Latest news with #Cheer
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Can This Netflix Show Continue Its 100% Streak On Rotten Tomatoes?
Netflix is full of surprises. Not only do subscribers receive big-budget blockbusters filled with today's biggest stars, but sometimes the streamer surprises us with deeply felt stories that reveal a less-than-glamorous side of life. And that was certainly the case with one of Netflix's most unexpected documentary hits, America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, which earned a 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes after it premiered in June 2024. And now, exactly one year later, Season 2 is back to (hopefully) recreate the magic. Will the new season (which premiered this morning) simply continue the formula, or will it deepen the show's cultural resonance and ambitious storytelling? I think we can trust the show's creator Greg Whiteley to achieve the latter. His grounded, empathetic lens previously brought him success with hit sport docu-series like Cheer and Last Chance U. We can contrast the depth Whiteley discovered through his projects with similar shows like CMT's Making the Team—where Netflix's version lingered on humanity, vulnerability and day-to-day sacrifice, CMT was most concerned with judgment and spectacle. America's Sweethearts explored themes like body standards, mental health, identity and the pressures of performance—not to mention a much-talked about issue of fairness when it comes to pay. These topics didn't deter viewers but in fact drew them in, leading to both critical and commercial success: in addition to the show's 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it landed on Netflix's Top 10 list in 27 different countries and accrued tons of social media buzz, including TikTok recreations of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders' iconic 'Thunderstruck' routine. In the end, both subscribers and critics were taken by how the show tackled difficult truths hiding beneath the glittering surface of cheer culture, all while celebrating the spectacle that makes the cheerleading team so epochal in our football-obsessed culture. Season 2 picks up with auditions for the 2024-25 season, and follows our cheerleading stars through training camp, cuts and the full season schedule. This year, just 23 of the 36 veterans return to try and make the lineup, which means there will be a larger rookie class than usual—so you can expect more competition, more risk, more emotional upheaval. Over the course of seven episodes, which all drop on Netflix at once on June 18, 2025, the show will hopefully continue to prioritize the emotional journeys of the cheerleaders and internal conflicts over sensationalism. We can also look forward to returning figures, as well as some brand new rookie storylines. We'll catch up with Reece (who is now married and exploring a social media career after leaving her job), Jada (in her final season, and known for her fierce dancing and strong personality) and Armani (who is very outspoken about alopecia and uses her platform to raise awareness). We can also look forward to new storylines from the likes of Charly (whose comeback story involves her recovering from pulmonary embolism), Dayton (the daughter of a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleading alum) and Ava (who was previously cut from the squad for her social media image). Look no further than Reddit to see that people are just as engaged as ever and excited about Season 2 of the popular show. These comments show that fans are very vocal about their expectations for how the show can both recreate the magic and improve its focus: they hope for more dancing (these particular commenters voiced they wanted full routines, behind-the-scenes footage of learning choreography and less filler), expect more solo time with the cheerleaders (they are interested in seeing the artistry and athleticism beyond brief montages) and a deeper focus on character that goes beyond the ingénue archetype. Season 2 has a huge opportunity to not only continue, but deepen the commentary of Season 1 that won over so many critics. Caroline Siede from the "Girl Culture" Substack praised that the show reveals how the cheerleading profession mixes glamour, tradition and exploitation, and that cheerleaders are expected to maintain a 'Barbie-esque' look while working multiple jobs. Siede also appreciated that Whitely depicted how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders openly enforces gendered norms (as opposed to dressing them up as empowerment), and that the show ultimately works because it embraces contradiction: 'hot, thin, white, Christian Disney princesses' performing at elite levels, all while being undervalued. Judy Berman of Time also offered some piercing insights of Season 1, noting how the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, as an institution, unfairly demands physical perfection, sexual appeal, maternal warmth and public grace—all simultaneously. Low pay, body policing, sexual harassment and a lack of institutional support can all be expected for these cheerleaders. There were many powerful moments in Season 1 that explored such strain, like Kelcey being tracked by a stalker or Sophy being groped—issues that are certainly treated with gravity, yet reveal systemic failure. Whiteley allows such obvious and problematic contradictions to sit, ultimately inviting viewers to reflect without offering clear answers. This docu-series is part of a growing sports lineup on Netflix, including shows like F1: Drive to Survive, Quarterback and Wrestlers. But America's Sweethearts is unique in this lineup as it is the only series centered entirely on women and expectations placed upon them when it comes to performance and identity (the series isn't just about competition or underdog grit). Such an obstinate approach suggests that America's Sweethearts could in fact be Netflix's most subversive sports doc yet, simply by choosing to look at labor and beauty in tandem. So will Season 2 match the first season's immense success? Or will it fall to the wayside when it comes to the important issues brought to light? Only time will tell—and the time is now. The latest season America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders premiered this morning on Netflix, and we'll be watching as both the fan and critical responses rolls in. Hopefully, Whiteley can continue to turn the often-dismissed role of cheerleading into a microcosm of broader gendered labor issues that persist in this world. America's Sweethearts isn't just entertainment—it's a cultural document. And we should pay attention.
USA Today
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix docuseries back for Season 2: See release date, more
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix docuseries back for Season 2: See release date, more Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this summer USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this summer The search to find America's (newest) Sweethearts will kick off shortly. "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," a docuseries about the legendary cheer team, returns for its second season on Netflix June 18. The show follows a group of hopefuls as they compete for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheer Team, the pinnacle of professional cheerleading. "There are, of course, the physics-defying kicks and jump splits of 'Thunderstruck,' the squad's signature — and seriously difficult to master — routine set to the AC/DC song. And then, there are the tears and cheers as girls make or are cut from the final team," per Tudum. The big difference between this season and the last is that the pool of dancers auditioning to accompany the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) through the National Football League's 2024-25 season is that most of them are rookies. Only 23 of 36 veterans will be re-auditioning for a spot. "From Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley and the team behind 'Cheer' and 'Last Chance U,' the fan-favorite series will return to continue giving viewers unfiltered access into this iconic team and franchise," according to Netflix. Here's what we know about Season 2 so far, including how to watch. Watch 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 trailer What's 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 about? This season picks up ahead of the final round of auditions for the 2024-2025 squad and follows the 36 women who get selected through training camp, cuts, the official team announcement and into the NFL season, according to Tudum. "This season dives deeper into the stories, sisterhood, and sacrifices of the women who wear the stars on and off the field," reads a description of the show. "Get ready for new faces, high stakes, and raw emotion as these athletes redefine what it means to shine under pressure." Which 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' are returning for Season 2? It seemingly takes a village to put together a cheer team, especially one as iconic as this one. "This time around, DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell work to build yet another impressive team of talented athletes who can wow the world with their high kicks and jump splits as AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' blasts throughout AT&T Stadium," according to Tudum. Only 23 of 36 veterans are trying out for the team this season, which means DCC will have a larger pool of rookies who are vying for a spot to ultimately make the team. Finglass and Trammel whittled down the nearly 500 new submissions they received to determine the group of hopefuls, made up of veterans and rookies, who will formally audition for a spot on the team. Here are some of the women we know for sure will be in Season 2 (You'll have to tune in to see if your favorite veteran is returning this season.) Coaches: Kelli Finglass, senior director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Judy Trammell, head choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Veterans: Armani Chandi Jada KayDianna Kayla H. Kleine Megan Reece Sophy Rookie candidates: Abby Ariel Ava Charly Clare Marie Cooper Dayton Jenna Kelly V. Madie K. More details about the squad members, whom we know about, can be found here. How to watch 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 The new season drops June 18 on Netflix. You can also stream the first season on Netflix right now, especially if you need to rewatch to prepare.
UPI
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: Cheerleaders face audition stress in 'America's Sweethearts' Season 2
Season 2 of "America's Sweethearts" arrives on Netflix June 18. Photo courtesy of Netflix June 4 (UPI) -- Netflix is previewing Season 2 of the docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which premieres on the streamer June 18. In the trailer released Wednesday, the cheerleaders anticipate the results of a competitive audition process. "You're like 'when we make this team, we're gonna make it together 'cause we're friends,'" a hopeful says as the girls laugh and eat pizza together. "But then it doesn't always end up like that." The sophomore season will give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the cheerleading squad during the 2024-2025 NFL football season, beginning with tryouts. "DCC (Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders) is the pinnacle of professional cheerleading, and Kelli Finglass, the team director, and Judy Trammell, the head choreographer, have returned to find the 36 best dancers from this smiling army of hopefuls," the official synopsis reads. Greg Whitely (Cheer) directs Season 2, which arrives roughly a year after the docuseries premiered.
The Courier
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Cupar's golden girls: The Nicolson and Neville sisters bring world cheerleading glory home to Fife
When Cupar cheerleader Abbie Nicolson stepped off the mat at the annual International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships in Orlando, Florida, heart still pounding and face still flushed from the lights, the last thing on her mind was gold. Like many of her teammates on Team Scotland's adaptive abilities Cheer squad, she had come to soak in the experience. It was her first trip to the United States. She never expected to leave as a world champion. But as the judges deliberated and finally announced that Scotland had taken gold, everything changed. 'If I could bottle that up and put it in a jar and keep that forever – it was just the best feeling,' she says, her voice still catching weeks later. 'It was amazing when we got called down as being in the top three. But then the minute we got announced as the winners, my sister Emily grabbed me and gave me a big hug. We all hugged. 'I was literally living the dream from being a little girl. That was the goal. In cheerleading, you can't get any better than that. So this was literally the dream coming true.' For Abbie, 20, and Emily, 23, that golden moment was the culmination of more than a decade of training, sacrifice, and shared ambition. But they weren't alone in their celebration. Fellow Cupar natives Hannah Neville, 25, and Evan Neville, 27 – sisters, coaches, and lifelong cheerleaders themselves – were right there on the mat too. Together, the four women made history, contributing to Scotland's first-ever podium finish and gold medal. For a team of just 30 athletes, having four from the same small Fife town was remarkable. For the Cupar community, it's a point of immense pride. Both sets of sisters grew up in Cupar, attending Castlehill Primary and Bell Baxter High School. But they also grew up as next-door neighbours. Emily began cheerleading around eight years old with the local Diamond Allstars Cheer and Dance at Cupar Sports Centre, coached by Bryony-Leigh Murray. 'A few girls from school were doing it, so I thought I'd give it a go,' Emily remembers. 'I tried other activities too, but Cheer just stuck. I loved being part of a team.' Abbie was about six when she caught the Cheer bug. 'I used to tag along when mum dropped Emily off. At first, Emily was raging – she wanted something of her own,' she laughs. 'But I begged to try a class, and that was it. I was hooked.' Eventually, they moved from Diamond Allstars to Glow Extreme Cheer and Dance, a club founded and coached by none other than Hannah Neville. Hannah launched the business in October 2022. Initially a side project while at university, the club has since exploded in popularity, prompting her to go full-time by April 2023. Working with her sister Evan, she now coaches over 120 girls weekly, with a further 50 on a growing waitlist. Hannah's journey began at age two with dance, moving into Cheer by seven. She later joined Fife's gymnastics team from ages nine to 13 before returning to Cheer. Hannah lives with scoliosis – a twisted spine. The adaptive category at the ICU Worlds requires at least 25% of the team to have a disability. But this doesn't hold her back. 'I have more pain than average, but staying strong and active really helps,' she says. Other Cupar girls have gone for cheerleading glory in recent years. Hannah was there last year when they finished fourth. But to share this win with her sister and friends means so much. 'My parents, Lesley and James, are over the moon,' she adds. 'My mum has driven me across the country for years. It feels like I've made it all worth it.' It's a sentiment shared by sister Evan, who studies photography at Fife College. 'Going to the Worlds in America was a dream in itself, but doing it with the three of them made it even more incredible. I couldn't have imagined doing it with anyone else.' Selection for Team Scotland wasn't easy. Emily auditioned last summer, with training beginning in September. Abbie, who'd auditioned before Emily, was originally a reserve but stepped in just six weeks before the competition when another athlete suffered a broken knee. Even after making the team, there was constant work – training every Saturday in Glasgow, perfecting routines, pushing themselves, fundraising. Both sisters were also juggling university studies in nursing. Emily has been studying at Dundee University and Abbie at Napier in Edinburgh. The adaptive abilities category includes athletes with and without disabilities. Routines combine stunts, jumps, tumbling, and dance. 'It's like gymnastics – you're scored from the moment you step on the mat to the second the music stops,' Abbie explains. Emily specialises in stunting; Abbie does stunts, jumps, and tumbling. For both Nicolsons, it was their first time in America. People at home in Cupar watched the livestream. After advancing from the semifinals, Team Scotland waited anxiously during the final awards ceremony. The moment the gold medal was confirmed, the four Cupar girls huddled together – 'screaming, crying and jumping for total joy.' 'There's this clip from the live stream,' Emily says. 'It shows the four of us hugging, just losing it. All the years, the early mornings, the injuries, the drives to Glasgow – it was all for that moment.' Then came the medals, the national anthem, and something extra special: an ICU gold ring, awarded only to world champions. Back home in Cupar, the reaction has been euphoric. 'I was at a local dance event the other week,' Abbie says, 'and strangers were coming up to me saying congratulations, asking to see the ring. I've never experienced anything like it.' 'It's a tight-knit town,' Emily adds. 'People from my work, the university, even my nail salon – they all watched the stream. It feels like the whole of Cupar was behind us.' Cheerleading has been big in Cupar for some time. But Hannah says it's 'wild' how interest has exploded since they returned. Cupar councillor John Caffrey offered his 'hearty congratulations', adding: 'Cupar has suffered some knockbacks recently but as always it is the young people who shine through.' For four ordinary young women from a quiet corner of Fife, is the kind of achievement that reshapes dreams. It comes as the popularity of cheerleading, now recognised as an Olympic sport, continues to grow in the UK. The Nicolson and Neville sisters have shown what can happen when passion, perseverance and a powerful sense of community collide. And somewhere in Cupar, the next generation of young people is watching – and dreaming of gold.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 Sets June Netflix Premiere Date (EXCLUSIVE)
The high kicks are back! Season 2 of the hit series 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' will premiere on Netflix June 18, giving NFL fans a unique glimpse into the lives of the 2024-25 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad, Variety can exclusively reveal. More from Variety Advertisers Hungry for Super Bowl, NFL in Early TV Upfront Talks Netflix's Manga Adaptation 'Bet' Isn't Worth the Gamble: TV Review Ten Takes on the Making of Netflix's Epic Series 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' Following the series' first season, which captured the unfiltered lives of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders both on and off the field, Season 2 will follow the team from auditions all the way through NFL season. Emmy Award-winning Greg Whiteley ('Cheer,' 'Last Chance U') returns to direct. When Season 1 debuted last June, it launched onto Netflix's Top 10 worldwide chart with 2.3 million views within just four days on the platform. It remained in the Top 10 U.S. TV shows for five weeks straight with moments like the 'Thunderstruck'AC/DC number going viral on TikTok. In addition to Kelli Finglass (the Senior Director, DCC) and Judy Trammell (the Head Choreographer, DCC), cheerleader Reece Weaver will be among the returning cheerleaders. 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' is executive produced by Whiteley and Adam Leibowitz for One Potato Productions, Andrew Fried and Dane Lillegard for Boardwalk Pictures and Ross M. Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans for Campfire Studios. Production companies include One Potato Productions and Boardwalk Pictures in association with Campfire Studios. During an interview with Variety last June, Whiteley discussed his hopes for Season 2. 'Our last two or three weeks of filming, we were just starting to hit our stride. I'd love to have more time to see if we can get deeper and deeper with more and more of the team,' Whiteley said. 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' joins Netflix's continued relationship with the Dallas Cowboys, including the upcoming docuseries 'America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,' which is set to release in August. Check out first look images below. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
