The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
by Avah Fetzer
Assistant Editor-In-Chief
Spoiler Alert: This story has spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Trigger warning: This story mentions some difficult topics displayed in the series, such as sexual abuse and eating disorders. Avoid reading if you are sensitive to these topics.
After the first release of the hit show ‘Cheer’ on Netflix, many people (including myself) found themselves binge-watching the 6 episode series many times. The show was released January 8th, 2020, a few months before the world shut down due to COVID-19. Over quarantine I found myself watching the very captivating and time-consuming show over and over again. I loved everything about watching the reality behind the ‘cheer world’ especially being a competitive dancer, where some of the experiences overlap.
Two years after the release of the first season, the cast announced a second season which was being released on January 12th, 2022 and includes nine episodes. Many fans expected this to be a tough season to watch due to the circumstances the team was put under because of COVID-19 and situations with a few of the athletes. Nevertheless, I found the show to be very interesting and something that was able to maintain my attention. The show covers many different topics, including some difficult topics that need to be mentioned.
The shows take on the ‘Jerry situation’
Many people who watched season one mention athlete Jerry Harris as one of their favorites. Harris is known for being bubbly, outgoing, positive, friendly, etc. However, social media platforms overflowing with headlines regarding the athlete arguably ruined his career. A headline in particular in september of 2020 from USA today reads, “Jerry Harris from ‘Cheer’ under FBI investigation for allegedly soliciting sex from minors” (click here for full article). Episode five is solely dedicated to discussing this issue, as the twin teenage boys involved speak up about their experiences with Harris. Many students similar to Mackenzie Kaminicki think, “what Jerry did was incredibly saddening and unexpected”. The other peers amongst Harris’ cheer team share their feelings of the situation and refer to it as feeling like they lost someone. Head coach, Monica Aldama shares that Harris wrote to her and sounded “optimistic” and generally positive.
If you or someone you know is struggling from sexual abuse call 1-800-656-4673 or visit https://www.rainn.org for more information.
Watermelon cleanse
In episode two of the series, popular cheerleader Gabi Butler is seen talking about how she’s participating in a watermelon cleanse, eating basically only watermelon. Many fans of the show have controversial thoughts about this clip saying how it’s not healthy for athletes exercising as much as Butler to be eating only watermelon. In fact, healthline.com says, “It’s important to take note that watermelon doesn’t contain any fat, which is an essential nutrient, just like protein,” which watermelon also lacks (Click here for full article). Butler was discussing with her mother about this diet and saying that it’s okay to do at that moment because it’s just choreography week. However, obviously when you are at the athletic level that Butler is at, watermelon alone is not enough to keep you energized. Additionally, because Butler has made such a big name for herself in the cheer world, many young girls look up to her and may think that because she is participating in this dieting trend, it means they need to as well. Whether the producers catch onto it or not, including this clip is promoting unhealthy body image and eating disorders, especially linking it to a sport that is very susceptible to these issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, call or text (800)-931-2237 or visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.
Overall feelings
Aside from the few controversial clips, the second season differs greatly from the first season. The second season focuses more on the athletes not shown in the first season, and does a small spotlight on each new athlete to the team. Additionally, the second season focuses more on Navarro’s ‘rival team’, Trinity Valley. The second season also focuses more on every detail each team uses to prepare for nationals in Daytona beach, Florida. While nationals didn’t end as many fans would’ve hoped, Aldama finishes the second season by saying, “Those feelings [that come when you do finally succeed], that rush, that’s what we all work so hard for…that’s cheerleading”.
Fans of the show are already begging the producers for a third season, meaning that the show is definitely worth the watch. Kaminicki also says the show is “interesting and shows the true struggle behind such a competitive and difficult sport”. The show really sheds light onto a sport that not many people know much about innan interesting way. If you haven’t already watched the documentary series, I definitely recommend it, as long as you are carefully reading the warnings included in each episode. Happy watching!