America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is an American sport television docuseries which was released on Netflix on June 20, 2024.[1] The seven-episode series follows the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the official cheer squad of the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys. The series follows the 2023–24 team's selection and digs into the thirty-six-person squad's daily life.[2] It is considered to be the successor series for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team which aired on CMT from 2006 to 2021.
While the documentary has been considered a success, many viewers expressed shock at the demands on the cheerleaders, and the comparatively low wages they are paid, often requiring them to work multiple jobs.[3]
In a mixed review, Judy Berman from Time stated the following: "A feminist-minded viewer could tie herself in knots trying to untangle the show’s—and the squad’s—gender politics, and [Greg] Whiteley deserves credit for doing justice to that complexity. Everyone who makes the team is shown to be a consummate athlete, possessing remarkable skill, strength, and discipline. The line separating physical fitness, a basic job requirement, from aesthetics can be thin. And contrary to what you might expect of beautiful women competing for the male gaze of a nation, the hopefuls come off as extraordinarily kind to and supportive of one another. Yet there isn’t much institutional support for cheerleaders whose mental health or food issues are exacerbated by the stressful atmosphere of training camp."[4]
Rookie candidates and returning veteran candidates compete for a spot in the 2023 training camp. Several auditions succeed by capturing the attention of the judges, while others fail to meet the standards.
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2
"Auditions Part 2"
June 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
The 2023 training camp roster is announced, which includes the tearful cuts of three veteran candidates in order to make room for other candidates who exceeded the judges' expectations.
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3
"Yes Ma'am"
June 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
After the rookie candidates receive makeovers, the girls hit the turf to learn the iconic pregame routine under the watchful eye of NFL hall-of-famer, Emmitt Smith.
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4
"God Loves Dallas"
June 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
Candidates dance in the cowboy boots for the first time. With long deliberation, the final cuts are made and the 2023 squad is announced.
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5
"Sparkle"
June 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
The newly announced squad makes final preparations ahead of their first preseason game. When group leaders are announced, one returning veteran struggles with her confidence.
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6
"9 to 5"
June 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
Cheerleaders interact with fans and take the field for thanksgiving with special halftime guest Dolly Parton.
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7
"Sisters for Life"
June 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
In the face of challenges, the sisterhood brings the cheerleaders together and alumni return for an emotional season finale.
Note: Cheerleaders in bold indicate legacy cheerleaders (i.e. mother was previously a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader). Cheerleaders in italics indicate (first) group leaders.
