Cheer (TV Show)

Title — Cheer
Available on — Hulu, Prime Video, Pluto TV, YouTube TV
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2020
This gripping docuseries follows the ups and downs of Navarro College's competitive cheer squad as they work to win a coveted national title.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

In the small town of Corsicana, Texas, the intense and driven head coach Monica Aldama leads her squad of competitive college cheerleaders at Navarro College towards perfection. As mat selection day looms, Monica and assistant coach Andy face the challenging task of finalizing their picks from a diverse pool of talent.

The team gears up for their first full-out routine under Monica’s scrutinizing gaze. When La’Darius struggles, Jerry seizes the opportunity to showcase his skills. However, a serious injury forces Monica to make difficult substitutions, adding pressure to an already intense environment.

Amidst the rigorous training, Lexi and Gabi juggle academics, cheerleading, and the demands of social media. As spring break approaches, the team faces “hell week,” testing their resilience. Meanwhile, personal conflicts arise between teammates like La’Darius and Allie, while Monica offers support to Lexi during challenging times.

As the college nationals draw near, all eyes turn to Navarro, where the team battles nerves to claim victory. However, their rivals at Trinity Valley Community College are determined to reclaim the coveted Daytona crown. Tensions escalate during a cheer-off between Navarro and TVCC, setting the stage for an intense rivalry.

Newcomer Maddy at Navarro dreams of cheering under Monica’s guidance, but doubts linger about her capabilities. At TVCC, team leader Jada confronts mental obstacles, highlighting the personal struggles behind the competitive facade.

With Nationals approaching, both teams refine their routines, but a new challenge emerges, setting the stage for a grueling Hell Week in 2020. Months later, Navarro adjusts to a new reality as Monica participates in “Dancing with the Stars,” only to face shocking allegations that shake the team to its core.

In a dramatic turn of events, La’Darius betrays Monica and the team, while TVCC welcomes talented rookie tumblers with strong personalities. With the Daytona competition on the horizon, Navarro and TVCC intensify their training, delving into their pasts and confronting personal demons.

As the National Championship kicks off after a two-year hiatus, nerves run high among the teams. Navarro showcases strength on day one, but TVCC’s head coach remains confident in his team’s technical prowess, setting the stage for a fierce competition.

With the spotlight on Navarro and TVCC, the teams battle for the championship title, showcasing their talent and determination. As the competition unfolds, the athletes push themselves to the limit, culminating in a thrilling showdown between the two powerhouse programs.

Through victories, setbacks, and personal growth, the athletes at Navarro and TVCC embody the spirit of competitive cheerleading, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and unwavering dedication in their pursuit of excellence.

🧑 Cast & Crew

  • Monica Aldama – Head Coach
  • Gabi Butler – Cheerleader
  • Jerry Harris – Cheerleader
  • Morgan Simianer – Cheerleader
  • Lexi Brumback – Cheerleader
  • La’Darius Marshall – Cheerleader
  • Mackenzie Sherburn – Cheerleader
  • Shannon Woolsey – Cheerleader

💬 Reviews and feedback

Welcome to the world of “Cheer,” where pom-poms meet pressure, and flipping isn’t just for pancakes! Strap in for a review of this high-flying documentary series that has both critics and viewers doing their own mental backflips. So, which season deserves a spot on the podium? Let’s tumble into it!

Cheer Season 1 vs. Season 2: The Plot Thickens

Season 1 sets the stage like an expertly executed cheer routine—with grace, strength, and enough drama to keep you hooked from start to finish. We get to know the athletes on a personal level, thanks to Coach Monica Aldama, who seems to have a knack for spotting raw talent like a hawk eyeing its prey. This season delves into why these athletes chose Navarro College when they could have gone anywhere with their skills. It’s heartwarming—think of it as the warm-up stretches before the main event.

In contrast, Season 2 shifts focus from raw talent to how fame has affected our cheerleading sweethearts. It’s less about stunts and more about dealing with newfound stardom and its accompanying pressures. If Season 1 is your classic underdog story, then Season 2 is more like the sequel where everyone’s dealing with sudden success—and not always gracefully.

Themes and Tone: From Heartfelt to Heavy

If you’re looking for feel-good storylines that make you want to hug your nearest stuffed animal, stick with Season 1. However, be warned—both seasons dive deep into some pretty intense themes that might not be suitable for middle schoolers (or anyone who prefers their drama lowercase). The show is rated TV-MA for good reasons; there’s plenty of intense emotional content that might leave younger viewers feeling overwhelmed.

Acting and Characters: Real People, Real Emotions

Oh boy, where do we even start? Whether it’s Lexi Brumback’s rebellious spirit or Jerry Harris’s infectious positivity (pre-allegations), these athletes are anything but one-dimensional. They bring their A-game both on and off the mat. Coach Monica is basically Yoda in a cheerleading uniform—wise but tough as nails.

Direction: Monica Aldama’s Iron Grip

If Monica Aldama were directing this review herself, she’d probably demand perfection here too! Her leadership style keeps things tight-knit yet competitive in both seasons. But while she remains a constant pillar of strength in Season 1, by Season 2 we see her grapple with fame herself—making her relatable on an entirely new level.

Cinematography: Bringing Cheerleading to Life

The cinematography in “Cheer” is nothing short of spectacular. From slow-motion flips that defy gravity to close-ups capturing every bead of sweat during those high-pressure moments—the camera work makes you feel every twist and turn as if you’re part of the team.

Production Design: More Than Just Glitter

The production design does justice to portraying the world of competitive cheerleading without overdoing it on glitter or glamorizing things unrealistically. You see the grit behind the glitz—the endless rehearsals, injuries, and emotional breakdowns are all laid bare.

Special Effects & Editing: Flying High ✨

No CGI superheroes here—just real humans doing incredible things! The editing plays a crucial role in keeping up the pace and tension throughout each episode. It’s like watching an action movie where every stunt could go wrong but somehow doesn’t (most times).

Pace: Slow Start but Worth It

The series can be a bit slow out of the gate—like waiting for your WiFi connection during peak hours—but once it picks up speed, it’s worth every second spent buffering through those initial episodes.
Some episodes may feel stretched out; however seasoned binge-watchers will appreciate how everything ties together by end credits.

Binge-watching Tips:

  • Avoid spoilers: Try not reading too many reviews beforehand; let yourself experience each twist naturally!
  • Pace Yourself: Given its intensity at times consider breaking episodes over multiple sittings instead cramming them all one-go (your eyeballs will thank later).
  • Tissue Alert:: Keep some handy—you’ll need them during heartfelt moments especially around finale time when emotions run sky-high!

If you’re still undecided between watching “Cheer” or another sports docuseries like “Last Chance U,” ask yourself this—do you prefer football fields or gym mats? Both bring something unique tablebut whereas shows focus mainly individual athletic journeys within larger team dynamics respectively (Think Rocky Balboa meets Bring On!) But no matter which choose remember ultimate goal: sit back relax enjoy ride because either way bound be entertaining experience won’t regret anytime soon.

Conclusion & Rating :

Pros Cons
Season 1 explores athletes’ backgrounds Season 2 focuses on fame over talent
Well-narrated storyline Not appropriate for middle schoolers
Eye-opening look at cheerleading world Too much drama for some viewers
Great documentary on competitive cheerleading Slow start
Short series length Unbalanced at times

Feedback

  • Cheer (TV series) - Wikipedia

    Cheeris an American sport television docuseries airing on Netflix starting in January 2020. The six-part series follows the nationally ranked forty-member Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team from Corsicana, Texas, under the direction of coach Monica Aldama, as they prepare to compete in the National Cheerleading Championship held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida. The episodes focus especially on five individual Cheer Team members and include elements of the history of cheerleading, including the formation of the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).

  • Cheer (TV Series 2020-2022) - IMDb

    SPONSOREDIn the small town of Corsicana, Texas, hard-driving head cheer coach Monica Aldama demands perfection from her team of competitive college athletes.In the small town of Corsicana, Texas, hard-driving head cheer coach Monica Aldama demands perfection from her team of competitive college athletes.In the small town of Corsicana, Texas, hard-driving head cheer coach Monica Aldama demands perfection from her team of competitive college athletes.

    • Won 3 Primetime Emmys
      • 5 wins & 11 nominations total

    Browse episodesSPONSORED

  • The Cast of 'Cheer': Where Are They Now? - People.com

    The following season, Butler joined the coaching staff, and she and Aldama led the team to yet another Daytona win in April 2023.Later that same month, a Navarro cheerleader filed a lawsuit against Aldama for allegedly covering up a sexual assault incident. The head coach called the accusations “wildly inaccurate” in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.After the show’s runaway success, its cast members’ newfound fame and continued dedication to the sport offered them various opportunities. So, where is the cast ofCheerthese days? Here are all the updates on the talented stars of seasons 1 and 2.

  • Cheer | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube

  • Cheer Cast, News, Videos and more - Netflix

    Cheer Cast, News, Videos and moreFeaturedLatestVideosAllEpisodesSeason 1Popular NowLatest News

    • Popular
    • CultureHow the Navarro cheerleaders have become celebrities – whether they like it or not.By Maria ShermanFeb. 4, 2022
    • What To WatchFor when you want to go for the (streaming) gold.By Amanda Richards & Derek LawrenceApril 17
    • Status UpdateBesides, obviously, prepping for Daytona 2022.By Charlotte WalshJan. 23, 2022
    • GuideFly, Cards, fly!By Charlotte WalshJan. 6, 2022
    • Ask an ExpertWe asked a physicist.By Charlotte WalshJan. 18, 2022
    • Needle DropSupervising producer Adam Leibowitz tells us how the show scored HAIM, Megan Thee Stallion and more.By Phillipe ThaoFeb. 2, 2022
    • BeautyEverything’s bigger in Texas — hair included.By Phillipe ThaoJan. 13, 2022
    • Who’s WhoPlus, who comes back for another shot at Daytona?By Charlotte WalshJan. 7, 2022
    • The MomentAnd it has never been fiercer.By Sebastian SachsFeb. 1, 2022
    • Interview“It’s not our goal to make them like us.”By Charlotte WalshJan. 31, 2022
    • BeautyYES, MONICA! THOSE NAILS!! THEY’RE EVERYTHING!!!By Maria ShermanJan. 26, 2022
    • Explainer“Just be coachable, have a great attitude and show that you’re eager to learn.”By Charlotte WalshJan. 15, 2022
    • Deleted SceneFor these siblings, TVCC love isn’t just skin-deep.By Charlotte WalshJan. 28, 2022
    • Press PlayTVCC is for life – especially for these tumbling star siblingsJan. 27, 20223:00
    • Press PlayOn the first try.Jan. 17, 20221:00
    • Press PlayTVCC is for life – especially for these tumbling star siblingsJan. 27, 20223:00
    • Press PlayA flip so difficult it’s illegal to perform in Daytona.Jan. 13, 20221:00
    • Press PlayNo one left behind.Jan. 13, 20221:00
    • Press PlayThat keeps everyone coming back.Jan. 10, 20221:00

    Cheer

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the iconic TV show “Cheers,” the finale titled “One for the Road” is hailed as one of television’s all-time great endings. The episode aired on May 20, 1993, marking the conclusion of an era in television history. The show, which ran for eleven successful seasons, had cemented its place as a beloved classic, winning 28 Emmy Awards and becoming one of the most influential American sitcoms ever made.

The finale brings back a pivotal character, Diane Chambers (played by Shelley Long), who had left the bar Cheers years earlier to pursue her dreams of writing. Her return to the bar where she once found love with Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson), a recovering alcoholic and ex-ballplayer, sets off a chain of emotional reactions among the characters and the audience.

Diane’s reappearance, after having won a Cable ACE award but not achieving the superstar career she had hoped for, stirs up mixed feelings of nostalgia, surprise, and reflection. The audience had followed the ups and downs of Sam and Diane’s relationship over the years, making her return a momentous event that raises questions about change and moving on.

The finale’s emotional impact lies in its reflection of the show’s central theme of familiarity and the inevitability of change. “Cheers” is not just a bar where everybody knows your name; it’s a place where the audience has spent countless hours alongside the characters, forming a bond with the setting and its inhabitants. The finale poses the ultimate question to both the characters and the viewers: Are we ready to say goodbye and move on from this beloved establishment?

As the final episode of the series, “One for the Road” encapsulates the bittersweet essence of endings and new beginnings. It invites reflection on the passage of time, the evolution of relationships, and the inevitability of change. Through its poignant storytelling and well-developed characters, “Cheers” leaves a lasting legacy as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences long after its finale aired.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-MA

Age Rating:

Cheer TV Show has been rated TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) for its content.

Parental Guide:

Parents need to be aware that Cheer is a Netflix docuseries that follows the Navarro Community College cheerleading team as they prepare for Nationals. The series delves into the lives of the cheerleaders, including their backstories which involve themes such as trauma, abuse, abandonment, crime, depression, and suicide. While there is no graphic detail shown, the emotional impact of these stories can be very upsetting.

Violence & Gore:

The show contains extremely infrequent comic violence and sporadic violent situations. For example, there are scenes where characters are held at gunpoint, but no one is harmed. In one episode, a character shoots himself in the backside for comedic effect.

Frightening & Intense Scenes:

Viewers should be prepared for intense emotional scenes as the cheerleaders discuss their personal struggles and injuries. The emotional weight of their stories can be quite heavy and may be distressing for some viewers.

Overall, due to the themes and emotional content depicted in Cheer, it is recommended for mature audiences and parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Hulu Watch Cheers on Hulu with a free trial. Plans starting at $7.99/month.
Prime Video Cheers Season 1 is available to watch on Prime Video.
Pluto TV Stream Cheers for free and on-demand with Pluto TV.
YouTube TV Watch Cheers online with a free trial on YouTube TV.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • When Carla's dating life was peak :
  • When Sam made the mistake of trying to teach Diane how to bet on football:
  • When Lilith burned Frasier:
  • You cannot believe a word that comes out of your mouth. Ya know, if you could fix TVs and crack walnuts on your forehead, you could be my ex-husband.
    Carla

🤖Cheer Reddit Talks

Cheerleading: A Competitive and Controversial Sport

Monica Aldama’s Retirement

Monica Aldama, the beloved head coach of Navarro College’s cheerleading team, announced her retirement in the wake of a civil lawsuit filed against her and the college. The lawsuit, which alleged negligence and emotional distress, was later dropped. However, Aldama and Elizabeth Pillans, an administrator who was also named in the lawsuit, planned to file a countersuit. Aldama’s decision to retire was reportedly influenced by her desire to avoid the impending litigation.

Sexual Abuse Allegations and the Future of “Cheer”

The second season of “Cheer” was overshadowed by the arrest and conviction of Jerry Harris, a former Navarro cheerleader, on charges related to child sexual abuse imagery and illegal sexual conduct with a minor. Harris is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence. In light of these allegations, the future of the “Cheer” series is uncertain. As of now, there are no plans for a third season.

The Popularity of “Cheer”

Despite the controversies surrounding the show, “Cheer” has gained immense popularity on Netflix. The docuseries follows the Navarro College cheer squad as they prepare for the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals. The show has been praised for its raw and intimate portrayal of the athletes’ lives, as well as its exploration of the intense physical and emotional demands of competitive cheerleading.

Concerns about the Sexualization of Cheerleading

Some critics have raised concerns about the sexualization of cheerleading in “Cheer.” The cheerleaders often wear revealing, skin-tight sportswear and swimsuits, and there are frequent references to issues such as sexuality, sexual abuse, and sexting. However, the show’s creators have defended their decision to include these elements, arguing that they are an accurate reflection of the real-world experiences of cheerleaders.

The Impact of Fame on the Cheerleaders

The success of “Cheer” has brought newfound fame to the Navarro cheerleaders. However, this fame has also created resentment from some of the other cheerleaders, who feel that the more notable athletes are receiving preferential treatment. Monica Aldama has been criticized for her handling of these tensions, and some have questioned whether she is still the best person to lead the Navarro cheer squad.

The Future of Competitive Cheerleading

The controversies surrounding “Cheer” have raised questions about the future of competitive cheerleading. Some argue that the sport is too dangerous and exploitative, while others believe that it is an empowering and positive activity for young athletes. The future of competitive cheerleading remains to be seen, but the sport is sure to continue to be a source of debate and discussion in the years to come.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cheer season 1 or 2 better? Feel-Good Storylines

Season 1 was better than season 2 because of the storylines. Viewers learned more about the athletes and why they chose to go to Navarro, with Coach Monica being a common factor in taking a chance on them.

Is Cheer appropriate for middle school-aged viewers?

The reality of some stories in Cheer may not be appropriate for middle school-aged individuals due to the heavy drama content. The TV-MA rating suggests it’s more suitable for older audiences.

Is season 2 of Cheer good? Critics Reviews

Cheer’s second season focuses on how fame has affected America’s cheerleading personalities rather than showcasing talent. The season exists in a space of uncertainty and impact.

Is Cheer based on a true story?

Cheer is an Emmy award-winning Netflix documentary series following the real-life experiences of the Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team, a 14-time NCA Champion-winning team.

Where is the show Cheer filmed?

Cheer is filmed at the college in Corsicana, Texas, about 50 miles southeast of Dallas. It showcases the jaw-dropping stunt work and success under the leadership of head coach Monica Aldama.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

  1. Cheer Squad: A reality series following a competitive cheerleading squad on their journey to the world championship finals.
  2. Bring It On: A classic movie about cheerleading rivalry and competition.
  3. Cheerleader Camp: A comedy horror movie set in a cheerleading camp.
  4. Dare Me: A TV show depicting the upheaval in a high school cheer squad with the arrival of a new coach.
  5. Gotta Kick It Up!: A Disney Channel original movie about a group of Latina cheerleaders.
  6. Hellcats: A drama series centered around college cheerleading and competitive spirit.
  7. Fired Up!: A comedy film following two high school football players who join the cheerleading squad.

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