Netflix showed a darker to side to the world of cheerleading.
On June 20, The streaming service released a seven-part docuseries that went into the world of the acrobatic dancing sport called America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. America’s Sweethearts took viewers into the world of NFL cheerleaders specifically for the Dallas Cowboys and what it takes to get into the blue and white sparkly uniform.
The series was created by Emmy Award–winning director Greg Whiteley with One Potato Productions and Boardwalk Pictures and the series had viewers in disbelief as they saw the mental, physical and emotional toll hopefuls as well as members of the team, led by longtime director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell, went through during the 2023-24 season.
For viewers, the documentary showcased the uglier side to a sport that seemed to be full of cheer.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
READ MORE: General Hospital just teased a couple’s reunion that fans thought was never gonna happen
READ MORE: Love Island USA's Rob risks conflict in the villa with savage bombshell move
Viewers were surprised over the intimate overview into what these veterans and candidates went through. After watching the 'wild" documentary, many viewers are demanding change in the franchise for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) especially in how much they get paid.
One viewer on Twitter/X said: "This documentary series is riveting and so wild! Do you know how DIABOLICAL it is to cut that girl at the very end just because she’s short?! Mind you she uprooted her entire life for a year to try to make the team." A second viewer said: "Nah I lost all my love for Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders today , they're psychologically abusing these girls and f---ing up their bodies for pennies. It's giving dance moms but at least they made bank and got famous." Another said: "So, basically DCC is perpetuating all the things women have fought years to change. Equal pay, diversity in both race & body type. Driving beautiful, talented women to depression, low self worth, & eating disorders..but go cowboys, right." A fourth viewer said: "The Dallas Cowboys franchise bragging about their cheerleaders being money makers & refusing to pay them a livable wage is nothing short of exploitation. Charlotte Jones should be ashamed."
Creator Greg explained how they were given access and "creative freedom" to make this series and provide viewers with the behind-the-scenes that included not only the DCC but coaches and executives such as Charlotte Jones as subjects.
"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,” He said to Tudum .
Greg commended the cheerleaders on their jobs as the doc provided context into their personal lives, their day to day responsibilities while juggling their position on the squad. He offered a perspective for the women who do this job and "entertain fans" "become Wonder Woman for a couple of hours,” which doesn’t leave much room for their own individual emotions.
“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,” he said. "I think that is made even more impressive when you realize that there’s a living, breathing human being underneath that facade.”
* Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
Most Popular
Comments / 0