Netflix Offers Sneak Peek At Challenging New Season Of ‘Cheer’

A TV phenomenon when it debuted in January 2020, “Cheer” is returning for a new season to chronicle the further exploits of the Navarro College Cheer Team.

A new trailer for the upcoming season finds the team in the midst of a particularly fraught season that includes the new realities of COVID-19, devastating allegations about one of their own and the reawakening of a fierce rivalry.

“The Emmy-winning breakout sensation is back and the stakes have never been higher,” Netflix’s synopsis of the second season explains. “As Season 2 opens and the buzz around their newfound stardom threatens to alter the dynamic of Navarro Cheer, the team finds no amount of press frenzy could compare to the challenges they must face when COVID-19 upends the 2020 cheer season and a serious criminal accusation is levied at one of their teammates.”

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The synopsis continues: “Against that dramatic backdrop, the nine-episode season expands to showcase Navarro’s fiercest rival: Trinity Valley Community College. As with the Navarro team, TVCC has a charismatic coach and breakout stars whose struggles, triumphs and stories extend far beyond the mat. As both teams push for the 2021 championship in Daytona, familiar faces take compelling detours and new contenders make a name for themselves.”

According to Greg Whitely, director and executive producer of “Cheer”, he had no hesitation when it came to candidly chronicling the challenges the team faced, particularly the arrest of squad member Jerry Harris on charges of soliciting sex from minors.

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“I am a huge believer in the power of stories and telling them honestly,” said Whitely. “I believe the story is going to ultimately be the best version of itself when you are honouring what is true, and you’re not running from it. This season covers events as they unfolded, beginning in January 2020 through April 2021, following Navarro College and their rival Trinity Valley Community College on their journeys to the national championship.”

Added Whitely: “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. Flying home from our last day of shooting in Daytona, I thought, ‘I cannot believe we saw what we just saw, we experienced what we just experienced.’ If we do our job right, we’re able to take the audience on that same ride.”

That ride begins on Wednesday, Jan. 12 when the second season of “Cheer” debuts on Netflix.