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Cheer Squad
Cheer Squad
from Wikipedia
Cheer Squad
GenreReality
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producerClaire Freeland
ProducerGraeme Lynch
CinematographyShane Geddes
Zachary Williams
Running time42 minutes
Production companyGood Human Productions
Original release
NetworkABC Spark
ReleaseAugust 22 (2016-08-22) –
September 7, 2016 (2016-09-07)

Cheer Squad is a Canadian reality television series that debuted on ABC Spark on July 6, 2016, and in the US on Freeform on August 22, 2016. It follows the Canadian cheer team the Great White Sharks as they work together on the road to world championships.[1] As of 2018 there is only one season, and there will not be a second season.[2]

Cast

[edit]
  • Ashleigh Dodunski (25)
  • Jenna Dodunski (25)
  • Jordan Knox (Knoxy) (26)
  • Daniela Uhlenbruck (Dani) (22)
  • Laura Ashley (L.A.) (24)
  • Sarah Schlotzhauer (Schlotzy)(19)
  • Brittany Silveira (B-Silv) (19)
  • Alicia Jantzi (Yahtzee) (21)
  • Leah Smith (Smitty) (17)
  • Erin Kotlar (Moe) (23)
  • Emily Vesterfelt (Vesty) (16)
  • Bethany Lewis (Beth) (26)
  • Rebecca Webster (Becca) (26)
  • Chelsea Matteson (15)
  • Christina Zara (Zara) (16)
  • Lindsay MacKenzie (Mack) (19)
  • Lora Jordan (asst Coach)
  • Mariah Vittoria Pimpao (Bella) (14)
  • Jennifer Power (Power)(24)
  • Lindsay Everson (Nubs) (16)
  • Ashley Blayney-Hoffer (B.H.) (17)
  • Kiana Horchover (Horch) (19)
  • Haley Debruyne (Bruney) (18)
  • Ali Moffatt (Coach)
  • Anna (17)
  • Ashley (Preddy) (20)

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateProd.
code
1"Building a New Dream Team"July 6, 2016 (2016-07-06)101
Hot off the heels of the World Cheerleading Championships, The Great White Sharks must build a new dream team. Seasoned veterans and fresh faces face off in open tryouts as they attempt to earn a coveted spot. Ashleigh gets a driving lesson from her sister Jenna and roommate Knoxy.[3]
2"Standing Out and Fitting In"July 13, 2016 (2016-07-13)102
With a new team roster, the Sharks head to the super elite Hot Shots skills camp in Miami. But the newly minted team is struggling to perform. Can they pull it together and prove they are worthy of the invite?
3"Summer Heat"July 20, 2016 (2016-07-20)103
It's the middle of the summer and the heat is on The Great White Sharks. By the end of the week one athlete will be removed from roster and placed on the alternates list. Coach Ali announces she will make her decision after the team performs together for the first time in front of thousands of people at a professional football game. Off the mat, Twins Ashleigh and Jenna reluctantly agree to a blind date.
4"Showcase Showdown"July 27, 2016 (2016-07-27)104
The Great White Sharks are about to reveal their routine to the world. Fans everywhere expect jaw-dropping stunts and perfectly executed moves as the team prepares to take the stage at Chomp Down – their first major event of the season. In attendance is Cheer's biggest social media mogul who will put out the routine moments after they finish. Will it be an achievement…or an embarrassment for Ali and her athletes? Amidst the stress Becca attempts a dramatic surprise for her boyfriend Brody. And Bruney experiences growing pains as she leaves home for university.
5"Stage Fright"August 3, 2016 (2016-08-03)105
The Sharks are about to compete in their first official competition of the season – Cheer For The Cure. With two undefeated seasons behind them they are the run away favorites. That is, until Ali's feud with her veterans hits a fever pitch and a shocking injury threatens to derail the team's performance. Off the mat, Nubs and Jenna look for romance at a local hockey game.
6"Desperate Measures"August 10, 2016 (2016-08-10)106
The Sharks return from a break and fight to prepare for their next big showcase – Love 2 Cheer. But, the departure of a key flyer means Coach Ali must make a plea to a former star to return to the team. And with their key position under threat, the Veterans take desperate measures to get their groove back. Off the mat, the bickering Twins agree to help Nubs prepare for her prom with mixed results.
7"Texas Stars"August 17, 2016 (2016-08-17)107
It's time for NCA in Dallas - arguably the single biggest cheer competition in the world. The Sharks are returning champions, but before they take the stage Ali must decide if her former star flyer is ready to perform. Off the mat the Twins challenge their ultra competitive roommate Knoxy to a dance off and Dani gets the surprise of her life when some unexpected visitors show up.
8"Rock Bottom"August 24, 2016 (2016-08-24)108
Tattoos, a donkey sanctuary and a radical new approach to coaching are all part of the last ditch effort by the Sharks to bounce back before their next big competition.
9"Romance and Retribution"August 31, 2016 (2016-08-31)109
The Sharks face an old rival at Nationals while Nubs finds new love on a blind date. When LA surprises her boyfriend Josh with an extravagant gift the gesture backfires.[4]
10"Three-peat?"September 7, 2016 (2016-09-07)110
The Sharks are in Orlando chasing a third World Title. But, first Knoxy must face the music with her Mom while the Twins complete an Orlando bucket list. And then it all comes down to one final performance.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cheer Squad is a Canadian docu-reality television series that premiered in , chronicling the lives of the , an elite all-star all-girl team based in , , as they train rigorously for world championships while balancing school, jobs, family obligations, and personal relationships. The series captures the high-stakes world of competitive , showcasing the team's pursuit of excellence amid intense physical demands and emotional pressures. Produced by Good Human Productions, the show follows the two-time world champion Great White squad from the Cheer Sport Sharks organization, highlighting their journey to defend their title at events like the World Cheerleading Championships. The first and only season consists of 10 episodes, each approximately 42 minutes long, focusing on team tryouts, skill-building, interpersonal conflicts, and competition performances. It originally aired on ABC Spark in starting July 6, 2016, and debuted in the United States on Freeform on August 22, 2016. The Great White Sharks, known for their competitive success in the International Open Level 6 division, represent a pinnacle of all-star , with the series emphasizing themes of sisterhood, perseverance, and athletic dedication. Cheer Squad received a TV-PG rating and has been praised for its inspiring portrayal of young athletes, earning an average viewer rating of 7.2 out of 10 on based on over 1,000 reviews.

Premise and Format

Series Concept

Cheer Squad is a docu-reality series that chronicles the Great White Sharks, a two-time world champion all-star, all-girl team based in , . The program centers on the team's rigorous pursuit of excellence during the 2015-2016 season, as they defend their title at the World Cheerleading Championships while navigating the complexities of . At its core, the series explores the central theme of balancing the demands of elite-level training with personal responsibilities, including school commitments, part-time jobs, romantic relationships, and family obligations. It captures the authentic experiences of the athletes, highlighting their triumphs and setbacks in a raw, unscripted format that emphasizes the sisterhood and resilience within the squad. The show uniquely underscores the physical and emotional toll of competitive , showcasing high-risk stunts that require precision and strength, alongside the risks of injuries and interpersonal conflicts that test team unity. Through intense practice sessions and competition preparations, Cheer Squad illustrates the sacrifices involved in maintaining a championship caliber performance.

Episode Structure

Episodes of Cheer Squad typically run approximately 42 minutes and follow a docu-series format centered on the Sharks' intense training sessions, confessional-style personal interviews, preparation for upcoming competitions, and the interpersonal drama unfolding off the mat. Recurring elements across episodes include behind-the-scenes footage capturing grueling practices and stunt rehearsals, where team members push their physical limits under Coach Ali Moffatt's guidance, alongside candid interviews revealing individual struggles with balancing commitments alongside school, work, and relationships. The narrative progression in each episode generally builds tension through the buildup to weekly challenges or team evaluations, culminates in high-stakes moments such as competitions, performances, or critical team meetings, and concludes with reflections on personal or collective growth amid setbacks or successes.

Production

Development

announced and greenlit the docu-reality series Cheer Squad in 2015 for its youth-oriented network ABC Spark, with production officially commencing on October 30, 2015, under the working title Cheer Stars. ABC Family, soon to be rebranded as Freeform, acquired the U.S. broadcast rights shortly thereafter, scheduling a for summer 2016. The series was produced by Good Human Productions, with Claire Freeland serving as ; the project was driven by the increasing visibility of competitive in television formats during the mid-2010s. Initially conceived as a profile of an elite cheer team, the concept expanded into a comprehensive docu-series to capture the athletes' training, personal challenges, and competitive pursuits over an extended period. Central to the series' development was the selection of the Great White Sharks from Cheer Sport Sharks in , chosen for their consecutive International Open Level 5 world championship wins at the 2014 and 2015 . This decision anchored the narrative around a proven powerhouse team, allowing the production to document their defense of the title. Filming spanned approximately six months starting in late 2015, capturing the squad's preparations amid their rigorous schedule, while focused on preserving raw, unscripted interactions to resonate with young adult viewers seeking authentic reality content.

Filming and Locations

The primary filming for Cheer Squad occurred at the Cheer Sport Sharks facility in Cambridge, Ontario, where the Great White Sharks conducted practices, tryouts, and team events throughout the 2015–2016 competitive season. This location served as the central hub for capturing the team's rigorous training regimen leading up to major competitions. Filming extended to additional sites, including the International Cheer Union World Championships held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in , in April 2016, where the crew documented the 's performance and pursuit of a title defense, at which the placed third in their division. Off-mat sequences were shot in personal settings such as the athletes' schools and homes, providing insight into their daily challenges with school, work, and relationships.

The Great White Sharks

Team Background

The Great White Sharks were an elite all-girl team based out of the Cheer Sport Sharks gym in , , during the filming of Cheer Squad. The parent organization, Cheer Sport Sharks, was founded in 2003 by coaches Ali Moffatt and Alana Potter, initially offering a program to 35 young athletes at the Cambridge Kips Club, and has since expanded to multiple locations across while developing competitive teams like the Great White Sharks. The team itself emerged as a senior-level squad within this framework, evolving from regional competitions to a prominent presence on the international all-star circuit through consistent high-level performance. Key achievements during this period include back-to-back world championships in the International Open All-Girl Level 5 division at the , with gold medals in 2014 and 2015 held in . These victories solidified their status as one of the top teams in the International All Star Federation (IASF) circuit, where they compete against squads from over 40 countries. The team's success reflects a progression from earlier medals, including silvers in 2007 and 2012, highlighting their growth into an elite program. The Great White Sharks maintained a rigorous year-round training regimen, emphasizing advanced Level 5 skills such as complex stunts, tumbling passes, and multi-level pyramids, which prioritize athletic precision and synchronization over conventional sideline routines. Practices occurred multiple times per week at their dedicated facilities, fostering physical conditioning and team cohesion to meet the demands of international competition. This focus on competitive all-star distinguishes them from recreational or school-based programs. Organizationally, the team operated under Cheer Sport Sharks, with coaches certified by the IASF, and aligned with Canadian governing bodies like Cheer Canada for national standards while adhering to IASF rules for global events. Participation involved significant financial commitment, with annual costs per athlete often exceeding $10,000 to cover uniforms, travel to competitions, , and gym fees. The Great White Sharks' real-world accomplishments provided the foundation for their portrayal in the documentary series Cheer Squad. Since the series, the team has continued its success, winning additional World Championships in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023; transitioned to the Level 6 division around 2020; and became coed for the 2025-2026 season in the International Open Small Coed Level 6 division.

Key Members and Roles

The Great White Sharks cheer squad is led by head coach Ali Moffatt, who serves as co-owner of Cheer Sport Sharks and brings extensive experience in competitive cheerleading to her role. Moffatt is responsible for designing choreography and pushing the athletes through rigorous training sessions aimed at world championship success, often creating tension through her demanding standards that test the team's limits. While the squad does not feature a formally designated captain in documented accounts, veteran athletes often step into positions, handling key roles such as bases and flyers while motivating newer members during practices and competitions. These experienced performers, typically in their early 20s, draw on their tenure to guide the group, fostering a of unity amid the physical and emotional demands of elite . Supporting members include a diverse group of 24 elite athletes aged 13 to 26, encompassing tumblers, bases, and flyers who contribute unique skills to the team's dynamic routines. For instance, Chelsea Matteson, a 14-year-old former elite gymnast ranked 11th nationally in 2013, joined the squad in 2014 as its youngest member and provides essential tumbling expertise, helping elevate the team's high-energy performances while balancing high school studies. Similarly, veterans like Sarah Schlotzhauer, Alicia Jantzi, Jenn Power, and Kiana Horchover, all in their early 20s, have overcome injuries and personal challenges to anchor multiple championship seasons, exemplifying resilience in positions requiring strength and precision. Other notable athletes, such as Jenna Dodunski and Ashley Preddy, both around 20-25 years old, handle flyer and base duties, bringing infectious energy that supports the squad's collaborative spirit during on-screen training sequences. These roles shape team interactions by promoting a sisterhood where veterans mentor rookies on technique and , helping the group navigate the pressures of alongside , work, and relationships, as highlighted in the series' portrayal of their off-mat bonds. The Great White ' multi-year championship history underscores how such dynamics contribute to their sustained success in international open level 5 competition during the series era.

Broadcast and Release

Premiere and Distribution

Cheer Squad premiered in on , a network, on July 6, 2016, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The series made its U.S. debut on Freeform, part of Disney-ABC Television Group, on August 22, 2016, airing at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT as part of a two-week nightly event. This schedule aligned with the completion of filming earlier that year, allowing for a timely rollout following the production timeline. The first season featured 10 episodes, broadcast weekly in Canada on ABC Spark and condensed into nightly airings over two weeks on Freeform in the U.S., concluding on September 2, 2016. Corus Entertainment handled distribution in Canada, while Disney-ABC managed U.S. broadcast rights through Freeform. International expansion followed, with Netflix acquiring video-on-demand rights for multiple territories, including and the , beginning in 2017. The series later expanded to additional streaming platforms, such as and Apple TV, for on-demand availability. Marketing efforts centered on promotional trailers that showcased the cheerleaders' athleticism and themes of empowerment, aimed at teen viewers through campaigns and partnerships with events. These initiatives, led by Freeform and , emphasized the squad's real-life challenges and triumphs to engage young audiences.

Home Media and Streaming

Following its initial broadcast, the series became available for streaming on starting in 2017 in select territories, but was later removed in regions like the due to licensing changes. As of November 2025, Cheer Squad is accessible for purchase or rental on and Apple TV in the , and on Freeform's on-demand service; availability varies by region, with free streaming on in certain international markets. In addition to main episodes, digital extras such as behind-the-scenes clips, tutorials demonstrated by cast members, and promotional content are hosted on official channels affiliated with Freeform and the production team, providing supplementary material for fans interested in the real-life inspirations behind the show.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Critical reviews of Cheer Squad were limited, reflecting the series' niche focus on competitive within the reality TV landscape. awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, commending its portrayal of the and required in the while cautioning about the visible risks of during high-stakes stunts. Reviewers praised the series for authentically capturing the rigor of all-star cheerleading, including the physical demands and team dynamics of the Great White Sharks. LaughingPlace highlighted how the show effectively showcased the "cut-throat" nature of practices, blending elements of gymnastics and dance to illustrate the athletes' dedication. Similarly, Common Sense Media noted positive themes of hard work, goal-setting, and sisterhood, which empower young female viewers by emphasizing resilience and collaboration in a high-pressure environment. Criticisms centered on production elements, with some outlets pointing to formulaic reality TV structures and pacing issues. LaughingPlace critiqued the , arguing that the premiere's extended recap of prior victories delayed engagement with the current season's challenges, making the feel drawn out. Despite these flaws, the athletic sequences were consistently lauded for their intensity. The series holds an average IMDb user rating of 7.2 out of 10 based on 185 reviews, indicating solid if not exceptional reception among viewers. Notable quotes underscore the series' mixed but appreciative reception. Common Sense Media's Melissa Camacho described it as "mild" content that promotes "positive themes about working hard, teamwork, and having goals," though she added that "big stunts lead to bad falls, serious injuries, and scary moments." LaughingPlace's Marshal Knight observed, "Cheerleading practices are cut throat, just like the sport itself. One mess up and you are screwed," praising the raw depiction of pressure but lamenting structural choices that hindered deeper personal due to the season's brevity. The series received no major awards but earned a nomination at the 2018 for Best Direction in Children's or Youth programming, credited to director Graeme Lynch for the "Three-peat?"

Audience Impact

Cheer Squad garnered modest viewership during its 2016 run on Freeform, averaging approximately 200,000 U.S. viewers per based on reported Nielsen figures for sampled airings, which helped introduce competitive all-star to a teen and sparked initial in the sport's intensity. The series' portrayal of the athletes' rigorous training and personal sacrifices boosted visibility for , particularly in competitive cheer, by showcasing the physical and emotional demands beyond stereotypes. The show's social media presence grew steadily, reaching over 13,000 followers on and 15,000 on by the end of its run, reflecting a dedicated fanbase engaged with behind-the-scenes content and team updates. Online communities, including fan discussions on platforms like and , focused on the squad's routines, dynamics, and life lessons from balancing with everyday challenges, while the Great White Sharks made post-airing appearances at cheer events to connect with supporters. As of 2025, Cheer Squad endures as a niche in documentaries, available on streaming platforms like , where it continues to humanize the sport's high-stakes environment.

Episodes

Season Overview

Season 1 of Cheer Squad comprises 10 episodes that document the Great White Sharks' pursuit of a third consecutive title during the 2015-2016 all-star season, starting after the 2015 World Championships in April 2015 with in summer 2015 and culminating in their performance at the USASF/IASF in April 2016. The series captures the team's rigorous regimen and competitive progression, including major events like the Cheerleading Worlds preparation phases, while highlighting the physical and emotional demands of elite-level . The overarching narrative centers on the Sharks' defense of their 2015 championship amid significant challenges, such as injuries to veteran athletes, roster adjustments through competitive tryouts that integrated new members with seasoned performers, and personal hurdles including balancing intense practices with school, jobs, and family obligations. These elements drive the storyline toward the season's climax at the 2016 Worlds, where the team secured a in the International Open All Girl Level 5 division after navigating setbacks that tested their unity and determination. Recurring themes throughout the season emphasize resilience in overcoming adversity, the essential role of in executing complex routines, and the intricate blend of athletic prowess and artistic performance inherent to competitive , where precision stunts and synchronized blur the boundaries between sport and spectacle. Production notes reveal that the docu-series incorporated real-time footage of practices, competitions, and to provide an authentic glimpse into the ' journey, filmed on location in . No further seasons were produced, as Freeform did not renew the series amid evolving programming priorities following its 2016 debut.

Episode Summaries

Episode 1: "Building a New Dream Team"
Aired July 6, 2016 ()
Fresh faces compete against veterans for spots on the Great White Sharks after the World Cheerleading Championships. Episode 2: "Standing Out and Fitting In"
Aired July 13, 2016 ()
The new team struggles to perform at the elite skills camp in . Episode 3: "Summer Heat"
Aired July 20, 2016 ()
The perform at a game; a coach decides on an alternate player. Episode 4: "Showcase Showdown"
Aired July 27, 2016 ()
The team performs at Chompdown, with their routine shared on . Episode 5: "Stage Fright"
Aired August 3, 2016 (Canada)
Coach Ali disagrees with veterans; an injury threatens a competition performance. Episode 6: "Desperate Measures"
Aired August 10, 2016 (Canada)
Ali recruits a former star for a showcase; veterans focus on team building; twins help Nubs with prom. Episode 7: "Texas Stars"
Aired August 17, 2016 (Canada)
The defend their title in ; Knoxy faces a challenge from the twins; guests surprise Dani. Episode 8: "Rock Bottom"
Aired August 24, 2016 (Canada)
The team rebounds with a donkey sanctuary visit, tattoos, and a coaching change before a . Episode 9: "Romance and Retribution"
Aired September 28, 2016 ()
The face a rival at Nationals; Nubs finds romance; LA’s gift to her boyfriend backfires. Episode 10: "Three-peat?!"
Aired October 5, 2016 ()
The aim for a title; Knoxy confronts her mother; twins complete an .

References

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