Netflix has officially renewed America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for a third season, following the global success of its first two installments. The series has distinguished itself by documenting the demanding reality of being part of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), presenting an unfiltered view of the rigorous training, intense competition, and personal sacrifices required to perform on one of the most visible stages in sports.
The production, directed by Emmy Award winner Greg Whiteley, takes a year-round approach, capturing not just the game-day performances but also the extended process of auditions, training camps, and behind-the-scenes pressures. In announcing the renewal, Whiteley emphasized the depth of material still left to explore.
“The world of DCC is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to stories to be told,” he explained.
“I’m grateful our crew has another season to keep telling them.”
Charlotte Jones, executive vice president of the Cowboys and daughter of team owner Jerry Jones, has also underscored the importance of the series. Speaking at the premiere of another Cowboys-related Netflix project, she noted the value of showcasing the cheerleaders’ work.
“We have always seen the journeys of players,” she said. “What this show does is shine a light on the women who give so much of themselves to represent this franchise. Every one of them has a story.”
Pay rises and growing visibility
Season two highlighted not only the athletic and emotional demands of the role but also the financial challenges faced by squad members. Historically, Cowboys cheerleaders received modest pay, reportedly as low as $15 per hour with $500 per appearance. That issue became a central narrative when veteran members, including Jada McLean, led a campaign for improved compensation.
The program revealed that the cheerleaders contemplated skipping practices and performances while negotiations took place. Their collective action ultimately resulted in a significant victory: the organization granted a 400 percent increase in pay. While the Cowboys have not confirmed the precise new rates, estimates suggest hourly wages could now fall between $60 and $75.
Veteran team member Megan McElaney described the outcome as “life-changing,” reflecting how financial security has altered the cheerleaders’ ability to continue with the squad.
The pay dispute drew widespread attention and helped broaden public understanding of the economic realities faced by professional cheerleaders. The storyline further demonstrated the series’ role as more than a behind-the-scenes feature; it has become a platform through which issues of equity, recognition, and workplace fairness are brought to light.
Looking ahead, season three will follow the assembly of the 2025 squad as it prepares for the upcoming NFL season under the continued leadership of director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell.
Alongside athletic performance, the show will once again explore themes of resilience, teamwork, and the personal pressures that come with representing the Cowboys’ brand on a global stage.
With the team seeking its first Super Bowl title in nearly three decades, both the players on the field and the cheerleaders on the sidelines will face heightened expectations.
As previous seasons demonstrated, America’s Sweethearts provides not only entertainment but also insight into the often unseen dedication behind professional cheerleading. Season three promises to continue that work, further elevating the stories of a squad that has become as iconic as the franchise it represents.
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