The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are set to take center stage in a new Netflix docuseries titled “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” This highly anticipated series, directed by Emmy Award-winning Greg Whiteley, will premiere on June 20, 2024. The docuseries promises to offer an in-depth look at the journey of the 2023-24 squad, from auditions to training camp and through the NFL season.
The series will consist of seven 45-minute episodes, capturing the highs and lows of the cheerleaders’ journey. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, led by longtime director Kelli Finglass, have been an iconic part of American pop culture since 1961. Known for their dynamic dancing, star-spangled uniforms, and high kicks, the cheerleaders perform for more than 90,000 fans at all Cowboys home games in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” is produced by One Potato Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, the same team behind the successful series “Cheer” and “Last Chance U.” Whiteley, who has a stellar track record with Netflix, expressed his gratitude for the creative freedom and access provided by the Dallas Cowboys organization. “The kind of access and creative freedom we need to make the kind of work we want to make is not easy to come by — especially when dealing with a brand as large as the Dallas Cowboys,” Whiteley told Netflix. “To their infinite credit, the Cowboys offered unfettered access for the year we filmed the DCC and left us alone. The result is an authentic portrait of one of the most storied and beloved institutions we have in American pop culture.”
The series will not only showcase the cheerleaders’ performances on the field but also delve into their personal lives, revealing the ambition and drive shared by the cheerleaders and their coaches. “No matter how you are feeling, you have to portray a level of joy and happiness that is now part of the job,” Whiteley said. “Your job is to show up and entertain fans, and that doesn’t leave much room for your own personal emotions. You’ve got to put on some makeup and this uniform and become Wonder Woman for a couple of hours.”
The docuseries will follow both rookie candidates and seasoned veterans as they prepare for auditions. Some will dazzle the team’s directors, while others may fall short. As veterans who are cut from the squad bid teary-eyed farewells, a new roster of candidates will move on to training camp for a chance to earn their spot on the team. The candidates will undergo makeovers, learn the DCC’s most iconic dance, and receive words of wisdom from an NFL Hall of Famer as they face another round of cuts.
In the final days of training camp, the candidates will strut in their signature boots, trying to put their best foot forward. The final roster will be selected, and the squad will feel the pressure ahead of their preseason game performance. When group leaders are announced, one dancer will struggle with her confidence. Off the field, the cheerleaders will spread joy through fan interactions and prepare for an epic Thanksgiving celebration with a legendary performer.
The series will also feature alumni from past decades returning for a special show as the season comes to an emotional end. The cheerleaders will come together in the face of challenges, showcasing their resilience and camaraderie.
“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” promises to be more than just a behind-the-scenes look at the cheerleaders’ journey. It will offer an intimate portrayal of the personal stories behind the uniforms, revealing the human side of these seemingly impenetrable performers. “The women are impressive when you see them all in a kick line — they’re in a row and they’re beautiful, athletic, and strong. They seem impenetrable,” Whiteley said. “I think that is made even more impressive when you realize that there’s a living, breathing human being underneath that facade.”
The series aims to capture the essence of what it takes to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, from the rigorous training and auditions to the personal triumphs and struggles of the squad members. It will highlight the dedication, hard work, and passion that go into becoming part of this iconic team.
As the release date approaches, fans of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and those interested in the world of cheerleading can look forward to an authentic and compelling portrayal of one of America’s most beloved institutions. “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” will be available for streaming on Netflix starting June 20, 2024.
Source: Netflix, IndieWire, ScreenRant
