If you’ve spent any time on The CW or Netflix over the last few years, you know Olivia Baker. Or rather, you know the magnetic, often-troubled, and fiercely intelligent soul played by Samantha Logan on All American.
She wasn't just another teen drama archetype. Far from it.
Honestly, when the show first kicked off, a lot of people expected Olivia to be the "spoiled rich girl" trope. You know the one. The Beverly Hills princess who exists just to create friction for the kid from South Crenshaw. But Samantha Logan took that script and turned it into something much more raw.
She made sobriety a central pillar of a primetime drama without making it feel like a "very special episode" of a 90s sitcom. It was messy. It was real.
Why Samantha Logan on All American Redefined the Teen Lead
Most shows treat addiction like a plot point to be "solved" by the end of a season. Not here.
Throughout the series, Samantha Logan portrayed Olivia’s journey with a level of nuance that honestly caught a lot of critics off guard. It wasn't just about whether she stayed sober; it was about the why behind her struggle. The feeling of being invisible in her own house. The pressure of being the daughter of a legendary coach.
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Samantha Logan's performance hit home because she didn't play Olivia as a victim. She played her as a fighter who sometimes lost the round.
Then there’s the chemistry.
You can’t talk about Samantha Logan and All American without mentioning Spelivia.
The fan-fueled romance between Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) and Olivia Baker became the beating heart of the show. It’s actually kinda wild to look back at the early days. There were rumors and script leaks suggesting Olivia was originally meant to be a much smaller piece of the puzzle, or even a different kind of love interest entirely.
But the screen presence Logan brought? It was undeniable.
The producers basically had no choice but to lean into that "slow burn" energy. It paid off. By the time they reached their wedding in the season six finale, "Victory Lap," it felt like the end of an era. It was the end of an era.
The Season 7 and 8 Shift: Is She Really Gone?
If you're looking for Samantha Logan in the latest episodes, things get a bit complicated.
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As of early 2026, All American has undergone its biggest transformation yet. After the massive season six finale where Spencer and Olivia finally tied the knot and headed to New York, the show moved into a "new generation" phase for season seven.
Samantha Logan stepped down as a series regular.
It was a gut punch for the "day one" fans. Seeing the Beverly Hills house without Olivia Baker felt wrong, like a cover band playing your favorite song. But here is what most people get wrong about her exit: it isn't a permanent goodbye.
- The Guest Appearances: Logan already made a splashy return in the second episode of season seven.
- The Final Season News: The CW has confirmed that season eight will be the final season of All American.
- The Reunion: Casting leaks for the 2026 series finale suggest that Logan will be back to close out the story for good.
She’s basically become the "legacy" anchor of the show. Even when she isn't on screen, her character's influence—through the podcast she started or the social justice work Olivia championing—still dictates the vibe of the series.
Beyond the Baker House: What Samantha Logan is Doing Now
It’s easy to forget that Logan was a veteran before she ever stepped onto the Beverly Hills High set.
She was in 13 Reasons Why. She was in Teen Wolf. She even had a stint on General Hospital.
But post-All American, Logan has been leaning heavily into film and voice work. She’s been vocal about wanting to produce, specifically projects that focus on mental health in the Black community.
She isn't just an actress; she’s a "triple threat." Singing, dancing, acting—the whole nine yards. If you haven't checked out her podcast "We Got You," you're missing out on the real-life version of Olivia’s wisdom. It’s basically an advice show for teens, and it’s surprisingly grounded.
The Legacy of Olivia Baker
So, why does Samantha Logan on All American still dominate the conversation?
Because she represented a version of "Black Excellence" that included the right to be vulnerable. Olivia wasn't perfect. She was a journalist who stepped on toes. She was a sister who felt second-best. She was a wife who had to learn how to share her life.
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The show is wrapping up its final run in 2026, and while the new cast is doing their thing, the shadow of Olivia Baker is long.
If you’re looking to catch up or revisit her best moments, here’s how to handle it:
- Binge Seasons 1-6: This is the core "Olivia Era." If you want the full arc of her sobriety and the Spencer romance, these are non-negotiable.
- Watch the "Back in the Day" Episode: (Season 1, Episode 12). This is arguably Logan’s best work. It’s the flashback episode that shows her overdose and the start of her recovery. It’s heavy, but it’s essential.
- Keep an eye on the Season 8 finale: 2026 is the year we say goodbye to the entire All American universe. Expect Samantha Logan to be the one to turn the lights out.
Whatever she does next—whether it's a lead in a prestige drama or a move behind the camera—Samantha Logan has already cemented her spot in the TV hall of fame. She didn't just play a character; she built a person we actually cared about.
Next Step: Check out Samantha Logan's recent guest spots in Season 7 of All American on The CW app to see how Olivia is adjusting to her new life in New York before the series concludes this year.