Latest news with #LastChanceU.
Forbes
2 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.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 OTT Release Date - When and where to watch series
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 OTT Release Date - The high kicks are back, and so is the drama. Netflix's hit docuseries is returning for Season 2 on June 18, 2025, giving fans another inside look at one of the NFL's most famous cheer squads. The new season will take viewers behind the scenes of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) as they go through intense auditions, gruelling training camps, and ultimately take the field during the 2024–25 NFL season. What to expect this season? America's Sweethearts Season 2 is once again directed by Greg Whiteley, the Emmy Award-winning creator behind Cheer and Last Chance U. The chapter will pick up where the first left off. From day-one hopefuls walking into auditions with big dreams to veterans fighting to keep their spot, the series will show just how much it takes to wear the DCC uniform. Returning faces include Reece Weaver, while familiar names like Kelli Finglass (Senior Director, DCC) and Judy Trammell (Head Choreographer, DCC) will also be back, playing central roles in how the squad comes together. Recap: Season 1 was a global hit America's Sweethearts' debut season, which premiered in June 2024, struck a chord with viewers worldwide. In just four days, it clocked 2.3 million views, made its way onto Netflix's Top 10 global English TV list, and stayed in the U.S. Top 10 for five weeks. The series trended in 27 countries, and moments like the 'Thunderstruck' performance set social media buzzing, especially on TikTok, where it went viral. Who's behind the series? America's Sweethearts Season 2 is produced by One Potato Productions, Boardwalk Pictures, and Campfire Studios. Executive producers include: Greg Whiteley and Adam Leibowitz (One Potato Productions) Andrew Fried and Dane Lillegard (Boardwalk Pictures) Ross M. Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans (Campfire Studios) Excited about America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2? Drop your thoughts @Indiatimes.
Fox Sports
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Former 'Last Chance U' football players file lawsuit over their portrayals
Six former East Mississippi Community College football players who appeared in the documentary series "Last Chance U" have sued the school, Netflix, the National Junior College Athletic Association and the program's director over their portrayals. John Franklin III, Ronald Ollie, C.J. Reavis, Deandre Johnson, Tim Bonner and Isaiah Wright say they're seeking $30 million in damages after receiving no compensation for their contributions to the project. They say they're holding the defendants accountable "for the wrongful misappropriation of their likeness and to ensure fair compensation for their work." Franklin, Ollie and Reavis played for East Mississippi in 2015. Johnson and Bonner were there in 2016. Wright played in both 2015 and 2016. The list of defendants also includes Condé Nast Entertainment and Greg Whiteley, the director and executive producer of "Last Chance U." Condé Nast was listed as a production partner of the series, which focused on the lives of junior college football players. The first two of the series' five seasons focused on East Mississippi. The plaintiffs say they weren't given an opportunity to consult an attorney or read their contracts in their entirety before agreeing to have their names and images included in the series. They said that at no point were they made aware the documentary would be marketed for commercial use while they were pressured into "impulsively signing agreements." "The most coercive tactic defendants used upon the plaintiffs was telling them if they did not sign the contracts, they were not eligible to practice," John Pierce, the lawyer representing the players, said in a complaint filed last week at Los Angeles County superior court. "In turn, they would not be eligible to play games, and their football skills would deteriorate. Inability to practice meant closing the door on what they committed their whole life towards, eventually playing professional football. Plaintiffs had no real negotiation or any meaningful choice except signing what was presented to them without ever being instructed of the purpose of filming or being advised to read through the contract in its entirety." The complaint indicates East Mississippi sold merchandise involving the players portrayed in the series, but that the plaintiffs didn't receive any compensation. It also says Wright, Ollie and Franklin were portrayed in a false light, damaging their reputations. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Associated Press
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Former football players file lawsuit over their portrayals in Netflix's ‘Last Chance U'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Six former East Mississippi Community College football players who appeared in the documentary series 'Last Chance U' have sued the school, Netflix, the National Junior College Athletic Association and the program's director over their portrayals. John Franklin III, Ronald Ollie, C.J. Reavis, Deandre Johnson, Tim Bonner and Isaiah Wright say they're seeking $30 million in damages after receiving no compensation for their contributions to the project. They say they're holding the defendants accountable 'for the wrongful misappropriation of their likeness and to ensure fair compensation for their work.' Franklin, Ollie and Reavis played for East Mississippi in 2015. Johnson and Bonner were there in 2016. Wright played in both 2015 and 2016. The list of defendants also includes Conde Nast Entertainment and Greg Whiteley, the director and executive producer of 'Last Chance U.' Conde Nast was listed as a production partner of the series, which focused on the lives of junior college football players. The first two of the series' five seasons focused on East Mississippi. The plaintiffs say they weren't given an opportunity to consult an attorney or read their contracts in their entirety before agreeing to have their names and images included in the series. They said that at no point were they made aware the documentary would be marketed for commercial use while they were pressured into 'impulsively signing agreements.' 'The most coercive tactic defendants used upon the plaintiffs was telling them if they did not sign the contracts, they were not eligible to practice,' John Pierce, the lawyer representing the players, said in a complaint filed last week at Los Angeles County superior court. 'In turn, they would not be eligible to play games, and their football skills would deteriorate. Inability to practice meant closing the door on what they committed their whole life towards, eventually playing professional football. Plaintiffs had no real negotiation or any meaningful choice except signing what was presented to them without ever being instructed of the purpose of filming or being advised to read through the contract in its entirety.' The complaint indicates East Mississippi sold merchandise involving the players portrayed in the series, but that the plaintiffs didn't receive any compensation. It also says Wright, Ollie and Franklin were portrayed in a false light, damaging their reputations. ___
