America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 – Stream It or Skip It?

The Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders returns for its second season, offering a closer look at the famous squad that has long been a symbol of the NFL’s cheerleading culture. Directed by Greg Whiteley, best known for his work on Cheer and Last Chance U, this season gives fans a deep dive into the lives of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), following a number of hopefuls and returnees as they battle through auditions, training camp, and the 2024-25 NFL season.

Opening Shot

The opening shot sets the tone, as DCC director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell sit quietly at a table, reflecting on a difficult decision they must make about a squad member they need to cut. Finglass dabs her eyes with a tissue, clearly feeling the weight of the responsibility. It’s an emotional start that hints at the high stakes and emotional investment involved in the auditions and the entire process of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

The Gist: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

The show kicks off with Finglass and Trammell preparing for the final auditions for the DCC’s 2024-25 squad, just one week away. The duo is on a press junket in Los Angeles, but their minds are on the auditions and the tough decisions that lie ahead. There are 13 open spots this year, marking a significant amount of turnover on the squad, and each hopeful—whether a returnee or a rookie—must audition to earn their place. The auditions take place at the Cowboys’ headquarters in Frisco, TX, with individual auditions in the main atrium and the group phase in the adjacent practice facility.

Among the notable hopefuls is Kelly V., who was cut during the 2023 training camp and is determined to make the team this time around. There’s also Chandi, a 6th-year candidate, who feels she needs to assert her seniority more this season. Jada, a 5th-year hopeful, struggles with the solo audition phase. Reece, a 2nd-year hopeful, has the added emotional weight of her best friend, Charly, getting cut the previous year and recovering from a blood clot that nearly killed her. Dayton, the rookie candidate, is the daughter of Shelly Bramhall, DCC’s associate choreographer, adding an extra layer of drama to her audition.

What Makes This Season Different?

America’s Sweethearts Season 2 feels more expansive than its predecessor, following the squad throughout the entire season, not just during training camp. Whiteley’s skillful storytelling brings out the personal struggles and triumphs of the women auditioning, making it more than just a behind-the-scenes look at the squad—it’s a deep dive into their lives, challenges, and the intense pressure they face to succeed. As Whiteley has shown in his previous work, including Cheer, he excels at capturing human drama within highly competitive environments.

This season’s premiere brings back many of the same faces, but it also introduces us to compelling new stories, especially Charly and Kelly V. The duo’s bond from last season adds an emotional layer, and we see Kelly V’s New Jersey no-nonsense attitude standing out among the typically cheerful and polite candidates. Charly’s story is also compelling, as she auditions just after having serious medical issues, which makes her determination all the more admirable.

The Real Drama: Perfectionism and Pressure

The show dives deep into the emotional toll the audition process takes on these women. The squad’s standards are incredibly high, and the pressure to meet them is intense. Each woman must navigate the challenges of not only performing at the highest level but also meeting the expectations of Finglass, Trammell, team owner Charlotte Jones, and the audition judges. In the first episode, we see the judges evaluating hopefuls with a critical eye—judging factors that the audience may not even perceive. The pressure on these women is palpable, and it’s clear that this process is about more than just dance; it’s about resilience, confidence, and heart.

Sex and Skin: A Lot of Skin, But Nothing Else

As expected, there are skimpy cheerleading outfits, but beyond that, the show doesn’t delve into any overtly sensationalist or sexual content. It keeps the focus on the competition, the women’s stories, and the personal and professional stakes involved.

Parting Shot: Dayton’s Emotional Battle

The episode closes on Dayton’s emotional audition, as her mother speaks to the director, expressing concern for her daughter’s well-being if she is cut again. “I don’t think her heart could take it,” her mother says, setting up the emotional stakes for Dayton’s journey this season. It’s a poignant moment that hints at the deeper emotional threads running through the show.

Sleeper Star: Finglass’ Shih Tzu

While not a central character, Finglass’ adorable shih tzu makes a brief but memorable appearance. The dog’s moments on screen provide a cute and heartwarming break from the intense drama, offering a touch of levity amid the emotional rollercoaster.

Most Pilot-y Line: Unaddressed Pay Discrepancies

While the first season briefly touched on the pay discrepancies between the cheerleaders and the players—showing that many squad members had other jobs to make ends meet—this topic isn’t addressed in the first episode of Season 2. It’s an interesting omission, and one that may be explored later in the season, but for now, the focus is firmly on the audition process and the women vying for their spots on the team.

Verdict: Stream It

If you’re a fan of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team, you’ll likely enjoy America’s Sweethearts as it brings more of the same behind-the-scenes drama but with an expanded, season-long perspective. Director Greg Whiteley’s eye for human drama and his ability to capture the highs and lows of competitive sports make this docuseries a compelling watch. With interesting new stories and the emotional depth of returning characters like Charly and Kelly V., Season 2 promises to keep viewers hooked as the squad fights for their spots in the spotlight.