Despite numerous setbacks and obstacles, Cheer will return to Netflix for a second season in January.
The return of Cheer comes as a surprise to many because of the controversy that followed much of the first season. While the first installment of cheerleading saga highlighted Navarro College Cheerleading Head Coach Monica Aldama, star cheerleader Gabi Butler and several others as they won the 2020 NCAA National Championship, it also spotlighted former cheerleader Jerry Harris. At first, Harris became a beloved Netflix star because of his skill and charismatic personality. However, things took a left turn following season one as he was charged multiple federal sexual misconduct charges.
Netflix began working on season two of Cheer in January 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut down production. Eight months later, production resumed as the team dealt with the fallout of Harris’ misconduct.
“I can’t even, like, process it right now,” Aldama said in the season two trailer after learning that Harris had been charged with federal crimes.
According to Variety, Cheer will address Harris’ legal proceedings directly. The brothers who first called out Harris will also make an appearance in the docuseries. With that said, Harris will not appear in season two.
Through it all, Aldama will attempt to lead a new group of competitors toward another title.
“I am a huge believer in the power of stories and telling them honestly. I believe the story is going to ultimately be the best version of itself when you are honoring what is true, and you’re not running from it,” Cheer director Greg Whiteley said in a statement.
“The new episodes also tackle extremely difficult moments, including the impact of COVID-19 and criminal charges against one of Navarro’s former team members. It was inspiring, heartbreaking, sometimes frustrating, and ultimately moving to be a part of their lives.”
Check out the first trailer for season two of Cheer below before it arrives on January 12.
