Latest news with #docuseries
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
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.
CBC
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
How Alex Cooper turned the Call Her Daddy podcast into a media empire
One of the biggest podcasts right now is Call Her Daddy, a celebrity interview show hosted by Alex Cooper. But the show began as a sex podcast, best known for the raunchy details that Cooper and her co-host would share about their own sex lives. A new Disney+ docuseries, Call Her Alex, came out last week to share a behind-the-scenes look at at how Cooper used Call Her Daddy to propel her to bonafide celebrity status and lucrative business deals, as well as an inside look at her personal life. On a bonus episode of Commotion, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with culture critics Liz Duff and Rebecca Jennings about the new docuseries and Cooper's success.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Students who found Idaho University murders speak out for first time
The students who discovered the University of Idaho murder scene are speaking out for the first time in a new docuseries, "One Night in Idaho: The College Murders." The film also includes interviews with some of the parents of the students who were killed. NBC News' Steven Romo talks to the director about the emotional impact on the students.
BBC News
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Isle of Man TT: Docuseries and film on races to stream on Amazon
A major new TV docuseries capturing the thrills of the Isle of Man TT is set to be streamed on on The Greatest Show on Earth started during last year's event and will be released alongside a special feature details of both projects are yet to be revealed but Hollywood star Channing Tatum will feature while Brad Pitt has acted as a Department for Enterprise confirmed the series and film, which focuses on all the racing action of the event and its devoted fans, will be shown on streaming giant Amazon, with a release date yet to be confirmed. Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said the projects would offer the chance to "showcase the TT to a truly global audience". During the 2023 TT Races, fans spotted 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike star Channing Tatum, where he met with several riders and teams and took in action from around the course, sparking hopes that a film on the event could be on the team later revealed the plans for the production during last year's said both the TT Broadcast Strategy, which aims to increase the audience of the event, and the introduction of live coverage on TT+, had increased coverage of the level of visibility would bring "wider benefits" for the island including additional investment and protecting the event itself, he Maltby, political member with responsibility for Motorsport said: "Our Island is extremely proud of the TT, it is firmly part of our heritage and culture, and every year we welcome thousands of visitors"."This film and docuseries package will provide the opportunity to share this unique story- and our small but mighty Island - with the world." Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What to Stream: Addison Rae album, ‘Presence' and Ariana Madix returns to Fiji
A Shaquille O'Neal docuseries about his time at Reebok's basketball division is one of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists: Ariana Madix returns to Fiji as host of a new season of 'Love Island USA.,' TikTok star Addison Rae offers her debut album 'Addison' and then there's "Presence,' Steven Soderbergh's movie entirely from the perspective a ghost. New movies to stream from June 2-8 — 'Presence,' one of two excellent Steven Sodebergh-directed, David Koepp-scripted movies released this year, arrives Tuesday on Hulu. The film, a nifty, experimental little thriller, is filmed entirely from the perspective a ghost inside a home a family has just moved into. From a floating point-of-view, we watch as the mysterious presence, piecing together a past trauma while observing the unfolding a new one. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called 'Presence' 'a heady experiment that transcends the somewhat gimmicky-on-paper premise — something Soderbergh manages to do alarmingly well and regularly.' — Tyler Perry 's latest, 'Straw,' stars Taraji P. Henson as a struggling single mother who, desperate for money to pay for her daughter's prescriptions, robs a bank. The film, co-starring Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor and Sinbad, debuts Friday, June 6 on Netflix. — For anyone still mourning the death of Gene Hackman, a new series streaming from Thursday on the Criterion Channel collects some of the late actor 's best films. That includes William Friedkin's seminal 1971 New York thriller 'The French Connection,' Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 masterpiece 'The Conversation' and Wes Anderson's 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' a movie in which Hackman's strained relationship with the director has been a subject of conversation following his death. But also don't miss Arthur Penn's 1975 'Night Moves,' a quintessential '70s neo-noir that gave Hackman one of his most indelible roles in the private eye Harry Moseby. — Film Writer Jake Coyle New music to stream from June 2-8 — Has there been a more seamless transition from TikTok social media star to full-fledged pop music force than that of Addison Rae? On Friday, June 6, she will release her debut LP 'Addison,' one of the year's most anticipated releases – from the Lana Del Rey-channeling 'Diet Pepsi' to the trip-hop 'Headphones On.' She's managed to tap into a kind of late-internet cool through a hybrid approach to pop music and a lackadaisical singing style. Could it be 'Addison' summer? Only time will tell. — Need your Cynthia Erivo fix between 'Wicked' films? She's got your back. The multihyphenate will release her sophomore LP, 'I Forgive You' on Friday, June 6, a collection of big belts and even bigger vulnerabilities, with gorgeous songs that sound as though they were ripped straight from Erivo's diary. Listen closely and carefully for maximum enjoyment. — Anyone who thinks the mainstream music listening world has lost interest in rock bands needs to simply look at Turnstile, the Baltimore hard-core punk band that could. They've largely left those harsh sounds behind and have opted for something more melodic and accessible — which is, arguably, part of the appeal for those curious parties — but they've maintained their hard-core ethos and edge. 'Never Enough' is gearing up to be the biggest release of their career so far, and we say it's time to get on board. And get in the pit. — Music Writer Maria Sherman New television to stream from June 2-8 — Ariana Madix has returned to Fiji as host of a new season of 'Love Island USA.' The new episodes have big shoes to fill. Last season was the top-rated reality series of 2024. It also broke through the cultural zeitgeist with social media memes and water cooler conversation. Madix says she's not worried about duplicating that success, and wants the contestants to focus on 'creating their own lane by being truly themselves and bringing themselves to it, you'll never lose by doing that.' The show premieres Tuesday and will air six nights a week on Peacock. — As a teenager, Kristin Cavallari was a breakout of the MTV reality series 'Laguna Beach' because of her unfiltered honesty. She's carried that with her throughout other reality shows and to her podcast 'Let's Be Honest.' Cameras rolled when Cavallari took the podcast on the road in March. That will air as the docuseries 'Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour' beginning Wednesday on E!. It streams on Peacock. — Shaquille O'Neal also has his own docuseries coming to Netflix Wednesday called 'Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal.' It's an inside look at his efforts as president of Reebok's basketball division. Allen Iverson is vice president. Both have a history with the brand. In 1992, O'Neal signed a deal with Reebok as a rookie playing for the Orlando Magic. Iverson famously inked a lifetime deal with the brand one year prior in 1991. The series will show the two pro ballplayers work to make Reebok Basketball cool and competitive in the sneaker market. It drops Wednesday. — Get your feel-good TV fix with Apple TV+'s new show, 'Stick.' It stars Owen Wilson as Pryce, a broke and divorced former pro golfer who could use a break. He finds it in a teen phenom named Santi and volunteers to be his coach. The show is about chosen family and second chances. 'Stick' premieres Wednesday.
