:02:56,300 --> 00:03:00,920 ♪ Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birth-- ♪ 73 00:03:01,020 --> 00:03:03,601 And in that moment, I'm like, "Oh, okay, so this is easy." 74 00:03:03,701 --> 00:03:05,001 [ Laughs ] 75 00:03:05,101 --> 00:03:06,561 I'm like, "I just need to give them just a little bit, 76 00:03:06,661 --> 00:03:08,281 and then they can take it to another level." 77 00:03:08,381 --> 00:03:10,801 And that was literally my first scene on the show. 78 00:03:10,901 --> 00:03:14,402 ♪ Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birth-- ♪ 79 00:03:14,502 --> 00:03:17,922 I was just excited about being able to take the genre 80 00:03:18,022 --> 00:03:21,803 but also honestly reflect what my sons were going through. 81 00:03:21,903 --> 00:03:24,123 Everybody's gone to junior high and high school. 82 00:03:24,223 --> 00:03:26,123 We've all dealt with bullies. 83 00:03:26,223 --> 00:03:27,803 She mean more like you. 84 00:03:27,903 --> 00:03:29,644 Having problems with class. 85 00:03:29,744 --> 00:03:30,644 What does that look like? 86 00:03:30,744 --> 00:03:32,564 I had a 10th of your talent, bro. 87 00:03:32,664 --> 00:03:35,584 I say we get this place and bounce. 88 00:03:40,305 --> 00:03:43,605 There's something in these episodes and these seasons 89 00:03:43,705 --> 00:03:46,166 that people really connect with. 90 00:03:46,266 --> 00:03:50,806 It's taking life situations and giving you options. 91 00:03:50,906 --> 00:03:53,407 Spencer James. 92 00:03:53,507 --> 00:03:55,007 Billy Baker. 93 00:03:55,107 --> 00:03:56,807 varsity coach, Beverly High. 94 00:03:56,907 --> 00:04:00,567 As a young actor, you watch other actors do scenes, 95 00:04:00,667 --> 00:04:03,768 and you can't wait for your turn to say those lines. 96 00:04:03,868 --> 00:04:05,368 I need you to come play for me. 97 00:04:05,468 --> 00:04:06,488 That was one of those lines. 98 00:04:06,588 --> 00:04:09,528 And it was dark and lit. 99 00:04:09,628 --> 00:04:10,569 It was cool. 100 00:04:10,669 --> 00:04:12,689 I can get your way out, man. 101 00:04:12,789 --> 00:04:14,649 I was a kid that grew up watching TV. 102 00:04:14,749 --> 00:04:17,369 I used to always entertain my family, 103 00:04:17,469 --> 00:04:19,890 telling jokes or imitating somebody. 104 00:04:19,990 --> 00:04:22,090 I was just like, yeah, I want to be on TV. 105 00:04:22,190 --> 00:04:23,410 I want to be an actor. 106 00:04:23,510 --> 00:04:24,810 Meet Preach. 107 00:04:24,910 --> 00:04:25,970 He just got out. 108 00:04:26,070 --> 00:04:27,291 What up, Preach? 109 00:04:27,391 --> 00:04:29,651 Something exciting about being able to step 110 00:04:29,751 --> 00:04:31,771 into somebody else's shoes and try to see 111 00:04:31,871 --> 00:04:33,131 the world from their lens. 112 00:04:33,231 --> 00:04:34,151 What's up with you and this kid, Dad? 113 00:04:34,231 --> 00:04:35,252 Why do you care so much? 114 00:04:35,352 --> 00:04:37,612 I come from Spencer's neighborhood. 115 00:04:37,712 --> 00:04:39,572 You have no idea what that's like. 116 00:04:39,672 --> 00:04:42,813 His understanding of which box do I check. 117 00:04:42,913 --> 00:04:44,013 Guess I don't, yeah. 118 00:04:44,113 --> 00:04:45,653 Jordan definitely struggled with that. 119 00:04:45,753 --> 00:04:48,653 And I kind of struggled with that as a young man. 120 00:04:48,753 --> 00:04:51,374 I was adopted and not understanding 121 00:04:51,474 --> 00:04:53,374 where I was coming from to some degree. 122 00:04:53,474 --> 00:04:56,294 But being able to play Jordan has made me understand that no 123 00:04:56,394 --> 00:04:59,655 matter where you're from, you are who you are. 124 00:04:59,755 --> 00:05:02,935 You sure about this, living in Beverly Hills? 125 00:05:03,035 --> 00:05:08,216 Look, Ma, if you don't want this, I won't go. 126 00:05:08,316 --> 00:05:11,776 OK, just say the word, and I'll call them. 127 00:05:11,876 --> 00:05:15,656 No, I ask you to give yourself a chance at something more. 128 00:05:15,756 --> 00:05:17,757 This is what's best for you, Spencer. 129 00:05:25,398 --> 00:05:27,778 - Welcome to Beverly Hills. 130 00:05:27,878 --> 00:05:29,858 Being born and raised in Inglewood, California, 131 00:05:29,958 --> 00:05:33,499 Los Angeles native, this show I connected with immediately 132 00:05:33,599 --> 00:05:36,019 because I went to a predominantly white school 133 00:05:36,119 --> 00:05:38,299 and then transferred to Dorsey High School, 134 00:05:38,399 --> 00:05:39,339 which is in the inner city. 135 00:05:39,439 --> 00:05:40,659 - Crips or Bloods? 136 00:05:40,759 --> 00:05:41,820 - Excuse me? 137 00:05:41,920 --> 00:05:43,420 Yo, yo, he's just joking, man, ignore him. 138 00:05:43,520 --> 00:05:45,860 - Nah, that ain't sound like a joke to me, bro. 139 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:47,100 - Don't be so sensitive. 140 00:05:47,200 --> 00:05:48,540 - Sensitive. 141 00:05:48,640 --> 00:05:52,261 - These are stories that I've actually witnessed firsthand. 142 00:05:52,361 --> 00:05:53,981 - The hell are you doing? 143 00:05:54,081 --> 00:05:56,661 I'm picking you up in your red car, in your red hat. 144 00:05:56,761 --> 00:05:58,422 Don't get your head blown off. 145 00:05:58,522 --> 00:06:01,262 - I'm just playing. 146 00:06:01,362 --> 00:06:03,342 I'm just playing. 147 00:06:03,442 --> 00:06:05,442 Just drive, bro. 148 00:06:07,683 --> 00:06:09,303 - Hey. 149 00:06:09,403 --> 00:06:10,263 Come here often? 150 00:06:10,363 --> 00:06:12,063 - Seeing this? 151 00:06:12,163 --> 00:06:13,263 We need to get rid of him. 152 00:06:13,363 --> 00:06:15,624 - It felt like it was going to be high school 153 00:06:15,724 --> 00:06:16,984 all over again. 154 00:06:17,084 --> 00:06:18,104 It's okay. 155 00:06:18,204 --> 00:06:19,084 If you don't have a computer, just pair up 156 00:06:19,164 --> 00:06:21,164 with a classmate for now. 157 00:06:24,885 --> 00:06:26,905 You can share with me. 158 00:06:27,005 --> 00:06:30,025 Growing alongside Olivia, I was able to bring a 159 00:06:30,125 --> 00:06:31,666 lot of myself into her. 160 00:06:31,766 --> 00:06:35,306 I was so terrified of losing the people I love over a mistake 161 00:06:35,406 --> 00:06:36,986 I can barely even remember. 162 00:06:37,086 --> 00:06:39,787 I've just been so grateful that so many people have been able 163 00:06:39,887 --> 00:06:41,867 to resonate with her character, and that means that 164 00:06:41,967 --> 00:06:44,267 I did my job well and that made it all worthwhile. 165 00:06:44,367 --> 00:06:45,387 - So, show Friday? 166 00:06:45,487 --> 00:06:47,488 - To date? 167 00:06:49,368 --> 00:06:50,628 - To date? 168 00:06:50,728 --> 00:06:51,908 (upbeat music) 169 00:06:52,008 --> 00:06:53,348 - Oh, Spence! 170 00:06:53,448 --> 00:06:54,308 What's good, man? 171 00:06:54,408 --> 00:06:55,028 - Hey, what up, bro? 172 00:06:55,128 --> 00:06:55,949 - How you feeling? 173 00:06:56,049 --> 00:06:56,669 Okay, you hear me? 174 00:06:56,769 --> 00:06:58,069 - For me, I play sports. 175 00:06:58,169 --> 00:06:58,909 That's my connection. 176 00:06:59,009 --> 00:07:00,189 I play football. 177 00:07:00,289 --> 00:07:02,589 I understand where these players are coming from, 178 00:07:02,689 --> 00:07:04,750 dealing with the pressures, especially if you're 179 00:07:04,850 --> 00:07:06,670 a star athlete. 180 00:07:06,770 --> 00:07:09,030 The pressures from home, the pressures at 181 00:07:09,130 --> 00:07:09,990 school to perform. 182 00:07:10,090 --> 00:07:10,950 (laughing) 183 00:07:11,050 --> 00:07:11,530 - All right, good work, son. 184 00:07:11,610 --> 00:07:11,850 - Thanks, y'all. 185 00:07:11,930 --> 00:07:12,951 - Woo! 186 00:07:13,051 --> 00:07:14,271 - That's good stuff. 187 00:07:14,371 --> 00:07:15,951 That's how you play football. 188 00:07:16,051 --> 00:07:18,091 - Better get comfortable there. 189 00:07:22,892 --> 00:07:25,552 (typing) 190 00:07:25,652 --> 00:07:28,432 - The writers always either have me screaming or crying, 191 00:07:28,532 --> 00:07:30,533 so that's like process number one. 192 00:07:33,533 --> 00:07:36,073 We are very particular with every single look. 193 00:07:36,173 --> 00:07:39,634 Are they underprivileged, or is it super preppy? 194 00:07:39,734 --> 00:07:44,074 Does it look like money, or does it look like hand-me-downs? 195 00:07:44,174 --> 00:07:49,235 I try to sprinkle in pieces that smaller companies design, 196 00:07:49,335 --> 00:07:53,195 companies that don't get the light shined on them too often. 197 00:07:53,295 --> 00:07:54,356 I try. 198 00:07:54,456 --> 00:07:56,316 [ Laughs ] 199 00:07:56,416 --> 00:07:58,076 I wanted to make sure that the music 200 00:07:58,176 --> 00:08:00,516 was really authentic to the series. 201 00:08:00,616 --> 00:08:03,637 And to do that, that meant really recognizing 202 00:08:03,737 --> 00:08:06,197 where we were, that we were in Los Angeles, 203 00:08:06,297 --> 00:08:09,237 that we were in South Central or in Crenshaw. 204 00:08:09,337 --> 00:08:12,758 I insisted that whatever we put in that first pilot episode, 205 00:08:12,858 --> 00:08:14,998 there was going to be a Nipsey Hussle song. 206 00:08:15,098 --> 00:08:15,798 (RAPPING) Once slice. 207 00:08:15,898 --> 00:08:17,118 Got to roll the dice. 208 00:08:17,218 --> 00:08:19,959 That's why all my life, I be grinding all my life. 209 00:08:20,059 --> 00:08:22,719 What Spencer did was come from a neighborhood, 210 00:08:22,819 --> 00:08:24,399 work hard to fulfill your dreams, 211 00:08:24,499 --> 00:08:25,759 but then also give back. 212 00:08:25,859 --> 00:08:28,120 That's exactly who Nipsey Hussle was. 213 00:08:28,220 --> 00:08:30,440 So to me, there wasn't a better place to start 214 00:08:30,540 --> 00:08:32,540 than right there. 215 00:08:38,501 --> 00:08:41,081 - The most fun I've ever had was probably any football 216 00:08:41,181 --> 00:08:42,161 scene that we ever shot. 217 00:08:42,261 --> 00:08:45,522 - Please welcome your Beverly High Eagles. 218 00:08:45,622 --> 00:08:46,242 (cheering) 219 00:08:46,342 --> 00:08:49,042 ♪ Back to my ways ♪ 220 00:08:49,142 --> 00:08:51,882 - We had background players who played college football, 221 00:08:51,982 --> 00:08:54,923 who played in the NFL. 222 00:08:55,023 --> 00:08:56,283 And they are massive. 223 00:08:56,383 --> 00:08:59,443 When you get next to them, these dudes are huge. 224 00:08:59,543 --> 00:09:02,084 - What a block by Spencer James! 225 00:09:02,184 --> 00:09:04,604 - They hold practices, they put like a package 226 00:09:04,704 --> 00:09:05,964 of plays together. 227 00:09:06,064 --> 00:09:08,685 They base that off of whatever we write in script. 228 00:09:08,785 --> 00:09:10,125 If we're like, okay, this is a full game, 229 00:09:10,225 --> 00:09:11,605 we might need like 10 plays. 230 00:09:11,705 --> 00:09:14,245 They'll organize the 10 plays, they will practice those plays, 231 00:09:14,345 --> 00:09:16,845 they will be beautifully orchestrated when the day comes. 232 00:09:16,945 --> 00:09:20,246 And then they have doubles for all of our actors. 233 00:09:20,346 --> 00:09:22,166 And shout out to Mike Bailey in particular, 234 00:09:22,266 --> 00:09:23,406 because that dude is a baller. 235 00:09:23,506 --> 00:09:25,647 I mean, he can really heave that thing 60 yards. 236 00:09:25,747 --> 00:09:26,887 He is legit. 237 00:09:26,987 --> 00:09:29,207 And then the evolution and growth of Daniel 238 00:09:29,307 --> 00:09:31,847 has been great in terms of a dude who had never 239 00:09:31,947 --> 00:09:34,968 played football before to a guy who worked his ass off 240 00:09:35,068 --> 00:09:37,068 and got there. 241 00:09:39,308 --> 00:09:41,408 [GRUNTING] 242 00:09:41,508 --> 00:09:43,289 We all got to watch the pilot together, too, 243 00:09:43,389 --> 00:09:46,809 when we were on set, and it just-- 244 00:09:46,909 --> 00:09:48,089 it was lightning in a bottle. 245 00:09:48,189 --> 00:09:49,449 Welcome to Beverly Hills, Spencer. 246 00:09:49,549 --> 00:09:52,330 I don't think I had any idea of what it would become 247 00:09:52,430 --> 00:09:53,730 or what it would mean to people. 248 00:09:53,830 --> 00:09:56,570 I told my reps between season one and season two, 249 00:09:56,670 --> 00:09:58,691 I don't want to go off any other jobs, 250 00:09:58,791 --> 00:10:00,051 because I feel like this show is coming back. 251 00:10:00,151 --> 00:10:01,371 I'll be damned if I let you back down. 252 00:10:01,471 --> 00:10:03,651 It was a bold move on my part. 253 00:10:03,751 --> 00:10:05,571 That's just me betting on the show. 254 00:10:05,671 --> 00:10:08,212 I was like, OK, this is serious. 255 00:10:08,312 --> 00:10:11,292 I just felt really excited that I got to do a show 256 00:10:11,392 --> 00:10:13,332 that I would have watched. 257 00:10:13,432 --> 00:10:17,793 But beyond that, I had like really no idea what was to come. 258 00:10:26,034 --> 00:10:28,734 When I first discovered All American, it felt 259 00:10:28,834 --> 00:10:30,054 so familiar to me. 260 00:10:30,154 --> 00:10:32,455 It made me lean more into my authenticity because 261 00:10:32,555 --> 00:10:35,255 people connect with what's real and not what's perfect. 262 00:10:35,355 --> 00:10:37,355 that never be the same around here. 263 00:10:40,476 --> 00:10:44,176 - Coming back for season two, way more people knew who we were 264 00:10:44,276 --> 00:10:45,736 and just the energy had shifted. 265 00:10:45,836 --> 00:10:47,576 - That's just a taste of your new reality. 266 00:10:47,676 --> 00:10:50,337 - I had people who I really admired 267 00:10:50,437 --> 00:10:52,897 start to come up to me and say, "I'm a really big 268 00:10:52,997 --> 00:10:53,977 fan of the show." 269 00:10:54,077 --> 00:10:56,257 - It was really cool being called coach 270 00:10:56,357 --> 00:10:57,978 outside of the set. 271 00:10:58,078 --> 00:11:01,138 Yeah. - I will never forget Daniel 272 00:11:01,238 --> 00:11:04,018 taking Breezy by the hand and bringing her up to 273 00:11:04,118 --> 00:11:06,099 me on set and going, "Hey, Madonna, did you 274 00:11:06,199 --> 00:11:07,379 know that Breezy can rap?" 275 00:11:07,479 --> 00:11:09,739 And I went, "No." 276 00:11:09,839 --> 00:11:12,979 And lo and behold, it became "You Don't Ask." 277 00:11:13,079 --> 00:11:18,700 ♪ You don't ask So I don't say none ♪ 278 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:23,541 Which I think is an incredible anthem for the LGBTQ community. 279 00:11:23,641 --> 00:11:26,541 I mean, it's a huge theme about whether your parents 280 00:11:26,641 --> 00:11:29,781 are willing to talk to you about who you really are. 281 00:11:29,881 --> 00:11:32,062 The core of this show is about people building 282 00:11:32,162 --> 00:11:33,702 dreams and achieving them. 283 00:11:33,802 --> 00:11:37,342 So why wouldn't I want to give an unknown artist or give 284 00:11:37,442 --> 00:11:40,063 someone starting out exposure? 285 00:11:40,163 --> 00:11:43,523 And we've had people go on to become Grammy-nominated artists. 286 00:11:47,124 --> 00:11:50,104 After the fires in Los Angeles, I was paying special attention 287 00:11:50,204 --> 00:11:51,744 to artists who lost their homes. 288 00:11:51,844 --> 00:11:53,584 And I got an artist who lost her home. 289 00:11:53,684 --> 00:11:56,345 I got one of her songs in an episode. 290 00:11:56,445 --> 00:11:57,425 There's a bigger picture. 291 00:11:57,525 --> 00:11:59,745 It's people, it's lives, it's dreams. 292 00:11:59,845 --> 00:12:01,945 That's better than any paycheck. 293 00:12:02,045 --> 00:12:04,786 - Secretly, I snuck in a couple parental lessons. 294 00:12:04,886 --> 00:12:07,266 If there was something I wanted my son to hear, 295 00:12:07,366 --> 00:12:09,106 occasionally I'd put it in Grace's mouth. 296 00:12:09,206 --> 00:12:11,707 - Most of us don't even start the race until it's over. 297 00:12:11,807 --> 00:12:13,827 You've been given a chance to start on time. 298 00:12:13,927 --> 00:12:14,907 - He'd be like, "Mom, it's crazy. 299 00:12:15,007 --> 00:12:15,967 Do you know what Grace said to Spencer?" 300 00:12:16,047 --> 00:12:17,947 And I'd be like, "Oh, what'd she say?" 301 00:12:18,047 --> 00:12:20,388 - Go win that race for the rest of us. 302 00:12:20,488 --> 00:12:22,708 It's what you do with your success that matters. 303 00:12:22,808 --> 00:12:25,468 I had kids sending me messages through social media 304 00:12:25,568 --> 00:12:27,788 asking me like real life questions. 305 00:12:27,888 --> 00:12:29,229 It really kind of reflected back to me 306 00:12:29,329 --> 00:12:32,629 how serious kids were looking up to Grace James. 307 00:12:32,729 --> 00:12:36,390 - I would get these paragraphs from fans, 308 00:12:36,490 --> 00:12:38,870 like, "Oh my gosh, my son and I haven't discussed 309 00:12:38,970 --> 00:12:41,310 the loss of his father until we watched the episode 310 00:12:41,410 --> 00:12:42,950 where Spencer lost Corey." 311 00:12:43,050 --> 00:12:46,711 (sobbing) 312 00:12:46,811 --> 00:12:49,711 (screaming) 313 00:12:49,811 --> 00:12:52,791 - I lost my dad when I was in my 20s, 314 00:12:52,891 --> 00:12:55,152 and I'm still processing 20-something years later, 315 00:12:55,252 --> 00:12:57,032 and so to hear that something we did 316 00:12:57,132 --> 00:13:00,952 was helping families heal was incredible. 317 00:13:01,052 --> 00:13:02,953 I was like, "Oh, we might actually be doing something 318 00:13:03,053 --> 00:13:05,353 that's connecting people in a way deeper way 319 00:13:05,453 --> 00:13:07,353 than we even realized." 320 00:13:07,453 --> 00:13:09,594 - It's a culture shifter. 321 00:13:09,694 --> 00:13:12,594 Mothers have told us this show is appointment TV 322 00:13:12,694 --> 00:13:14,994 for a mom and her son or for a dad and his daughter. 323 00:13:15,094 --> 00:13:18,275 I've had a ton of single fathers come up to me and say, 324 00:13:18,375 --> 00:13:21,035 "Man, I love that relationship between your daughter. 325 00:13:21,135 --> 00:13:22,315 I'm a girl dad." 326 00:13:22,415 --> 00:13:24,035 And they totally relate to it. 327 00:13:24,135 --> 00:13:26,156 You about to teach me another lesson, huh? 328 00:13:26,256 --> 00:13:29,756 We don't see too many Black fathers on television 329 00:13:29,856 --> 00:13:32,916 as far as fighting for custody of their kids. 330 00:13:33,016 --> 00:13:34,757 They're gonna take her away, and I can't let that happen. 331 00:13:34,857 --> 00:13:36,557 And I think that's something beautiful 332 00:13:36,657 --> 00:13:38,117 that this show tackled. 333 00:13:38,217 --> 00:13:41,797 The messages hit major points in life, 334 00:13:41,897 --> 00:13:44,838 in sports, in parenting, and in friendship. 335 00:13:44,938 --> 00:13:47,438 - I thought I was talking to my best friend, 336 00:13:47,538 --> 00:13:49,558 not a treacherous bitch. 337 00:13:49,658 --> 00:13:51,719 - It's hard, but at the end of the day, 338 00:13:51,819 --> 00:13:54,199 like if someone is your friend, I think there should 339 00:13:54,299 --> 00:13:56,359 be an effort there to make repair and show 340 00:13:56,459 --> 00:13:57,719 grace to the other person. 341 00:13:57,819 --> 00:13:59,840 - Maybe now you can finally admit 342 00:13:59,940 --> 00:14:02,680 that you're a messy human who screws up like the rest of us. 343 00:14:02,780 --> 00:14:04,480 - And if the friendship means a lot to you, 344 00:14:04,580 --> 00:14:06,080 I think you will find your way back to each other. 345 00:14:06,180 --> 00:14:07,681 - I really don't wanna lose my best friend. 346 00:14:07,781 --> 00:14:09,641 - There was a scene that I had written 347 00:14:09,741 --> 00:14:11,321 in like season three, Preach had this 348 00:14:11,421 --> 00:14:12,721 conversation with Spencer. 349 00:14:12,821 --> 00:14:14,441 I don't know why you and Cooper still beefing, 350 00:14:14,541 --> 00:14:17,042 and honestly, I don't care, but I know this much. 351 00:14:17,142 --> 00:14:19,642 He basically broke down, like, if you're lucky, 352 00:14:19,742 --> 00:14:22,002 you might get three true friends your entire life. 353 00:14:22,102 --> 00:14:24,042 I'm talking about sandbox. 354 00:14:24,142 --> 00:14:26,003 Day ones, ride or dies. 355 00:14:26,103 --> 00:14:28,563 Do everything possible to keep them in your circle. 356 00:14:28,663 --> 00:14:30,603 There was a fan who was gonna use that 357 00:14:30,703 --> 00:14:32,243 in this speech that she was delivering 358 00:14:32,343 --> 00:14:34,084 for her school graduation. 359 00:14:34,184 --> 00:14:36,444 You never know when she kind of releases it into the world, 360 00:14:36,544 --> 00:14:37,484 the impact it would have. 361 00:14:37,584 --> 00:14:38,484 ♪ You're looking for love ♪ 362 00:14:38,584 --> 00:14:40,244 - We had teachers reach out to us 363 00:14:40,344 --> 00:14:41,805 to tell us they started incorporating it 364 00:14:41,905 --> 00:14:43,925 into their classroom, and it changed how they 365 00:14:44,025 --> 00:14:45,645 related to their students, and it changed how 366 00:14:45,745 --> 00:14:47,845 their students were showing up to class. 367 00:14:47,945 --> 00:14:50,566 That was beyond anything we could have imagined. 368 00:14:50,666 --> 00:14:56,246 - We focused on issues that people 369 00:14:56,346 --> 00:14:58,347 in our generation deal with. 370 00:15:00,227 --> 00:15:03,047 It's meant to be seen by whoever it's meant to reach. 371 00:15:03,147 --> 00:15:05,007 ♪ Reach out, reach out, reach out, reach out ♪ 372 00:15:05,107 --> 00:15:09,048 My favorite fan moment, I had a guy approach me 373 00:15:09,148 --> 00:15:13,728 on the beach who told me that Coop allowed him to come out. 374 00:15:13,828 --> 00:15:15,929 The 60-year-old white man inspired 375 00:15:16,029 --> 00:15:18,029 by a young black teenage girl. 376 00:15:22,710 --> 00:15:25,610 And there was other things like the opioid epidemic 377 00:15:25,710 --> 00:15:27,730 and depression. 378 00:15:27,830 --> 00:15:30,771 - Addiction is a very real disease, 379 00:15:30,871 --> 00:15:33,451 and when it takes over, it's a very scary place to be in. 380 00:15:33,551 --> 00:15:36,091 - I found some pills in my room. 381 00:15:36,191 --> 00:15:36,931 - What? 382 00:15:37,031 --> 00:15:38,931 - I was tempted, but it's fine. 383 00:15:39,031 --> 00:15:41,252 I threw them away and met with my sponsor, so... 384 00:15:41,352 --> 00:15:42,152 Can we talk about something else? 385 00:15:42,232 --> 00:15:42,652 - No. 386 00:15:42,752 --> 00:15:43,732 - Please? 387 00:15:43,832 --> 00:15:45,412 Please? - It was a flashback moment 388 00:15:45,512 --> 00:15:49,133 where Olivia overdoses, and, uh... 389 00:15:49,233 --> 00:15:51,973 Jordan finds her on the couch, and then, you know, 390 00:15:52,073 --> 00:15:53,893 brings her to the foyer, and next thing you know, 391 00:15:53,993 --> 00:15:55,694 Billy and Laura come in and they try to revive her. 392 00:15:55,794 --> 00:15:56,974 - Sorry, Mom, Dad. 393 00:15:57,074 --> 00:15:58,414 - What's going on? 394 00:15:58,514 --> 00:16:01,934 - I mean, that was really heavy and so difficult to film, 395 00:16:02,034 --> 00:16:04,975 and I just remember feeling like a weight of responsibility, 396 00:16:05,075 --> 00:16:07,255 like I really just, I want to get this right. 397 00:16:07,355 --> 00:16:10,335 - I can remember the director on like the wide. 398 00:16:10,435 --> 00:16:12,736 The wide was like, "Hey, so you know, you can save it," right? 399 00:16:12,836 --> 00:16:15,236 But I was just uncontrollably sobbing. 400 00:16:16,756 --> 00:16:19,096 That was quite a scene, quite a day, 401 00:16:19,196 --> 00:16:21,377 and I can just remember really feeling heavy after that. 402 00:16:21,477 --> 00:16:24,177 But there is hope and always a chance to get better. 403 00:16:24,277 --> 00:16:25,377 You did it. 404 00:16:25,477 --> 00:16:26,397 I just remember filming the scene where 405 00:16:26,477 --> 00:16:28,257 she got her one year of sobriety. 406 00:16:28,357 --> 00:16:30,978 That was a really, really beautiful moment. 407 00:16:31,078 --> 00:16:33,738 I'm really proud to have played Olivia. 408 00:16:33,838 --> 00:16:37,419 And I'm proud of myself, too. 409 00:16:37,519 --> 00:16:40,459 There have definitely been times where this show 410 00:16:40,559 --> 00:16:43,459 is art imitating life. 411 00:16:43,559 --> 00:16:46,460 It's helped me personally, like, work through and heal 412 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:47,420 through things. 413 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:49,220 Your mom, she suffered from 414 00:16:49,320 --> 00:16:52,500 depression. Depression can be hereditary, sweetie. 415 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:54,341 I think the biggest lesson that 416 00:16:54,441 --> 00:16:57,741 Layla has taught me is to prioritize my mental health. 417 00:16:57,841 --> 00:17:00,621 I'm gonna need help to get through this. 418 00:17:00,721 --> 00:17:02,982 And not feel the stigma or shame that 419 00:17:03,082 --> 00:17:05,502 I think a lot of people do still feel. 420 00:17:05,602 --> 00:17:07,702 Layla Keating, checking myself in. 421 00:17:07,802 --> 00:17:09,462 So that was a beautiful lesson she taught me 422 00:17:09,562 --> 00:17:13,303 and continues to teach me. 423 00:17:13,403 --> 00:17:16,183 (clapping) 424 00:17:16,283 --> 00:17:17,783 - Hey, who's ready to play football? 425 00:17:17,883 --> 00:17:19,504 It's TV, of course we want the drama 426 00:17:19,604 --> 00:17:21,624 and we want all the things. 427 00:17:21,724 --> 00:17:25,104 But if we can also show how relationships 428 00:17:25,204 --> 00:17:27,345 and friendships heal, how families can heal, 429 00:17:27,445 --> 00:17:28,945 how families can come back together. 430 00:17:29,045 --> 00:17:31,385 You know, Billy and Laura, the affair, 431 00:17:31,485 --> 00:17:32,745 separating, coming back together. 432 00:17:32,845 --> 00:17:35,586 (heavy breathing) 433 00:17:35,686 --> 00:17:38,586 If we can show even a slice of that, 434 00:17:38,686 --> 00:17:40,826 maybe we're helping the world sort of realize 435 00:17:40,926 --> 00:17:43,126 that it's okay to say, "I messed up, I'm sorry." 436 00:17:44,447 --> 00:17:46,067 I always say I wanna create content 437 00:17:46,167 --> 00:17:48,707 that leaves the world a better place than how I found it. 438 00:17:48,807 --> 00:17:51,707 And when we realized on kind of a mass scale 439 00:17:51,807 --> 00:17:53,428 how much that was happening, we were like, 440 00:17:53,528 --> 00:17:54,708 "This is crazy." 441 00:17:54,808 --> 00:17:56,228 And then it's like, "We have to keep going." 442 00:17:56,328 --> 00:18:00,008 The numbers really started to pop at the end of season two. 443 00:18:01,409 --> 00:18:02,709 And then everybody got locked inside. 444 00:18:02,809 --> 00:18:04,989 The man was being treated for COVID-19. 445 00:18:05,089 --> 00:18:07,089 And that's when things really took a turn. 446 00:18:14,930 --> 00:18:18,511 When I found All-American, it was during the pandemic. 447 00:18:18,611 --> 00:18:22,671 I was in high school, and people were very scared. 448 00:18:22,771 --> 00:18:27,192 You never forget a show that brings oneness and hope 449 00:18:27,292 --> 00:18:28,512 in a time that feels hopeless. 450 00:18:28,612 --> 00:18:31,852 ♪ All American ♪ 451 00:18:32,252 --> 00:18:33,192 - COVID was tough, man. 452 00:18:33,292 --> 00:18:34,313 - Screening operation. 453 00:18:34,413 --> 00:18:36,033 - Going through all the testing protocols. 454 00:18:36,133 --> 00:18:38,113 We had to go through zoning protocols. 455 00:18:38,213 --> 00:18:40,273 Actors gotta be in their zone, crew have to be in their zone. 456 00:18:40,373 --> 00:18:42,274 If we ever had an actor who tested positive, 457 00:18:42,374 --> 00:18:43,834 we would have to pivot. 458 00:18:43,934 --> 00:18:45,834 And sometimes we'd have to pull actors who were available. 459 00:18:45,934 --> 00:18:48,154 We'd have to pull scenes from future episodes. 460 00:18:48,254 --> 00:18:50,074 We'd have to bring in that director from that episode 461 00:18:50,174 --> 00:18:51,795 and you had to kind of work through all of that stuff. 462 00:18:51,895 --> 00:18:53,835 We only had like maybe one shutdown, 463 00:18:53,935 --> 00:18:56,235 but we were always hit with different actors 464 00:18:56,335 --> 00:18:57,315 who would get it. 465 00:18:57,415 --> 00:18:58,876 It was one of the most challenging times, 466 00:18:58,976 --> 00:19:00,636 but I think one of the greatest rewards 467 00:19:00,736 --> 00:19:03,836 is that every step of the way, we always found a pivot. 468 00:19:03,936 --> 00:19:06,116 And at the end of the day, it worked. 469 00:19:06,216 --> 00:19:07,917 - COVID changed the way we did things, 470 00:19:08,017 --> 00:19:10,037 but we had to just get right in gear 471 00:19:10,137 --> 00:19:12,517 to talk about what was real. 472 00:19:12,617 --> 00:19:13,717 - The heart of downtown LA. 473 00:19:13,817 --> 00:19:15,118 - Everyone was like, "Oh, is there gonna be a 474 00:19:15,218 --> 00:19:16,318 Black Lives Matter episode?" 475 00:19:16,418 --> 00:19:18,718 I'm like, "Our entire series is taking a stand 476 00:19:18,818 --> 00:19:21,318 on Black Lives Matter, Black Joy Matters, 477 00:19:21,418 --> 00:19:24,359 Black Dreams Matter, Black Kids, no matter what neighborhood 478 00:19:24,459 --> 00:19:25,559 you come from, matter." 479 00:19:25,659 --> 00:19:27,959 The way in which we talked about that issue, 480 00:19:28,059 --> 00:19:29,759 Jordan being a biracial kid from Beverly Hills 481 00:19:29,859 --> 00:19:32,320 and not really knowing how to interact with police officers. 482 00:19:32,420 --> 00:19:34,040 We've done nothing wrong, man. 483 00:19:34,140 --> 00:19:36,400 Jordan, this is harassment. 484 00:19:36,500 --> 00:19:40,001 That, to me, was a scene that we did so well. 485 00:19:40,101 --> 00:19:42,201 We did it in a way that didn't feel like it was 486 00:19:42,301 --> 00:19:44,121 being shoved down your throat as a viewer. 487 00:19:44,221 --> 00:19:45,681 Just keep looking at me, all right? 488 00:19:45,781 --> 00:19:46,681 Just keep looking at me. 489 00:19:46,781 --> 00:19:49,082 We did our best to not be preachy 490 00:19:49,182 --> 00:19:51,882 and not tell people what to think and what to feel, 491 00:19:51,982 --> 00:19:54,802 but we also wanted to shine light 492 00:19:54,902 --> 00:19:57,603 on the very real experiences that a lot of kids in America 493 00:19:57,703 --> 00:19:59,483 were going through at the time. 494 00:19:59,583 --> 00:20:02,443 If even one person looks at those situations differently 495 00:20:02,543 --> 00:20:05,184 and now interacts with Black youth differently, 496 00:20:06,544 --> 00:20:08,124 then that's why we do it. 497 00:20:08,224 --> 00:20:10,884 - Tamika was a 21-year-old girl from South LA. 498 00:20:10,984 --> 00:20:12,924 I've been really shy in my whole life. 499 00:20:13,024 --> 00:20:14,965 When Liv had her podcast, "Liv the Truth," 500 00:20:15,065 --> 00:20:17,365 she taught me how to use my voice. 501 00:20:17,465 --> 00:20:20,645 There has to be a better way to serve and protect. 502 00:20:20,745 --> 00:20:22,326 That was very healing, just during those 503 00:20:22,426 --> 00:20:23,886 really difficult times. 504 00:20:23,986 --> 00:20:27,326 I would have gone crazy if I didn't have an outlet for that. 505 00:20:27,426 --> 00:20:30,007 Writers' rooms are super cathartic. 506 00:20:30,107 --> 00:20:31,887 We're pulling from personal experiences. 507 00:20:31,987 --> 00:20:33,967 It is our therapy in a lot of ways, 508 00:20:34,067 --> 00:20:37,047 and anyone is free to sit at the table. 509 00:20:37,147 --> 00:20:39,328 We have our support staff, our writers' assistants, 510 00:20:39,428 --> 00:20:41,448 assistance to EPs, we'll have them in a room, 511 00:20:41,548 --> 00:20:43,528 'cause, and I can't emphasize this enough, 512 00:20:43,628 --> 00:20:45,748 best idea wins. 513 00:20:47,549 --> 00:20:50,209 We did an episode where the South Crenshaw players 514 00:20:50,309 --> 00:20:54,749 and the opposing team take a stand in solidarity. 515 00:20:57,750 --> 00:20:59,010 It was one of those moments where you're like, 516 00:20:59,110 --> 00:21:00,970 this isn't a TV show, like this is a moment. 517 00:21:01,070 --> 00:21:05,531 Like for a moment I forgot that it was a show. 518 00:21:05,631 --> 00:21:08,771 It was so eloquently done. 519 00:21:08,871 --> 00:21:13,052 To this day, like, that moment still has an impact on me. 520 00:21:13,152 --> 00:21:15,092 It spoke about things that were very current. 521 00:21:15,192 --> 00:21:17,172 I think you need that in society. 522 00:21:17,272 --> 00:21:20,173 You need to hold the mirror up as much as you can. 523 00:21:20,273 --> 00:21:23,093 These past couple of months have been really hard. 524 00:21:23,193 --> 00:21:24,933 So because it's hard, you don't want to do it no more? 525 00:21:25,033 --> 00:21:25,733 I didn't say that. 526 00:21:25,833 --> 00:21:27,974 It's a show that gives hope. 527 00:21:28,074 --> 00:21:31,174 was very grounded in reality in regards to the challenges 528 00:21:31,274 --> 00:21:34,494 you may face, but despite of, you still can overcome. 529 00:21:34,594 --> 00:21:36,375 I know you're going to find a way back out on that field. 530 00:21:36,475 --> 00:21:38,135 You always do. 531 00:21:38,235 --> 00:21:40,295 My girlfriend is pregnant, coach. 532 00:21:40,395 --> 00:21:41,095 You'll be ready. 533 00:21:41,195 --> 00:21:42,655 How do you know? 534 00:21:42,755 --> 00:21:44,195 Because you're the most prepared player I've ever coached. 535 00:21:44,275 --> 00:21:45,776 The power of coaches. 536 00:21:45,876 --> 00:21:48,616 I unfortunately just lost my high school football coach. 537 00:21:48,716 --> 00:21:50,616 He's yet another person that I was 538 00:21:50,716 --> 00:21:52,416 able to kind of draw from in terms 539 00:21:52,516 --> 00:21:54,897 of building Billy Baker's arc. 540 00:21:54,997 --> 00:21:58,397 Look, you tell Layla, she officially has my approval. 541 00:21:59,837 --> 00:22:01,898 OMG. How did you know? 542 00:22:01,998 --> 00:22:02,738 I'm your father. 543 00:22:02,838 --> 00:22:04,018 I love you, Dad. 544 00:22:04,118 --> 00:22:04,818 Bring it in. 545 00:22:04,918 --> 00:22:05,738 Love you, too. 546 00:22:05,838 --> 00:22:07,138 My love for my dad and the impact 547 00:22:07,238 --> 00:22:08,778 that he kind of had on my life has 548 00:22:08,878 --> 00:22:10,699 been incorporated in this show. 549 00:22:10,799 --> 00:22:12,739 You asked me what the secret to coaching was. 550 00:22:12,839 --> 00:22:13,939 It's simple, man. 551 00:22:14,039 --> 00:22:16,299 I just try to act like a father to the players. 552 00:22:16,399 --> 00:22:18,100 You were all my kids. 553 00:22:18,200 --> 00:22:19,420 I'm gonna be honest. 554 00:22:19,520 --> 00:22:21,260 You were one of my favorites. 555 00:22:21,360 --> 00:22:24,260 ♪ 556 00:22:24,360 --> 00:22:26,181 Have you not gotten your messages? 557 00:22:26,281 --> 00:22:27,541 My dad's bus crashed. 558 00:22:27,641 --> 00:22:29,021 What? The news is saying they 559 00:22:29,121 --> 00:22:30,101 think everyone's okay. 560 00:22:30,201 --> 00:22:32,601 When we lost Billy -- brutal. 561 00:22:33,481 --> 00:22:35,142 Brutal. 562 00:22:35,242 --> 00:22:38,262 I think I cried for, like, five episodes. 563 00:22:38,362 --> 00:22:39,942 Where's Jabari? 564 00:22:40,042 --> 00:22:40,902 Billy, don't. 565 00:22:41,002 --> 00:22:42,022 I have to. 566 00:22:42,122 --> 00:22:44,763 Tell my family that I love them. 567 00:22:46,043 --> 00:22:47,663 [screams] 568 00:22:47,763 --> 00:22:48,503 He's gone. 569 00:22:48,603 --> 00:22:50,603 [sobbing] 570 00:22:51,003 --> 00:22:53,004 My dad is gone. 571 00:22:57,044 --> 00:23:00,505 I was fortunate to receive a phone call from Taye 572 00:23:00,605 --> 00:23:02,745 before we started that season. 573 00:23:02,845 --> 00:23:04,665 Taye really took me under his wing 574 00:23:04,765 --> 00:23:08,306 and tried to just show me all the things of this crazy world, 575 00:23:08,406 --> 00:23:09,786 this crazy business. 576 00:23:09,886 --> 00:23:11,346 Getting the call from him was, I think, more sad 577 00:23:11,446 --> 00:23:13,186 than Billy's death for me. 578 00:23:13,286 --> 00:23:14,986 (phone ringing) 579 00:23:15,086 --> 00:23:18,187 I just wanted to tell you some things. 580 00:23:18,287 --> 00:23:21,667 Being your coach had become one of the best parts of my life. 581 00:23:21,767 --> 00:23:25,508 And I know I'm not your pops, but I do consider you my son. 582 00:23:25,608 --> 00:23:27,828 You are my All-American. 583 00:23:27,928 --> 00:23:29,268 It was very tough. 584 00:23:29,368 --> 00:23:32,749 Taye is an amazing human being and an amazing actor. 585 00:23:32,849 --> 00:23:34,189 I'm really close to these people. 586 00:23:34,289 --> 00:23:38,789 This was an amazing and very important time of life. 587 00:23:38,889 --> 00:23:41,690 And it's nice to be reminded. 588 00:23:43,970 --> 00:23:47,390 The scenes where Spencer's struggling with Billy's death, 589 00:23:47,490 --> 00:23:49,311 it's spread across multiple episodes. 590 00:23:49,411 --> 00:23:52,071 You're in this very uncomfortable place 591 00:23:52,171 --> 00:23:53,231 for a while. 592 00:23:53,331 --> 00:23:55,151 I directed an episode within that, too, 593 00:23:55,251 --> 00:23:58,952 so I got to be very present for Sam's part of the grieving 594 00:23:59,052 --> 00:24:00,632 when she was playing Olivia. 595 00:24:00,732 --> 00:24:02,732 Talk to him. 596 00:24:03,572 --> 00:24:05,873 - In here. 597 00:24:05,973 --> 00:24:08,873 - Samantha and I are super, super close. 598 00:24:08,973 --> 00:24:11,993 I've watched her grow up for eight years. 599 00:24:12,093 --> 00:24:14,074 That's as close to having a daughter 600 00:24:14,174 --> 00:24:15,954 as I'm gonna experience. 601 00:24:16,054 --> 00:24:19,034 - You've been handling everything so well, and I'm-- 602 00:24:19,134 --> 00:24:22,274 - I have not been handling my grief well at all. 603 00:24:22,374 --> 00:24:26,675 Taye and I had spent six years together every day. 604 00:24:26,775 --> 00:24:30,195 So when Billy died, I was losing my 605 00:24:30,295 --> 00:24:34,956 partner on the show, so my heart was broken. 606 00:24:35,056 --> 00:24:38,316 I'm so sorry that you didn't have more time in it. 607 00:24:38,416 --> 00:24:39,957 [sniffles] 608 00:24:40,057 --> 00:24:43,877 Grieving is not linear, and it felt like I was grieving. 609 00:24:43,977 --> 00:24:46,357 I decline Coach Baker's call. 610 00:24:46,457 --> 00:24:50,118 My hero, the man who saved my life. 611 00:24:50,218 --> 00:24:53,198 I had a scene with Daniel where he screamed at me. 612 00:24:53,298 --> 00:24:55,158 I really don't need you on my bumper right now, man. 613 00:24:55,258 --> 00:24:56,639 And he punched a hole in the cabinet. 614 00:24:56,739 --> 00:24:58,479 Leave me alone! 615 00:24:58,579 --> 00:25:00,999 That one for me was kind of like, all right, 616 00:25:01,099 --> 00:25:03,119 I really feel that, like this isn't fake. 617 00:25:03,219 --> 00:25:05,280 Everybody's journey in grief is different. 618 00:25:05,380 --> 00:25:06,840 We kept saying, you don't get over it, 619 00:25:06,940 --> 00:25:08,120 you learn to live with it. 620 00:25:08,220 --> 00:25:09,760 That was the motto. 621 00:25:09,860 --> 00:25:11,280 We're not gonna make them get over it, 622 00:25:11,380 --> 00:25:13,481 we're gonna create sounds and music 623 00:25:13,581 --> 00:25:15,241 that shows how they're gonna live with it. 624 00:25:15,341 --> 00:25:19,321 You know, I thought I had to like run away and heal alone. 625 00:25:19,421 --> 00:25:21,042 Thank you guys for proving me wrong. 626 00:25:21,142 --> 00:25:22,442 I love y'all. 627 00:25:22,542 --> 00:25:23,722 We love you too. 628 00:25:23,822 --> 00:25:25,282 If you don't figure out how to whisper, 629 00:25:25,382 --> 00:25:27,242 I can tell you someone who's not going to love you. 630 00:25:27,342 --> 00:25:28,002 [GIGGLING] 631 00:25:28,102 --> 00:25:28,923 I'm sorry. 632 00:25:29,023 --> 00:25:30,363 [WHOOSH] 633 00:25:30,463 --> 00:25:31,923 Over the last year, I think I've finally 634 00:25:32,023 --> 00:25:34,363 gotten to a place where I can think about dad 635 00:25:34,463 --> 00:25:35,443 and not feel my gut plunge. 636 00:25:35,543 --> 00:25:37,204 The growth and continued metamorphosis 637 00:25:37,304 --> 00:25:39,924 of our other characters were able to happen, 638 00:25:40,024 --> 00:25:42,644 inspired by all the things that he had taught them. 639 00:25:42,744 --> 00:25:46,325 Raise a hand if, like me, you are shocked but happy 640 00:25:46,425 --> 00:25:49,205 that these two finally got their act together 641 00:25:49,305 --> 00:25:50,685 after all these years. 642 00:25:50,785 --> 00:25:52,005 (laughing) 643 00:25:52,105 --> 00:25:55,046 - My heart and soul always made it back to you. 644 00:25:55,146 --> 00:25:59,006 - You may now kiss your damn bride. 645 00:25:59,106 --> 00:26:01,106 (clapping) 646 00:26:03,467 --> 00:26:05,407 - The Spencer and Olivia wedding, 647 00:26:05,507 --> 00:26:08,927 to me that felt like the end because we really didn't know 648 00:26:09,027 --> 00:26:11,088 and we were all together and so I did a lot of 649 00:26:11,188 --> 00:26:12,648 grieving in that moment. 650 00:26:12,748 --> 00:26:13,848 - I thought it was done. 651 00:26:13,948 --> 00:26:15,488 I watched season six and I was like, 652 00:26:15,588 --> 00:26:18,168 Oh man, I'm gonna miss this show. 653 00:26:18,268 --> 00:26:21,049 So when the audition came in, I was shocked and excited. 654 00:26:21,149 --> 00:26:23,049 - I had auditioned for this show since the pilot. 655 00:26:23,149 --> 00:26:25,529 I think it was eight or so auditions. 656 00:26:25,629 --> 00:26:27,850 - Finding out that I was gonna be a part of it, 657 00:26:27,950 --> 00:26:29,330 I was excited, I wasn't even really nervous. 658 00:26:29,430 --> 00:26:31,090 I was just ready to go. 659 00:26:31,190 --> 00:26:33,190 - I couldn't wait to meet everyone and get on set. 660 00:26:38,231 --> 00:26:42,091 - One of the defining moments for me personally as an actor 661 00:26:42,191 --> 00:26:44,892 is being able to transition to something new. 662 00:26:44,992 --> 00:26:48,052 I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to be a director 663 00:26:48,152 --> 00:26:50,132 until I asked to try it. 664 00:26:50,232 --> 00:26:53,653 I'm so glad I took the leap because I was among friends 665 00:26:53,753 --> 00:26:56,173 and I was among people that wanted to see me win. 666 00:26:56,273 --> 00:26:58,933 I could take risks and it was always met with love. 667 00:26:59,033 --> 00:27:02,254 It forced me to evolve in ways that I wasn't prepared for, 668 00:27:02,354 --> 00:27:04,494 which is the best way to evolve. 669 00:27:04,594 --> 00:27:07,254 Just when I thought this show couldn't give me any more, 670 00:27:07,354 --> 00:27:09,355 it gave me some more. 671 00:27:12,115 --> 00:27:16,856 Girl, when I tell you I love football, I love football. 672 00:27:16,956 --> 00:27:18,336 Blue 32, say go. 673 00:27:18,436 --> 00:27:19,136 I'm fresh. 674 00:27:19,236 --> 00:27:21,016 I'm the new guy in town. 675 00:27:21,116 --> 00:27:23,856 I didn't know how big of a role I had. 676 00:27:23,956 --> 00:27:25,777 I think I found out during the table read. 677 00:27:25,877 --> 00:27:29,537 I'm like, OK, yeah, I'm in this, OK. 678 00:27:29,637 --> 00:27:32,737 I didn't know I was going to be taking on a lead role like this. 679 00:27:32,837 --> 00:27:34,338 We got royalty around here. 680 00:27:34,438 --> 00:27:35,218 Coaches, son. 681 00:27:35,318 --> 00:27:36,938 That explains the power trip. 682 00:27:37,038 --> 00:27:38,738 It was tossed around by some people like, 683 00:27:38,838 --> 00:27:40,858 oh, you're the new Spencer or whatever. 684 00:27:40,958 --> 00:27:42,379 And I'm like, oh, wait, hold on now. 685 00:27:42,479 --> 00:27:43,939 I can't be the Spencer. 686 00:27:44,039 --> 00:27:45,779 I can't do what Daniel did. 687 00:27:45,879 --> 00:27:48,739 But it was cool to find out that me and Antonio 688 00:27:48,839 --> 00:27:51,460 are kind of making up for Spencer's role 689 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:52,860 as the new hopeful dreamer. 690 00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:53,780 [LAUGHTER] 691 00:27:53,880 --> 00:27:54,860 Oh, my bad. 692 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:55,960 Watch where the hell you're going, dog. 693 00:27:56,040 --> 00:27:56,580 Hey, relax. 694 00:27:56,680 --> 00:27:57,940 I said my bad. 695 00:27:58,040 --> 00:28:00,021 I thought I'd come in, do a couple episodes, 696 00:28:00,121 --> 00:28:01,661 and everybody would move on with their lives. 697 00:28:01,761 --> 00:28:03,181 Your dad is some big deal crip. 698 00:28:03,281 --> 00:28:04,861 You think that makes him untouchable. 699 00:28:04,961 --> 00:28:06,221 I didn't think that I'd be still sitting here 700 00:28:06,321 --> 00:28:07,982 20, 30 episodes later. 701 00:28:08,082 --> 00:28:10,502 I've just been really grateful to play a character like this 702 00:28:10,602 --> 00:28:13,902 because he represents a lot of kids in a lot of places, 703 00:28:14,002 --> 00:28:15,423 similar to the places I grew up. 704 00:28:15,523 --> 00:28:16,843 Clearly, a cast like you need to be taught some respect. 705 00:28:16,923 --> 00:28:18,183 - About who? 706 00:28:18,283 --> 00:28:20,283 - A brother that's apparently too stupid to graduate? 707 00:28:21,203 --> 00:28:22,983 What's up? 708 00:28:23,083 --> 00:28:26,264 - It's been really cool to have old cast come back 709 00:28:26,364 --> 00:28:27,824 and sort of tie the two worlds together. 710 00:28:27,924 --> 00:28:30,024 - Spencer James. 711 00:28:30,124 --> 00:28:32,385 I can't believe I'm actually meeting you right now. 712 00:28:32,485 --> 00:28:33,985 I just hoped everybody would be nice. 713 00:28:34,085 --> 00:28:35,905 You know, oftentimes you come into a show 714 00:28:36,005 --> 00:28:38,265 and it's like been on for six, seven years 715 00:28:38,365 --> 00:28:40,466 and cast is burnt out, crew doesn't want 716 00:28:40,566 --> 00:28:41,666 to be there anymore. 717 00:28:41,766 --> 00:28:43,346 No one cares about the story or the plot. 718 00:28:43,446 --> 00:28:45,746 It was beautiful to find that none of those things were true. 719 00:28:45,846 --> 00:28:48,507 KJ came in like, "I'm from Oakland." 720 00:28:48,607 --> 00:28:50,267 Guess I just got the Bay written all over me. 721 00:28:50,367 --> 00:28:53,027 No, but your hat does. 722 00:28:53,127 --> 00:28:54,427 Oh, yeah. 723 00:28:54,527 --> 00:28:55,787 You see the bright colors, the bright patterns. 724 00:28:55,887 --> 00:28:56,427 They're loud. 725 00:28:56,527 --> 00:28:57,868 They're in your face. 726 00:28:57,968 --> 00:28:59,548 He walks around with his head held high. 727 00:28:59,648 --> 00:29:01,708 He's very sure of himself. 728 00:29:01,808 --> 00:29:02,828 Must be nice knowing everything. 729 00:29:02,928 --> 00:29:04,748 He's adapting to this new environment, 730 00:29:04,848 --> 00:29:06,709 new friends, and this new football team. 731 00:29:06,809 --> 00:29:07,949 I'm from New York. 732 00:29:08,049 --> 00:29:09,309 I moved out here for the show. 733 00:29:09,409 --> 00:29:11,149 This is my first time ever living on my own. 734 00:29:11,249 --> 00:29:13,590 I made this big move, just like KJ. 735 00:29:13,690 --> 00:29:15,470 So we're similar in that way. 736 00:29:15,570 --> 00:29:19,030 And if I'm not 100% on something, I give myself grace. 737 00:29:19,130 --> 00:29:20,390 We're not perfect. 738 00:29:20,490 --> 00:29:22,511 We're all human, and KJ is a perfect example of that. 739 00:29:22,611 --> 00:29:24,831 I owe you a big apology. 740 00:29:24,931 --> 00:29:28,231 I insulted you and made all my teammates hate me. 741 00:29:28,331 --> 00:29:30,872 - Even though people hurt us and we hurt people, 742 00:29:30,972 --> 00:29:32,752 that's not where the story ends. 743 00:29:32,852 --> 00:29:34,472 You look like you could use a friend. 744 00:29:34,572 --> 00:29:36,912 Amina, Amina Sims. 745 00:29:37,012 --> 00:29:38,993 - I think people underestimate what it's like 746 00:29:39,093 --> 00:29:40,393 to have somebody believe in you. 747 00:29:40,493 --> 00:29:42,033 - How do you know so much about football? 748 00:29:42,133 --> 00:29:42,773 - I used to play a little. 749 00:29:42,853 --> 00:29:43,673 - Yeah, why'd you stop? 750 00:29:43,773 --> 00:29:44,993 - I don't know, I just did. 751 00:29:45,093 --> 00:29:47,354 - He's not a bad person, he's just a kid 752 00:29:47,454 --> 00:29:49,954 with a rough past who's made some mistakes. 753 00:29:50,054 --> 00:29:51,954 Does that remind you of anyone? 754 00:29:52,054 --> 00:29:54,554 Khalil, you have something very special in you. 755 00:29:54,654 --> 00:29:58,275 What would you say if I wanted you to come play for me? 756 00:29:58,375 --> 00:30:00,595 That scene was special because it was like the first time 757 00:30:00,695 --> 00:30:02,275 someone saw Khalil and believed in Khalil 758 00:30:02,375 --> 00:30:04,956 and wanted him to do better and saw more for him than what 759 00:30:05,056 --> 00:30:07,396 his circumstances may allow. 760 00:30:07,496 --> 00:30:09,556 Yeah. Yeah, coach, I'll 761 00:30:09,656 --> 00:30:11,116 come play for you. 762 00:30:11,216 --> 00:30:13,557 It reminds me of a lot of people over the course of my life 763 00:30:13,657 --> 00:30:15,477 that saw something in me and, you know, 764 00:30:15,577 --> 00:30:17,577 want to help me do something. 765 00:30:19,417 --> 00:30:22,158 We have an opportunity here to build something great. 766 00:30:22,258 --> 00:30:24,838 KJ and Cassius have a best friend, brotherly kind of bond, 767 00:30:24,938 --> 00:30:26,598 even though they're father and son. 768 00:30:26,698 --> 00:30:27,798 All the way into a bubble screen. 769 00:30:27,898 --> 00:30:28,639 Nice, OK. 770 00:30:28,739 --> 00:30:29,539 But that's how I am with my dad. 771 00:30:29,619 --> 00:30:30,359 We clown on each other. 772 00:30:30,459 --> 00:30:31,279 We joke. 773 00:30:31,379 --> 00:30:32,759 I see what you're doing. 774 00:30:32,859 --> 00:30:35,199 My dad is my best friend. 775 00:30:35,299 --> 00:30:37,200 And I try to bring that into KJ. 776 00:30:37,300 --> 00:30:39,040 I just want to be certain that I'm putting 777 00:30:39,140 --> 00:30:40,440 you in a position to succeed. 778 00:30:40,540 --> 00:30:41,760 I love that about Cassius. 779 00:30:41,860 --> 00:30:44,521 His ability to learn from his mistakes 780 00:30:44,621 --> 00:30:47,121 and do what's best for the people that he loves. 781 00:30:47,221 --> 00:30:50,241 I wanna be more like Cassius in that respect. 782 00:30:50,341 --> 00:30:52,281 Some of his actions are questionable. 783 00:30:52,381 --> 00:30:54,482 - Are we related to the Bakers? 784 00:30:54,582 --> 00:30:55,762 How long have you known about this? 785 00:30:55,862 --> 00:30:56,842 - All my life. 786 00:30:56,942 --> 00:30:59,682 - When he finally fought for his family, 787 00:30:59,782 --> 00:31:02,443 that's when he really started to become his own man. 788 00:31:02,543 --> 00:31:04,203 - My son is destined for great things, 789 00:31:04,303 --> 00:31:08,083 but his legacy, that's his own. 790 00:31:08,183 --> 00:31:10,284 Khalil's often misunderstood. 791 00:31:10,384 --> 00:31:13,084 He is very undefinable in so many ways. 792 00:31:13,184 --> 00:31:15,324 Zero, that's the number I want. 793 00:31:15,424 --> 00:31:16,444 It's all yours. 794 00:31:16,544 --> 00:31:17,885 Nowhere to go but up from here. 795 00:31:17,985 --> 00:31:19,125 I pitched that. 796 00:31:19,225 --> 00:31:20,465 That was the second or third pitch I've ever made 797 00:31:20,545 --> 00:31:22,205 that actually hit the page. 798 00:31:22,305 --> 00:31:25,285 He chose number zero because zero is the one character, 799 00:31:25,385 --> 00:31:26,806 numerically, that is undefined. 800 00:31:26,906 --> 00:31:28,806 It's a number, but is it really a number? 801 00:31:28,906 --> 00:31:30,326 It's time to bounce. 802 00:31:30,426 --> 00:31:32,686 Khalil is in the middle of taking a test. 803 00:31:32,786 --> 00:31:34,607 What you trying to say? 804 00:31:34,707 --> 00:31:36,287 I can't take my son out of school? 805 00:31:36,387 --> 00:31:39,367 I get a lot of DMs about how Preach stepped up to the plate 806 00:31:39,467 --> 00:31:40,887 to watch out for Khalil. 807 00:31:40,987 --> 00:31:46,408 I know where you really from, Teach. 808 00:31:46,508 --> 00:31:48,808 You should know my whole get-down, partner. 809 00:31:48,908 --> 00:31:51,329 He kind of steps back into his old ways to let him know, 810 00:31:51,429 --> 00:31:54,889 "Hey, listen, Street Preach hasn't gone too far. 811 00:31:54,989 --> 00:31:57,249 He's still there if you want to push that button." 812 00:31:57,349 --> 00:32:00,210 Take it easy, Teach. 813 00:32:00,310 --> 00:32:01,890 Don't call the hall monitor on me. 814 00:32:01,990 --> 00:32:03,890 When he decides not to support his father, 815 00:32:03,990 --> 00:32:05,810 he becomes a man, in my opinion. 816 00:32:05,910 --> 00:32:07,490 I can't go with you, Pop. 817 00:32:07,590 --> 00:32:10,091 It's just more important than some game. 818 00:32:10,191 --> 00:32:11,251 Now, come on, let's go. 819 00:32:11,351 --> 00:32:12,451 Just 'cause it's your responsibility 820 00:32:12,551 --> 00:32:13,531 don't make it mine. 821 00:32:13,631 --> 00:32:14,851 You feel like, because you love someone, 822 00:32:14,951 --> 00:32:16,772 you have to be loyal to them, but you also have to 823 00:32:16,872 --> 00:32:18,132 be loyal to yourself. 824 00:32:18,232 --> 00:32:21,132 It's all about evolution, and it's all about growth. 825 00:32:21,232 --> 00:32:23,852 Amina was standing up for the people 826 00:32:23,952 --> 00:32:25,213 who couldn't stand up for themselves, 827 00:32:25,313 --> 00:32:27,173 which is something that her mother taught her. 828 00:32:27,273 --> 00:32:32,534 We are worthy, we are powerful, and we are everything. 829 00:32:32,634 --> 00:32:35,854 - Delivering the speech was very nerve-wracking. 830 00:32:35,954 --> 00:32:39,974 I, Alexis, felt all of her real emotions. 831 00:32:40,074 --> 00:32:42,575 I was really proud to help her take that stance. 832 00:32:42,675 --> 00:32:45,135 - She's 16, Preach. 833 00:32:45,235 --> 00:32:48,595 On the cusp of adulthood and all that comes with that. 834 00:32:50,876 --> 00:32:53,056 - Keep balling and making us proud. 835 00:32:53,156 --> 00:32:56,216 Thank you. 836 00:32:56,316 --> 00:32:58,217 I made my choice. 837 00:32:58,317 --> 00:33:00,757 I want Dinsburg. 838 00:33:03,477 --> 00:33:05,057 We're down to the final play of the game, 839 00:33:05,157 --> 00:33:06,138 and they're going to need a miracle. 840 00:33:06,238 --> 00:33:07,258 Boom! 32! 841 00:33:07,358 --> 00:33:10,098 We know KJ wants to win. 842 00:33:10,198 --> 00:33:11,778 When you see him throw that ball, 843 00:33:11,878 --> 00:33:13,778 it's a relief because it's the final play. 844 00:33:13,878 --> 00:33:16,079 I'm releasing the ball, like whatever happens, happens. 845 00:33:18,279 --> 00:33:21,319 But we also feel that pressure of it at the same time. 846 00:33:24,160 --> 00:33:27,620 When we got the chance to do a season eight, 847 00:33:27,720 --> 00:33:31,141 it was really about completing the journey for these kids. 848 00:33:31,241 --> 00:33:34,961 that everything they've been through was worth it. 849 00:33:46,162 --> 00:33:49,023 I've been a crying mess for the last three weeks. 850 00:33:49,123 --> 00:33:52,903 I literally delayed writing the final scene 851 00:33:53,003 --> 00:33:57,344 because if I wrote that scene, I was gonna write end of series. 852 00:33:57,444 --> 00:34:00,824 I just couldn't write those final three words. 853 00:34:00,924 --> 00:34:03,865 It was 3:30 in the morning, and so I finally 854 00:34:03,965 --> 00:34:05,945 wrote the final scene. 855 00:34:06,045 --> 00:34:08,705 And I was crying, and my husband was looking at me, 856 00:34:08,805 --> 00:34:11,025 and he's like, "Honey, just hit send." 857 00:34:11,125 --> 00:34:13,106 And I was just like, "Oh, my gosh. 858 00:34:13,206 --> 00:34:14,186 We're really doing this. 859 00:34:14,286 --> 00:34:16,286 Like, we're really ending the series." 860 00:34:20,006 --> 00:34:21,907 And then I hit send and slammed closed my laptop 861 00:34:22,007 --> 00:34:24,827 like it was gonna implode or something. 862 00:34:24,927 --> 00:34:27,067 All American's family, it's football, 863 00:34:27,167 --> 00:34:28,467 and it's the friend vortex. 864 00:34:28,567 --> 00:34:30,588 So I really wanted this final chapter 865 00:34:30,688 --> 00:34:33,788 to climax in a way where all of those things 866 00:34:33,888 --> 00:34:36,428 reach the best version of themselves. 867 00:34:36,528 --> 00:34:38,429 There's a lot of turns this year that I didn't see coming 868 00:34:38,529 --> 00:34:40,549 when I read these scripts. 869 00:34:40,649 --> 00:34:42,149 Some of these characters are gonna find themselves 870 00:34:42,249 --> 00:34:44,949 in positions that they're not gonna see coming. 871 00:34:45,049 --> 00:34:47,230 This season challenges Khalil in every way. 872 00:34:47,330 --> 00:34:48,830 A lot of skeletons from the past come up. 873 00:34:48,930 --> 00:34:50,230 - Hi, son. 874 00:34:50,330 --> 00:34:52,110 - He really has to make some choices about who he is, 875 00:34:52,210 --> 00:34:53,590 who he wants to become. 876 00:34:53,690 --> 00:34:56,151 - It's been you, me, and Dylan against the world 877 00:34:56,251 --> 00:34:57,391 since day one. 878 00:34:57,491 --> 00:34:59,191 This ain't no different. 879 00:34:59,291 --> 00:35:02,032 - Today's either gonna be one of the best days in my career 880 00:35:02,132 --> 00:35:04,272 or one of the biggest mistakes I'll ever make. 881 00:35:04,372 --> 00:35:07,712 This season is about Spencer becoming a father himself. 882 00:35:07,812 --> 00:35:10,372 That peace is the peace I wanted for him this whole time. 883 00:35:13,573 --> 00:35:15,753 He had a severe superhero complex. 884 00:35:15,853 --> 00:35:17,433 One of several things that we shared. 885 00:35:17,533 --> 00:35:20,114 My favorite storyline, Spencer was learning to put that down, 886 00:35:20,214 --> 00:35:21,914 and it helped me put that down a little bit 887 00:35:22,014 --> 00:35:24,014 in my own personal life, too. 888 00:35:25,854 --> 00:35:28,955 Season eight for Coop's all about stepping into her power. 889 00:35:29,055 --> 00:35:30,355 You and me are going to rule the world. 890 00:35:30,455 --> 00:35:31,715 Damn right we are. 891 00:35:31,815 --> 00:35:32,555 There's more law. 892 00:35:32,655 --> 00:35:34,755 There's more of a suit and tie. 893 00:35:34,855 --> 00:35:37,836 There's a more professional aesthetic. 894 00:35:37,936 --> 00:35:39,436 This season is challenging for Jordan 895 00:35:39,536 --> 00:35:41,996 because he's met with an incredible opportunity. 896 00:35:42,096 --> 00:35:44,037 At the same time, this opportunity 897 00:35:44,137 --> 00:35:46,177 may be the downfall for others. 898 00:35:49,457 --> 00:35:52,958 If season seven for Cassius was all about him trying 899 00:35:53,058 --> 00:35:55,278 to do right by his father, season eight 900 00:35:55,378 --> 00:35:57,838 is more about doing right by his son. 901 00:35:57,938 --> 00:35:59,318 I am proud of you, son. 902 00:35:59,418 --> 00:36:03,479 The KJ that we all know is very confident, borderline arrogant 903 00:36:03,579 --> 00:36:06,159 sometimes. This season, we see a crazy 904 00:36:06,259 --> 00:36:08,399 amount of pressure for KJ. 905 00:36:08,499 --> 00:36:12,120 He's learning how to persevere through different obstacles 906 00:36:12,220 --> 00:36:14,440 that he's never had to deal with. 907 00:36:14,540 --> 00:36:17,961 Amina is trying to stand for where 908 00:36:18,061 --> 00:36:19,921 her moral compass is pointing. 909 00:36:20,021 --> 00:36:23,401 I did the right thing, and I would do it again. 910 00:36:23,501 --> 00:36:24,241 Hey, wait. 911 00:36:24,341 --> 00:36:25,562 Wait, wait, wait, wait. 912 00:36:25,662 --> 00:36:27,602 But instead, everyone else's opinions 913 00:36:27,702 --> 00:36:31,762 on the choices she's making in her life are very harsh. 914 00:36:31,862 --> 00:36:33,443 KJ, it's bad. 915 00:36:33,543 --> 00:36:35,363 And I don't know what I'm going to do in the minute 916 00:36:35,463 --> 00:36:38,323 but I gotta find Tom 917 00:36:38,423 --> 00:36:39,323 Come. Come here. 918 00:36:39,423 --> 00:36:41,423 Come, come, come. 919 00:36:42,864 --> 00:36:44,724 She's back. 920 00:36:44,824 --> 00:36:46,884 I'm a little scared that I function a little too well 921 00:36:46,984 --> 00:36:48,324 on the road without him. 922 00:36:48,424 --> 00:36:50,005 What if I'm turning into my dad? 923 00:36:50,105 --> 00:36:52,005 I think the really beautiful thing about her journey 924 00:36:52,105 --> 00:36:54,165 is that where her mental health is concerned, 925 00:36:54,265 --> 00:36:55,965 it wasn't sort of like a storyline 926 00:36:56,065 --> 00:36:57,885 that we did and wrapped up in one episode. 927 00:36:57,985 --> 00:37:00,246 Every season we see how that evolves. 928 00:37:00,346 --> 00:37:02,326 This season, she's reverting back 929 00:37:02,426 --> 00:37:04,166 to some of her old patterns. 930 00:37:04,266 --> 00:37:07,127 And it's very much about her learning to be vulnerable again 931 00:37:07,227 --> 00:37:08,887 and lean on the people closest to her 932 00:37:08,987 --> 00:37:11,007 and not sort of take everything on 933 00:37:11,107 --> 00:37:14,287 and feel like she has to do that alone. 934 00:37:14,387 --> 00:37:15,688 Welcome home. 935 00:37:15,788 --> 00:37:17,648 As individuals, we get caught in our own thing of just, 936 00:37:17,748 --> 00:37:18,648 it's about me. 937 00:37:18,748 --> 00:37:20,168 And it's not. 938 00:37:20,268 --> 00:37:22,648 It's about others that may not have the voice to fight. 939 00:37:22,748 --> 00:37:23,609 You two sit down. 940 00:37:23,709 --> 00:37:24,849 I'm going to handle this. 941 00:37:24,949 --> 00:37:27,209 This season, I think Preach does a good job 942 00:37:27,309 --> 00:37:28,969 standing up for people. 943 00:37:29,069 --> 00:37:30,089 (screaming) 944 00:37:30,189 --> 00:37:31,209 - This year, it's forcing people to move 945 00:37:31,309 --> 00:37:32,490 a little bit out of their comfort zone. 946 00:37:32,590 --> 00:37:35,450 - Enough, everyone, go to a corner and cool off. 947 00:37:35,550 --> 00:37:37,170 - There's a huge episode coming up. 948 00:37:37,270 --> 00:37:39,130 At the very start of the season, I said to the studio, 949 00:37:39,230 --> 00:37:40,291 I was like, I'm just gonna be honest, 950 00:37:40,391 --> 00:37:41,811 this is the one I'm gonna fight for. 951 00:37:41,911 --> 00:37:43,451 It's important to me that we tell this story. 952 00:37:43,551 --> 00:37:45,811 I watched friends, I watched kids I know 953 00:37:45,911 --> 00:37:47,011 have to deal with this. 954 00:37:47,111 --> 00:37:48,972 I think it's important that we show our kids 955 00:37:49,072 --> 00:37:50,372 dealing with it, but I'm not gonna say what it is. 956 00:37:50,472 --> 00:37:53,332 I'm gonna let people guess. 957 00:37:53,432 --> 00:37:58,413 The fans, they're getting ready to graduate with all of us. 958 00:37:58,513 --> 00:38:01,213 - Everyone kept saying, "It's the last scene in 959 00:38:01,313 --> 00:38:02,533 the Crenshaw hallway." 960 00:38:02,633 --> 00:38:05,054 That was when I think I finally realized 961 00:38:05,154 --> 00:38:07,894 it was coming to an end. 962 00:38:07,994 --> 00:38:09,534 There was like a lot of amazing people 963 00:38:09,634 --> 00:38:12,614 who have walked those halls. 964 00:38:12,714 --> 00:38:14,735 It completely changed the course of my life 965 00:38:14,835 --> 00:38:16,615 in really beautiful ways. 966 00:38:16,715 --> 00:38:19,775 There are many, many moments that was very accurate 967 00:38:19,875 --> 00:38:21,496 to what was happening in our lives. 968 00:38:21,596 --> 00:38:23,416 People got married, people got divorced, 969 00:38:23,516 --> 00:38:27,536 people had babies, people lost parents. 970 00:38:27,636 --> 00:38:30,497 - Hey, Layla, thank you for the dance. 971 00:38:30,597 --> 00:38:32,737 - This week, we did the final read-through. 972 00:38:32,837 --> 00:38:34,297 It was like the longest read-through we've ever had 973 00:38:34,397 --> 00:38:36,017 because we kept having to stop and start 974 00:38:36,117 --> 00:38:37,937 'cause people were just crying and tearing up. 975 00:38:38,037 --> 00:38:40,258 - We were wrapping sets every other day. 976 00:38:40,358 --> 00:38:43,178 - Which means the wrapping of a writer and a director. 977 00:38:43,278 --> 00:38:46,499 It really, like, moved my heart, 'cause these people have been 978 00:38:46,599 --> 00:38:48,599 here since the beginning. 979 00:38:50,279 --> 00:38:51,259 [ Cheers and applause ] 980 00:38:51,359 --> 00:38:54,660 -This place was a very special family. 981 00:38:54,760 --> 00:38:57,460 -You can't say that about everything you work on. 982 00:38:57,560 --> 00:39:00,140 I have a family, and I have friends. 983 00:39:00,240 --> 00:39:02,620 I was one of the youngest people at the time I came in. 984 00:39:02,720 --> 00:39:04,581 I felt like a little caterpillar. 985 00:39:04,681 --> 00:39:06,661 Now I feel like I can fly. 986 00:39:06,761 --> 00:39:08,781 [ Cheers and applause ] 987 00:39:08,881 --> 00:39:11,181 I will never let go of Spencer. 988 00:39:11,281 --> 00:39:13,262 This is the most significant character I've ever played. 989 00:39:13,362 --> 00:39:15,302 I'll go on and I'll wear different costumes, 990 00:39:15,402 --> 00:39:17,542 but he'll be with me all the time. 991 00:39:17,642 --> 00:39:19,823 I don't think our fans are ready for this to end. 992 00:39:19,923 --> 00:39:20,983 I don't. 993 00:39:21,083 --> 00:39:22,863 I think they will love what's coming. 994 00:39:22,963 --> 00:39:25,383 Hands down, they will not be ready for the ending. 995 00:39:25,483 --> 00:39:26,383 It's game time. 996 00:39:26,483 --> 00:39:28,484 Game time. 997 00:39:29,684 --> 00:39:31,984 We finished strong. 998 00:39:32,084 --> 00:39:37,725 (crowd cheering) 999 00:39:44,005 --> 00:39:48,946 - Oh my gosh, to our fans, I'm a writer, so 1000 00:39:49,046 --> 00:39:50,746 I'm supposed to know how to say thank 1001 00:39:50,846 --> 00:39:52,847 you, succinctly. 1002 00:39:53,607 --> 00:39:55,107 But truthfully, I don't know that there are enough words 1003 00:39:55,207 --> 00:39:58,867 in the English language to say thank you. 1004 00:39:58,967 --> 00:40:01,668 - Especially if you've been there since the very beginning, 1005 00:40:01,768 --> 00:40:03,768 October 2018. 1006 00:40:06,088 --> 00:40:10,549 You made this ride so special, so thank you. 1007 00:40:10,649 --> 00:40:13,229 - Thank you for believing in the show from day one, 1008 00:40:13,329 --> 00:40:15,949 like I did, but also giving us a shot. 1009 00:40:16,049 --> 00:40:17,750 Simply thank you from the bottom of my heart 1010 00:40:17,850 --> 00:40:19,470 for really sticking and staying with us. 1011 00:40:19,570 --> 00:40:22,270 - We filmed during really trying times, 1012 00:40:22,370 --> 00:40:25,310 but we pushed through and I am so thankful for your love 1013 00:40:25,410 --> 00:40:27,311 and your support and your passion. 1014 00:40:27,411 --> 00:40:28,791 So thank you. 1015 00:40:28,891 --> 00:40:31,031 - Everyone that's ever messaged me 1016 00:40:31,131 --> 00:40:34,512 or stopped me in the street to tell me a story. 1017 00:40:34,612 --> 00:40:38,592 Sorry. See, this is not fair. 1018 00:40:38,692 --> 00:40:40,312 I was trying not to do this. 1019 00:40:40,412 --> 00:40:42,272 Hold on, let me finish. 1020 00:40:42,372 --> 00:40:45,153 This show affected so many people's lives 1021 00:40:45,253 --> 00:40:47,913 in so many different ways that I never ever 1022 00:40:48,013 --> 00:40:49,553 could have imagined. 1023 00:40:49,653 --> 00:40:50,873 It wouldn't exist without you guys. 1024 00:40:50,973 --> 00:40:53,154 So thank you. 1025 00:40:53,254 --> 00:40:55,554 - When we first came out, we were limping a little bit 1026 00:40:55,654 --> 00:40:59,154 and you guys showed up and continue to show up. 1027 00:40:59,254 --> 00:41:00,555 So thank you. 1028 00:41:00,655 --> 00:41:02,355 - And I hope it continues to live with you forever. 1029 00:41:02,455 --> 00:41:03,595 Thank you. 1030 00:41:03,695 --> 00:41:05,875 - You guys blew the show up. 1031 00:41:05,975 --> 00:41:08,276 Truly became a word of mouth success. 1032 00:41:08,376 --> 00:41:10,516 And it's the reason why we went as many years as we did. 1033 00:41:10,616 --> 00:41:12,476 So thank you. 1034 00:41:12,576 --> 00:41:14,516 - It just meant the world that you were with 1035 00:41:14,616 --> 00:41:15,556 us on this ride. 1036 00:41:15,656 --> 00:41:17,077 No show is perfect. 1037 00:41:17,177 --> 00:41:19,837 is ever gonna get it all right, but I could not be more 1038 00:41:19,937 --> 00:41:21,317 proud of what we did. 1039 00:41:21,417 --> 00:41:26,118 And if there's anything to take away is we tried damn hard. 1040 00:41:26,218 --> 00:41:28,358 All American is you. 1041 00:41:28,458 --> 00:41:31,078 You are All American. 1042 00:41:31,178 --> 00:41:33,239 There is no All American without you. 1043 00:41:33,339 --> 00:41:35,339 So thank you.