Pre-COVID we saw the takeover on the internet of Netflix’s hottest show Cheer. The show brought to light the competitive world of college cheer in the United States. Watching this show brings back nostalgic memories of watching Bring It On and thinking you could impress Monica, the head Navarro Cheer coach enough to make mat. Otherwise known as the golden ticket spot on the team.
The show followed the journey of these college athletes and their mission to win at Daytona Beach in the spring, highlighting cheerleading as a competitive sport rather than just cheering on a football team. Cheer highlighted several “characters” who became household names, from the cheer god Gabbie Butler, to sweet and shy Morgan and the mat talker himself Jerry.
The show has always taken a more serious approach, addressing topics of underage drinking, drugs and maintaining grades while being on a varsity sport. The season ends with Navarro winning Daytona and leaving viewers wondering what is next.
Cue, the internet blowing up and becoming obsessed with everything and everyone Cheer related. From Ellen, to brand deals and more, Navarro Cheer became a household name overnight, which like most stories regarding people’s 15 minutes of fame comes drama, drama and even more drama.
With the success of the first season, audiences expected there to be a follow up season. However, sexual abuse allegations as well as Instagram Live debacles and more plagued the show.
When it was finally announced season 2 was going to be released, I was excited to see how it would approach the Daytona Championship as well as how Navarro Cheer dealt with COVID preventing college sports from taking place as well as in-person schooling on college campuses around the United States and the rest of the world.
The show takes a different approach this season with a focus on not just Navarro but also their number one competitor Trinity Valley. The focus rotates between the two schools, their history, and the rivalry while both teams navigate through COVID and attempt to be the best in their sport.
Cheer focuses on the downfall of Jerry as well as the shock felt by the cheerleading and fandom community as these allegations and jail time occurred in between seasons, as well as drama between Coach Monica and star veteran athletes. It seemed more like there was a focus on just pushing out another season rather than trying to live up to the first season’s success.
Similar to Tiger King, the second season of Cheer was good but was nothing at all like the first season and I would consider it a hit or miss. You aren’t missing any more context to the show if you don’t watch season 2.
I agree. I was PUMPED for the 2nd season, but season 1 was better. Don’t get me wrong, I still
binge watched the whole season in a day…..and did like another take on cheer from another school.