A documentary series about Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders might not seem like the kind of thing you’d expect to bring tears to your eyes, but many Netflix viewers have been deeply moved by “America’s Sweethearts.”
It’s been less than a month since the seven-episode series premiered, but it has already drawn intense reactions from many social media users, with many saying they never expected to feel so strongly about the show.
“I went into ‘America’s Sweethearts,’ the Netflix documentary about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (‘DCC’ for the uninitiated) with awe and curiosity, but I was not impressed,” one X user wrote.
Some fans are saddened by the harsh working conditions the cheerleaders face, while others are impressed by the cheerleaders’ work ethic and lively personalities and look forward to the next season.
Whether you love or hate the series, it’s definitely creating a buzz. Let’s take a quick look at what viewers think.
What is “America’s Sweethearts”?
“America’s Sweethearts” is a seven-episode documentary series that premiered on Netflix in June and follows new and returning Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders as they audition for the team and prepare for the 2023 football season.
Many viewers feel “sad” after watching the series
Because there are limited spots for the cheerleading squad, not everyone who auditions makes it through, and some viewers were touched to see so many women who put in so much effort only to be eliminated.
“Did America’s Sweethearts make you sad? I’ve only watched up to episode two and I’ve cried like 4 times lol,” one X user wrote.
Viewers will also see the mental toll the audition process takes on the cheerleaders, many of whom have dreamed of joining the team for years.
“I binge-watched the #AmericasSweethearts documentary series and I feel nothing but incredible sadness for them all,” one X user wrote.
One of the returning cheerleaders, Victoria Karina, opened up about her struggles with eating disorders and spoke about the pressure her squad members feel to look a certain way, and moments like these have resonated with many viewers.
“So DCC is basically perpetuating everything women have been fighting to change for years: equal pay, racial and body diversity. Pushing beautiful, talented women into depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders. But hang in there cowboy,” one X user wrote.
Because training to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader takes a lot of time and effort, you might think that team members are paid the same as full-time employees.
However, for some cheerleaders, the pay for their duties is so low that it’s actually a full-time job.
“Watching America’s Sweethearts made me feel sad for these girls. It’s completely insensitive that the Jones family is so underpaying them for the ‘privilege’ of being on the team,” one X user wrote.
Some social media users suggested the cheerleaders should consider forming a union to demand better pay and benefits.
“The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders need to unionize immediately. America’s sweethearts are being exploited,” one person commented.
Some X-users pointed to the long hours that come with being part of a team and the physical toll it takes on a woman’s body.
“They need unions and lawyers. Women in their early 20s, physically damaged, hiding behind glamorous dreams and barely paid,” one woman wrote.
Many viewers are hoping there will be another season of the show.
Despite the criticism the show has received, many viewers have said they really enjoyed the show and hope that Netflix will produce another season.
“I hope Netflix makes another season of America’s Sweethearts. I’m not into football but these women have me hooked,” one woman wrote.
Some viewers said they didn’t expect to like the show as much as they did.
“America’s Sweethearts is available on Netflix! I played it in the background and I was hooked!” one person wrote.
Many viewers were unaware that the cheerleaders auditioned to earn their spot on the team and then worked hard to keep it.
“I didn’t cry watching America’s Sweethearts Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders documentary on Netflix. These girls are so sweet and hard working,” one woman wrote.
Some viewers were impressed by the cheerleaders’ amazing dancing.
“Watching America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders while working out really motivates me to push myself through my HIIT sessions (I hate HIIT),” one user wrote.
Overall, fans of the show said they enjoyed its “light and fun” atmosphere. “It felt like joy,” one fan wrote.
