America’s Sweethearts has become a popular staple on Netflix, platforming the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. However, what has become clear since Season 3 is that the “Netflix impact” has changed things forever. As we venture toward Season 4, things are likely going to look even more different – it might even feel like a completely different series. For that reason, the fourth installment will probably be my last unless something drastically changes.
Let’s be honest: Season 3 already felt different, and to top it all off, the retirement of DCC favorite Reece is a clear indication of how much has changed. Faith and Emily A. were the main storylines – non-collegiate but highly technical dancers with little experience cheerleading at this level. While their struggle was apparent, Kelli and Judy recognized that more dancers from outside the usual bubble are applying in droves, making the audition process even more intense.
Personally, this takes away from what I enjoyed about the series in the first place, and, ironically, it is a byproduct of director Greg Whiteley’s success. Since Last Chance U (and its basketball spinoff), Cheer, and Wrestlers, Whiteley has proven he has an incredible eye as a sports documentarian. America’s Sweethearts is a testament to how great he is at providing an intimate portrait of young athletes’ lives.
It would not surprise me if Season 4 of America’s Sweethearts shows an increasing need for DCC to consider the power of influencers, rising sponsorships, and less traditional, non-collegiate dancers. Let’s be honest, it looked like Faith had no chance when she joined training camp. We all know Kelli likes a project – and while that project looked to be Emily A., Kelli ultimately picked the New Zealander to be the outlier. In some ways, it felt like Faith’s popularity and niche appeal were simply good for the brand.
Then Faith, of course, crossed boundaries, with Kelli and Judy voicing their annoyance over how she handled the media via her agent. It was a telling-offof sorts, but it wasn’t convincing. When power is taken away from these two ladies, you have to question what’s next.
At the same time, with Reece leaving amid the implication that the global spotlight was becoming too intense, Season 4 could be the turning point at which social media is managed much more loosely. It surprised me to see Judy scoping out Reddit threads in Season 3; it felt uncanny and wrong. In some ways, it made me uncomfortable to see mentors being swayed by anonymous public opinion.
Either way, none of this was a reality in Season 1. DCC is now a hotspot for media opportunities and individual career launches. Increased public appearances are now expected, to the point where Judy and Kelli are missing key moments of training camp. America’s Sweethearts has devolved from a documentary series into reality TV, and we all know how that usually ends. Look at Love Is Blind, for example; it started as an earnest show about singles looking for love, and now it’s just a launchpad for influencers trying to make a name for themselves. The chance to be part of DCC should be mostly about the privilege of the uniform, not the clout.
Either way, the Netflix series will not be the same. Season 3 was the transition; Season 4 will be an interesting, if disappointing, change of course.
