Netflix Doc Series On Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Gets Even Better In Season 2
Season two of Netflix's doc series 'America's Sweethearts' kicks up the drama and tears.
Get out your pom-poms! The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have opened their locker room doors again for the return of Netflix's hit docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which premiered on June 18 with a seven-episode second season.
The new 60-minute episodes bring plenty of jump splits, high kicks, and, of course, drama. The second season is also unique in that there are more open spots for newcomers than in years past, as many veteran cheerleaders have retired.
The new episodes pick up exactly one year after the show's premiere, which followed the 2023-24 squad and documented the personal stories behind the famous studded blue and white uniforms to reveal the true grit it takes to make the squad, the hard work it takes to keep your spot, and the drama among the cheerleaders and coaches behind the scenes.
Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley, known for the Netflix doc series Cheer and Last Chance U, delivers yet another phenomenal season. Season one was excellent, and season two kicks it up a notch. Whiteley shows what it takes to make the cut: a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.
Hundreds of hopefuls submit audition tapes each year with dreams of becoming the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, but only 36 spots are available. Among the roughly 500 online hopefuls, only a select group has the opportunity to audition in person.
As viewers watch, it becomes abundantly clear that these young women are extremely talented. This group is then culled down to 38 women before the final two are cut, making that year's team official. The viewer gets to tag along through training camp and the ongoing NFL season.
Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell in season two of 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys ... More Cheerleaders' on Netflix.
The second season opens with a tearful sigh as Kelli Finglass, longtime program director and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, wipes away tears while discussing the power she holds to make someone's dreams come true, yet acknowledging that it often comes at the cost of another's aspirations. She and head choreographer Judy Trammell, also a former squad member, reflect on the stresses of narrowing down the hopefuls and consider the impact these decisions have on the young women involved.
Season one was an instant hit when it debuted, launching onto the streamer's Top 10 worldwide chart with 2.3 million views within its first four days on the platform. The first season took an eye-opening and emotional look at the joys and pains that come with the audition process.
At the time, Whiteley talked to me about the painful journey these women embark on. One reason this show is so popular is that most of the viewers can relate to wanting something, working hard to get it, and the disappointment of things not going as hoped.
A challenging life truth is that sometimes, despite how hard you've worked for something, you don't get it. Both seasons explore the unpleasant truth that life isn't always fair, and we don't always get what we want even if we work hard and have the talent. Sometimes, there just aren't enough spots for everyone who deserves one. As Finglass and Trammell lament after one difficult cut, 'We just let a good one go.'
Whiteley admitted that the behind-the-scenes of it all was as emotional for those filming the series as it was for the young women when they were told they didn't make it. He explained that he and his team were in the room during those brutal, life-changing cuts and that, at times, everyone was in tears alongside the young women as some saw their dreams come true and others saw theirs cut short.
As he said at the time, 'I want my children to believe that if you want something and you're willing to work for it, you can get it. The hard truth is not always. I think making peace with that is something we all have to learn.'
It was important to Whiteley that they show this side of the process, and what life is like on and off the field. When he was initially approached by the team for this doc series, Whiteley wasn't sure it would be a fit. 'The Cowboys are a massive, global brand, and I was nervous they wouldn't be able to give us what's required to do the type of documentary filming we seek to do. Specifically, editorial control and the kind of access we would need.'
Charlotte Jones and Kelli Finglass in 'America's Sweethearts' on Netflix.
Whiteley was convinced he could make this series after he had a meeting with Owner and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones (Jerry Jones' daughter). 'She was open to giving us what we would need, and I was convinced that this was a far more interesting world than I'd given it credit for initially. If you spend five minutes with Charlotte, you suddenly get the impression that you're in the presence of somebody incredibly smart, polished, and accomplished. It's no accident that they've built what they've built with that kind of acumen, and I just thought that if I find her so interesting and if she thinks the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are interesting, then I'm all ears.'
Season two introduces the viewers and fans to a new batch of hopefuls, and some of the faces are familiar. Several of these women didn't make it last year, but they haven't given up. This is another important life lesson about persistence.
Kelly V, Reece and Charly in season two of 'America's Sweethearts' on Netflix.
One tenacious standout is Charly Barby, who was the last person cut last season. She didn't quit, however, and despite a devastating and life-threatening medical emergency, worked all year to improve, and she made it this time and is a member of the 2024-25 roster.
For these women, becoming an NFL cheerleader is not about money; it's about becoming a member of one of the most elite cheerleading squads and the doors that can open. Though DCC members earn a higher salary than other NFL cheerleaders, they still make significantly less than the average NFL player, or even others who work for the team.
The reported salary is $500 per game in addition to $15-20 per hour for practice. Senior cheerleaders can make up to $75,000 per year. They can also make money through personal appearances and events.
When you watch the auditions and learn the individual stories of these women, however, it's clear that the dream is centered around being part of an iconic franchise. What's also evident is that these women are true athletes. The audition process is intense, and this is after years of hard training.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls work hard to get the 36 coveted spots on the squad.
The claws are not out. This is a series about teamwork and friendship, and though these women are competing against one another for these coveted spots, there's a real sisterhood amongst them. It's inspiring to see them rooting for one another even though another's success means one less open spot on the squad.
Every episode of this show is packed with positive and important messages, including the values of hard work and determination. Additionally, it explores the balance between knowing when to move on from a dream and when it's time to persevere even harder to achieve it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
42 minutes ago
- Cosmopolitan
Breaking down the action-packed ending of ‘The Waterfront' season one
Within the span of seven episodes, Netflix's latest drama series The Waterfront has unraveled the perfect façade of the wealthy Buckley family, showing the dark and ugly things they've been hiding from Havenport society, from their employees, and from each other. The eighth and final episode of The Waterfront season one is a satisfying culmination of events, tying a lot of loose ends together neatly – more-or-less. Though, of course, because drugs, guns, fishing boats, family drama, and a sociopathic narcissistic bad guy are involved, it's definitely a messy, intense, and bloody battle to the finish. Besides all the action, audiences also get to see some heartwarming moments, redemption arcs, and a tease of what might be another season to come—with a whole new captain possibly taking charge of the Buckley family ship. A lot certainly happens within the span of the finale's 43-minute run, but we've got you covered. Here's the ultimate breakdown of the last episode of The Waterfront. In the seventh episode, the Buckleys deal with the repercussions of their attempt to take out Grady (Topher Grace). Grady had been a little too close to their family for comfort, and Harlan (Holt McCallany) has been trying to cut him loose only to be met with brute force, torture, and threats to his family's lives. So as part of the business deal Cane (Jake Weary) and Harlan (Holt McCallany) made with the Parkers—who run a big drug-smuggling operation, and with whom they used to be involved with—the Parkers's men would kill the drug supplier for the Buckleys. Unfortunately, that plan didn't work out. And as revenge for this attempt at his life, Grady's men abduct Bree (Melissa Benoist). Bree wakes up on Grady's yacht, figures out what's going on, but is surprised to see her teen son Diller aboard with her. Diller tells her that he saw the men take her and snuck onto the boat to try and save her. While she appreciates the gesture, Bree tells Diller to hide, protect himself, and make sure no one else knows he's there. This plan ultimately fails, and when Bree takes a stab at Grady, he shoots her in the leg—figuring he only needs to hold one Buckley as hostage. As Bree's leg bleeds out, she gets thrown overboard. But Diller manages to throw a raft over to his mom before she drifts away. As soon as Harlan learns about his daughter Bree's kidnapping, he gears up for battle. Grady wanted to take Harlan in exchange for Bree, but that would make it too easy to kill them both off. So Cane, and his half-brother Shawn (Rafael L. Silva), decide they're coming with. They hide in a secret compartment of their boat, and ambush Grady and his men just in time to stop them from killing Harlan. They retrieve Diller, but soon discover that Bree has been thrown overboard and is floating away somewhere out in the ocean. A gunfight and chase on the yacht ensues. It ultimately ends with Grady, cornered by Harlan and Cane at the bow of his own boat. He tries to talk his way out, speaking to Harlan about how Cane isn't worthy to be his son because he's a coward and isn't willing to do what it takes to get the job done. Grady goads Cane, saying that he doesn't even have it in him to shoot him then and there. And in a split-second, before Grady could even finish his whole rant—much to Harlan's surprise (as well as the audience's, I'm sure)—Cane shoots him in the head multiple times and his dead body drops in the water. Though shaken by these events, the Buckleys move quickly to rescue Bree. All alone, on a raft while bleeding to death, Bree has a flashback and is finally able to forgiver her nine-year-old self for not having been able to help her grandpa when he was tortured and killed in his own home. In real time, she then finds the strength to use a flare gun to send a signal for rescue. This is when her family finally finds her and rushes her back to shore to get the care she needs at a hospital. Diller is happy to find out that his mom's surgery goes well and tells her while she's in recovery that he doesn't want to move out of Havenport with his dad. He wants to stay in Havenport to be with her. Meanwhile, on land, another one of the Buckley women is trying to handle her own problems. Upon learning of her husband Cane's infidelity, Peyton (Danielle Campbell) marches off to Jenna's (Humberly González) house to confront her. However, things don't pan out the way that Peyton imagined as she's met with a Jenna who's just returned from the hospital with the news that her ill dad had just passed away. Instead of giving Jenna an earful, Peyton ends up helping her with everything—from funeral arrangements to calling Jenna's family for support. And though Jenna tries to apologize and talk about everything with Cane, Peyton stops her and says that's a conversation they can have another time, if needed. When Cane gets back from all the action out at sea, he goes to Jenna's house. He tells her that he's heard the news about her father's death, so he wanted to come over to check-in on her and provide some comfort. But instead of welcoming him into the house, Jenna tells him about Peyton's visit and how incredibly kind she was to her despite the fact that she's been sleeping with her husband. This is when Jenna says that Cane was probably just a distraction from the terrible things happening in her life—from her dad's illness, from her impending divorce—and that she's probably the same to him. She tells him never to return to her house again. Cane is greeted at home by Peyton, who has a glass of scotch ready for him. They have an honest conversation about where they want their relationship to go from here, and Cane says that he wants to do better by his family, his wife, and himself. Peyton then says that she'll make sure that everything between them is alright, insinuating that no one and nothing can get in her way when it comes to securing their future. Though they appear to be the town's power couple, it's become clear that Harlan and Belle (Maria Bello) have marital problems of their own. They've been lying to and cheating on each other, but they've stuck through it all to appear as a united front. The events that have transpired with Grady, and dealing with all these threats to their family, have made their bond stronger. But while they seem to kiss and make up, it's clear that Belle is still hiding something from her husband. One of the big revelations during this season is Shawn's identity as Harlan's son with their now-deceased friend Bebe West. He came to Havenport wanting to learn more about his father, the Buckley family, and see if he could finally find the place where he belongs. It turns out that he has, and that he's staying with his newfound fam for the foreseeable future—which makes total sense given the rollercoaster he's been through with them. We have to remember that the reason why the Buckleys got into this whole mess in the first place was because of financial trouble. They were $2 million in debt to the bank, and moving drugs was a way to earn money to pay that back as well as ensure the future of the family fishery and restaurants. Belle initially had a plan—behind Harlan's back—to work with a local businessman named Wes Larsen (Dave Annable) to develop some parcels of land they owned by the beachfront. But things went sideways after she ended up sleeping with him and things got complicated. So when Belle tried to get the deal back, Wes refused. However, while sorting out all the Grady stuff, Emmett Parker (Terry Serpico) offers her a deal to help them out—but only if she's in the driver's seat, and not her husband. At the end of the episode, Belle meets with Emmett in the dead of night, and it seems as though she's accepted his offer. And to kick things off, Emmett decides to bring Belle a gift: a bloody Wes, tied to a chair. Emmett then introduces Belle as Wes's new boss, to which the poor tortured man has no choice but to agree with. This ending teases up a second season in which Belle double-crosses her own husband in order to take charge, and possibly save their business from ruin. Although, naturally, working with a crime family such as the Parkers is sure to have its own potentially-deadly consequences.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
11 young men will be presented at Alpha Phi Alpha's annual beautillion on Fort Bragg
A Fayetteville fraternity is hosting a beautillion next month on Fort Bragg, featuring 11 young men from the Eastern North Carolina region. The Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is hosting the beautillion at 7 p.m. July 12 in the Iron Mike Convention Center on Fort Bragg. The theme of the event is "Fantastic Voyage: The Journey from Beaus to Men." Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at According to a news release, the students from Cumberland, Hoke and Harnett counties who will be presented during the ceremony are: Chris Baring, son of Christina McAllister, Northwood Temple Academy in Fayetteville Nigel Cooper, son of Niakeya and Marvin Cooper, Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville Christian DeWitt, son of Kacheckia and Maurice DeWitt, Lee Early College in Sanford Jeremiah Headley, son of Cathy Headley, Hoke County High School in Raeford Terrell Jackson, son of Terrell Jackson and Sherice Alford, Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville Cayden McKoy, son of Carolyn and Clifton McKoy, Overhills High School in Spring Lake Mekhi Moreland, son of Teonte' Thomas and Moe Green, Cape Fear High School in Fayetteville Arrington Richardson, son of Vertis Richardson and Laquanda Gipson, Massey Hill Classical High School in Fayetteville Xavier Scott, son of Joyce Burgess, SandHoke Early College High School Zion Welch, son of Tracy Welch and Kevin Johnson, Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville Tony Woodard, son of Monique McLeod, E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville 2024 beaus: 8 young men will be presented at Alpha Phi Alpha's annual beautillion in Fayetteville Alpha Phi Alpha was the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American students, the release said. It was founded at Cornell University in 1906. The Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter was chartered in Fayetteville in 1952, according to the release. The chapter's initiatives have included the March of Dimes Walk for Babies Campaign; scholarships for high school students; feeding the homeless during the holiday season; and volunteer work at the Salvation Army homeless shelter, the release said. Email Jeffery Womble at jmauricewomble@ for more information about the beautillion or the chapter's programs. Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@ This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha to hold 2025 beautillion
Geek Girl Authority
44 minutes ago
- Geek Girl Authority
New TV Shows This Week (June 22 - 28)
Welcome to another edition of New TV Shows. This week, an HBO favorite show is back for its third season. A show about games and death returns for its final season. A well-known TV star makes her feature film directorial debut and Marvel releases a new series on Disney+. Some exciting series, including one on Apple TV+, are premiering this week. Get ready because things are about to get good. Here's what's new on TV for June 22-28. NEW ON TV, JUNE 22-28 June 22 – The Gilded Age Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Ben Ahlers, Ashlie Atkinson and Dylan Baker are back for Season 3 of The Gilded Age . The new season finds the Russells at the top of society while the old guard is as weak as ever. Bertha is set on marrying her daughter while George struggles to come to terms with the choice. The Gilded Age Season 3 premieres Sunday, June 22 at 9/8c on HBO. RELATED: TV Review: Nautilus Series Premiere June 24 – Ironheart Marvel comes back to Disney+ with a new hero TV show. Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White join Ironheart . After what happened in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , Riri Williams returns to her hometown while working on a unique iron suit using special technology. While doing so, she finds herself wrapped up with The Hood. Ironheart premieres Tuesday, June 24 at 9/8c on Disney+. RELATED: Riri Williams Strives to Build Something Iconic in Ironheart Trailer June 25 – Countdown After a mysterious murder, an officer from the LAPD joins a secret task force. While working, he comes across a sinister plot that will push the team to unite forces and work together in order to keep everyone in the city safe. The series stars Jensen Ackles, Jessica Camacho, Eric Dane, Violett Beane, Uli Latukefu and Elliot Knight. Countdown premieres Wednesday, June 25 at 3/2 am on Prime Video. RELATED: The End Is Here in Explosive First Trailer for The Sandman Season 2 June 25 – The Bear Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce and Matty Matheson are back for Season 4 of The Bear . The previous season had an open ending that left the audience wondering what would happen next. A question that needs an answer is, will Sydney choose to stay where she is or become Adam Shapiro's chef de cuisine? The Bear Season 4 premieres Wednesday, June 25 at 8/7c on FX and Hulu. RELATED: 5 Books Fans of The Bear Have to Read June 27 – Smoke Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, John Leguizamo, Rafe Spall, Greg Kinnear, Ntare Mwine and Hannah Emily Anderson come together for Apple TV+'s Smoke . The series follows an arson investigator who is forced to join a police detective as they investigate two fires. The fires seem to have been started by two arsonists, leading to games and suspicions. Smoke premieres Friday, June 27 at Midnight/11c on Apple TV+. RELATED: Doctor Who : Our Favorite Season 2 Episodes June 27 – Squid Game The final season of Squid Game comes to Netflix this week. Season 3 picks up right where Season 2 ended. Gi-hun must make important choices to survive the remaining players and win the game. In-ho goes back to being the Front Man, and his brother searches for the elusive island without realizing there is a traitor among them. Squid Game Season 3 premieres Friday, June 27 at 3/2 am on Netflix. RELATED: TV Review: Squid Game Season 2 June 27 – My Mom Jayne While Mariska Hargitay is known by most fans for her role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit , the vast majority also know her for being Jayne Mansfield's daughter. Now, Hargitay is owning her mother's story, reshaping what the media told of her and sharing her legacy in a new documentary, My Mom Jayne . Hargitay has directed several episodes of her show, but this is her feature film directorial debut. My Mom Jayne premieres Friday, June 27 at 8/7c on HBO. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Olivia Benson June 28 – A Machu Picchu Proposal Rhiannon Fish and Alec Santos star in Hallmark's newest film, A Machu Picchu Proposal . The movie tells the story of Katie as she agrees to go to Peru with her brother and his girlfriend. During the trip, Katie's brother asks her to use her Spanish knowledge to get his girlfriend's father's blessing for the proposal he is planning. However, as a friend of Luciana's (the girlfriend) comes into town, the proposal keeps getting ruined. A Machu Picchu Proposal premieres Saturday, June 28 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel. Check back next week for What's New on TV for June 29 – July 5. REACHER Season 4 Adds 8 New Faces to the Mix By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature who works in PR. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Tell-Tale TV, Eulalie Magazine, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.
