When Cheer premiered on Netflix in January 2020, it didn’t just become a viral sensation—it redefined sports documentaries. The six-episode series, directed by Greg Whiteley, offers an unflinching look into the high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading, following the Navarro College Bulldogs as they chase their 14th national championship in Daytona.
But Cheer is more than just a sports docuseries. It’s a raw, emotional rollercoaster that explores ambition, trauma, resilience, and the cost of greatness. With its gripping storytelling, unforgettable characters, and shocking real-life twists, Cheer has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down what makes Cheer a must-watch, analyze its impact, and examine the controversies that followed its release. Whether you’re a cheerleading fan or a documentary enthusiast, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for.
What Is Cheer About?
Cheer follows the Navarro College Bulldogs, a junior college cheerleading team from Corsicana, Texas, as they prepare for the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida. The series focuses on the team’s grueling training regimen, personal struggles, and the intense pressure to maintain their legacy as one of the most dominant programs in cheerleading history.
At the heart of the show is Monica Aldama, the team’s no-nonsense head coach, whose tough-love approach pushes her athletes to their limits. Alongside her are the cheerleaders themselves—each with their own backstories, dreams, and demons. From the charismatic Jerry Harris to the determined Lexi Brumback and the resilient Morgan Simianer, the series gives viewers an intimate look at the lives behind the stunts.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the darker side of competitive cheerleading, either. Injuries, mental health struggles, and the physical toll of the sport are all explored in stark detail, making Cheer as much a human drama as it is a sports story.
The Structure of the Series
Cheer is divided into six episodes, each running approximately 45–60 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Episode 1: "Hard Knock Life" – Introduces the team, Coach Monica, and the high stakes of the season. We meet key athletes like Jerry, Lexi, and Morgan, and get a sense of the physical and emotional demands of the sport.
- Episode 2: "God Bless Texas" – Dives deeper into the team’s training, the history of Navarro’s cheer program, and the personal challenges faced by the cheerleaders, including financial struggles and family issues.
- Episode 3: "Hit Zero" – Focuses on the pressure of perfection, the risk of injuries, and the mental toll of the sport. The episode also highlights the team’s bond and the role of trust in their success.
- Episode 4: "The Mat" – The team faces setbacks, including injuries and personal crises, as they push toward the national competition. The episode also explores the judging system and what it takes to win.
- Episode 5: "Daytona" – The team arrives in Daytona for nationals, but tensions rise as they face their biggest rivals, Trinity Valley Community College. The episode builds to the competition’s dramatic climax.
- Episode 6: "The Champions" – The final episode reveals the results of the competition and reflects on the season’s emotional journey. It also sets the stage for the real-life controversies that would later unfold.
Why Cheer Became a Cultural Phenomenon
Cheer wasn’t just another sports documentary—it was a cultural moment. Here’s why it resonated so deeply with audiences:
1. Unprecedented Access to a Little-Known World
Before Cheer, most people outside the U.S. (and even many within it) had little understanding of competitive cheerleading. The series pulled back the curtain on a sport that combines gymnastics, dance, and extreme athleticism, showcasing the incredible skill and dedication required to excel.
Viewers were stunned by the complexity of the stunts, the precision of the routines, and the sheer physicality of the athletes. The documentary made it clear: cheerleading is not just pom-poms and sideline chants—it’s a high-risk, high-reward sport that demands as much respect as football or gymnastics.
2. Relatable, Compelling Characters
One of Cheer’s greatest strengths is its character development. Unlike many sports documentaries that focus solely on the action, Cheer takes the time to explore the personal lives of its subjects, making their struggles and triumphs deeply relatable.
Some of the standout personalities include:
- Jerry Harris – The breakout star of the series, Jerry’s infectious energy and raw talent made him an instant fan favorite. His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the team’s top performers is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
- Lexi Brumback – A former gymnast turned cheerleader, Lexi’s perfectionism and determination drive her to push through injuries and self-doubt. Her relationship with her mother, who is also her coach at a rival college, adds another layer of drama.
- Morgan Simianer – Morgan’s story of overcoming a difficult upbringing and finding a family in her teammates resonated with many viewers. Her resilience and kindness made her one of the most beloved figures on the show.
- La’Darius Marshall – One of the few male cheerleaders on the team, La’Darius’s confidence and charisma made him a standout. His openness about his sexuality and his role as a leader on the team added depth to his character.
- Monica Aldama – The team’s coach is a polarizing figure, known for her tough love and high expectations. While some viewers saw her as a villain, others admired her dedication to her athletes and her ability to push them to greatness.
3. Emotional Highs and Lows
Cheer is an emotional powerhouse. From the elation of nailing a perfect routine to the devastation of injuries and personal losses, the series takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride. Moments like Jerry’s emotional breakdown after a mistake or Morgan’s tearful reunion with her estranged father are some of the most powerful in the entire series.
The documentary also doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the sport, including:
- The physical toll of cheerleading, with athletes suffering broken bones, concussions, and long-term injuries.
- The mental health struggles many cheerleaders face, including anxiety, depression, and the pressure to be perfect.
- The financial and personal sacrifices required to compete at this level, with many athletes juggling jobs, school, and training.
4. The Drama of Competition
At its core, Cheer is a competition series, and the rivalry between Navarro and Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) is one of its most compelling elements. The tension between the two teams—especially given that Lexi’s mother coaches TVCC—adds a layer of personal stakes to the competition.
The final episodes, set at the NCA Nationals in Daytona, are edge-of-your-seat viewing. The pressure to perform flawlessly, the last-minute changes to routines, and the heart-stopping moment when the results are announced make for some of the most suspenseful television in recent memory.
The Controversies Surrounding Cheer
While Cheer was a critical and commercial success, it was not without controversy. The series brought to light several issues that sparked debate among viewers and within the cheerleading community.
1. The Jerry Harris Scandal
One of the most shocking developments after the release of Cheer was the arrest of Jerry Harris in September 2020. Harris, who had become one of the most beloved figures from the series, was charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of minors and child pornography.
The allegations sent shockwaves through the Cheer fanbase and raised questions about how such behavior could go unnoticed. Netflix quickly removed Harris from promotional materials for Cheer’s second season, and his legal troubles became a dark stain on the show’s legacy.
In 2022, Harris was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to seven counts of sexual exploitation of children. The case served as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked fame and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.
2. Criticism of Monica Aldama’s Coaching Style
Coach Monica Aldama is a central figure in Cheer, but her coaching methods have been a subject of controversy. Some viewers praised her for her dedication and ability to push her athletes to their limits, while others criticized her for being overly harsh and emotionally manipulative.
Scenes in which Aldama yells at her cheerleaders, publicly shames them for mistakes, or dismisses their injuries have sparked debates about the ethics of her approach. Critics argue that her methods border on emotional abuse, while supporters claim that her tough love is necessary to prepare the team for the high-pressure world of competitive cheerleading.
Aldama has defended her coaching style, stating that her primary goal is to help her athletes succeed both on and off the mat. However, the controversy has led to broader discussions about the culture of competitive sports and the line between discipline and abuse.
3. The Exploitation of Athletes
Another point of contention is the exploitation of junior college athletes, particularly in a sport like cheerleading that receives little mainstream recognition. Many of the cheerleaders on Cheer come from disadvantaged backgrounds and rely on scholarships to attend Navarro. However, the physical and emotional toll of the sport, combined with the lack of long-term career opportunities, has led some to question whether these athletes are being taken advantage of.
The series highlights the financial struggles of some cheerleaders, who often work multiple jobs to make ends meet while also training full-time. The lack of a professional cheerleading league means that most athletes will not be able to monetize their skills after college, raising ethical questions about the sustainability of the sport.
4. The Portrayal of Cheerleading as a Sport
While Cheer helped bring attention to the athletic demands of cheerleading, it also reignited the debate over whether cheerleading should be recognized as a sport. The series shows the incredible physicality required—from tumbling passes to high-flying stunts—but some argue that the lack of a standardized governing body and the sport’s roots in entertainment rather than competition hinder its legitimacy.
The NCAA does not recognize cheerleading as a sport, which means that college cheerleaders do not receive the same protections, scholarships, or resources as athletes in recognized sports. Cheer has amplified calls for greater recognition and support for cheerleaders, but the issue remains unresolved.
Cheer Season 2: What Changed?
After the massive success of the first season, Netflix greenlit a second season of Cheer, which premiered in January 2022. However, Season 2 faced significant challenges, both in production and reception.
1. The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020–2021 cheerleading season, forcing Navarro College to adapt. The team was unable to compete in person at the NCA Nationals, which were held virtually. This shift changed the dynamic of the season, as the cheerleaders had to perform without the usual energy of a live audience or the direct competition with rivals like TVCC.
Season 2 documents the team’s struggles to stay motivated and connected during lockdowns, as well as the challenges of training under pandemic restrictions. While the season still delivers emotional moments, the lack of a traditional competition lessened the stakes compared to Season 1.
2. The Absence of Key Figures
Several fan-favorite cheerleaders from Season 1 did not return for Season 2, either because they had graduated or moved on to other opportunities. Additionally, Jerry Harris’s legal troubles meant that he was entirely absent from the new season, leaving a noticeable void.
New athletes were introduced, but the emotional connection that viewers had formed with the original cast was difficult to replicate. This shift contributed to a sense that Season 2 lacked the same magic as its predecessor.
3. A Shift in Focus
Season 2 expanded its scope beyond Navarro College, introducing a new storyline centered on the cheerleading program at Navarro’s rival, Trinity Valley Community College. While this provided a fresh perspective, it also diluted the focus on the original team that had captivated audiences in Season 1.
The season also delved deeper into the personal lives of the cheerleaders, including issues like mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. While these stories were compelling, they sometimes overshadowed the competitive aspect that had made the first season so thrilling.
4. Reception and Criticism
Season 2 received mixed reviews from critics and fans. While some appreciated the deeper exploration of the athletes’ personal lives, others felt that the season lacked the tight narrative structure and high-stakes drama of the original. The virtual competition format also made the finale feel anticlimactic compared to the nail-biting conclusion of Season 1.
Despite these criticisms, Season 2 still offered valuable insights into the resilience of the cheerleaders and the adaptability of the sport in the face of unprecedented challenges. It also set the stage for potential future seasons, though Netflix has not yet confirmed whether Cheer will return for a third installment.
The Real-Life Impact of Cheer
Cheer didn’t just entertain—it had real-world consequences for the sport of cheerleading and the people involved in it.
1. Increased Recognition for Cheerleading
One of the most positive outcomes of Cheer was the increased visibility and respect for competitive cheerleading. The series helped dispel the stereotype that cheerleading is not a "real" sport by showcasing the incredible athleticism, discipline, and teamwork required.
In the wake of the show’s success, there was a surge in interest in cheerleading programs at both the high school and college levels. Many viewers who had never considered cheerleading as a serious athletic pursuit gained a new appreciation for the sport.
2. Boost for Navarro College and Monica Aldama
The exposure from Cheer brought significant benefits to Navarro College and its cheerleading program. The school saw an increase in applications, and the cheerleading team gained even more prestige within the competitive cheer community.
Monica Aldama, despite the controversy surrounding her coaching style, became a well-known figure in sports documentaries. She has since leveraged her fame to advocate for greater recognition of cheerleading and to share her coaching philosophy with a broader audience.
3. Opportunities for the Cheerleaders
Several cheerleaders from Cheer have used their newfound fame to pursue opportunities beyond the sport. La’Darius Marshall, for example, has become a social media influencer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Morgan Simianer has also built a following and used her platform to discuss mental health and resilience.
However, the Jerry Harris scandal served as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of sudden fame, particularly for young athletes who may not be prepared for the scrutiny that comes with it.
4. A Spotlight on Mental Health in Sports
Cheer brought much-needed attention to the mental health challenges faced by athletes, particularly in high-pressure sports like cheerleading. The series highlighted the emotional toll of injuries, the fear of failure, and the struggles of balancing personal life with athletic demands.
In the aftermath of the show, there have been calls for better mental health support for college athletes, as well as greater awareness of the psychological pressures they face. The conversation around athlete well-being has expanded beyond traditional sports to include cheerleading and other less-recognized disciplines.
How Accurate Is Cheer?
One question that often arises about Cheer
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