What Damon’s Reduced All American: Homecoming Season 3 Role Means For Simone’s Love Triangle (2024)

All American: Homecoming's leading lady, Simone Hicks is the center of a love triangle, but it could end without her making the best decision. Simone has had Damon Sims (Alex Peyton Smith) and Lando (Martin Bobb-Semple) fighting over her, but Damon's (Peyton Alex Smith) reduced screen time could alter that triangle abruptly. This could directly affect Simone's story going forward and bring a conclusion to the love triangle sooner than expected.

When The CW suffered budget cuts, it affected All American: Homecoming's cast. Not only was Damon's (Peyton Alex Smith) role reduced, but so was Amara's (Kelly Jenrette). These are the two actors that Simone (Geffri Maya) interacts the most with, so it will be interesting to see how that affects the upcoming season 3. Besides Damon, she often turns to her Aunt Amara for support in her relationship decisions.

Damon & Simone Were Ready to Take The Next Step In All American: Homecoming

Damon and Simone slept together.

After Damon's father died, he turned to Simone for comfort and the two of them kissed. Grief brought them together, leading to the beginning of one of the most intense relationships on the show. Their bond was strong and honest. Damon and Simone's connection allowed them to be truthful to each other. That said, shortly after their intense first kiss, Simone had regrets because she didn't want to wreck the close friendship they had developed. However, Damon thought it was time to jump and take that risk.

It wasn't revealed until the All American: Homecoming season 2 finale that Damon and Simone slept together that night, which was why Simone ran in the other direction. After her relationship with Jordan intensely scared her, she was more comfortable with the casual fling she had with Lando. This changed when he announced he wanted a serious relationship with her. Now, Simone has to choose whether to follow her heart or her head. Viewers won't know her decision until the All American: Homecoming season 3 premiere.

Peyton Alex Smith's Reduced Role In All American: Homecoming Season 3 Explained

Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll clarifies Smith's status.

When Nexstar acquired The CW, several series reportedly suffered budget cuts, including All American: Homecoming. When Damon (Peyton Alex Smith) was moved to recurring status, many wondered how that would affect one of the A-storylines -- the love triangle between Damon, Simone, and Lando, played by Martin Bobb-Semple. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll clarified Smith's status, noting that Damon would still be an important part of the All American: Homecoming canvas.

Peyton isn’t off the show; he just won’t be a series regular, which is not just the case for him but other cast members as well. What I can say about that is that the character of Damon and his impact at the school will continue on. The essence of what is at the heart of the Homecoming story for both characters, both sports, the pursuit of a dream for this ensemble cast… all of that stays the same.

During the All American: Homecoming season 2 finale, Simone was finally ready to reveal which man she had chosen, but then the cast cuts were revealed about the upcoming season 3. That was some cliffhanger and old-school love triangle. It may be difficult to explore the love triangle completely if Damon doesn't appear as often, but Carroll still plans to write about Damon and his dreams, whether that includes baseball, his family, or his love for Simone.

How Damon's Screen Time In Season 3 Will Affect Simone's Decision

Damon's screen time could keep him in the running.

Since showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll has reported that Damon will still be integral to All American: Homecoming, he is still in the running for Simone's heart. Initially, Peyton Alex Smith's reduced screen time in season 3 worried audiences since he's a pivotal character, and Simone's romantic choice shouldn't be a default decision. Simone and Damon share such a complicated dynamic because they understand each other so well, but they are still learning new things about their families and themselves.

Love triangles can work if both choices are viable. Damon and Simone share an angsty and soulful connection, but they have never connected at the right time. Simone's relationship with Lando was more carefree and fun as he supported her in many aspirations, but they didn't have a soulful connection. Simone's choice will arguably be the most interesting part of the All American: Homecoming season 3 premiere. She will have to choose between Damon, Lando, or herself.