Suspensions, walk-outs, and secrets. The new season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is darker than expected.

The pom-poms are out, the white boots are laced up, and Netflix's most addictive reality series is back.

America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has returned for its highly anticipated second season, and after the cultural phenomenon that was season one, expectations were sky-high.

Following the same winning formula that had us all glued to our screens, season two tracks the 2024-2025 squad from the gruelling audition process right through to the final banquet and awards ceremony. It's the same structure we loved, but with fresh faces and familiar favourites that'll have you emotionally invested all over again.

This season brings back beloved veterans like Jada and Chandi — two absolute powerhouses whose stories really take centre stage this season. But perhaps the most heartwarming return comes from fan-favourites Charly and Kelly, the returning rookies who had us all in tears when they missed out on making the squad last season. Watching them get another shot at their dreams? Pure television gold.

Amongst the new faces, we also meet Dayton, whose DCC legacy runs deep — her mother is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and current choreographer for the team. Then there's 18-year-old Madie, the youngest member to join the DCC this year, bringing fresh energy and youthful determination to the squad.

So, does this second season deliver?

I can confirm, season two did not disappoint. As a fan of the first season, this year embodies the same wishful dreaming and empowerment that captivated us the first time around, but with it comes a noticeable shift in tone.

This season is a little grim, no?

Season two delivers some genuinely progressive and powerful moments that feel like real steps forward. The exploration of veteran Armani's alopecia journey is nothing short of inspiring. Watching her dance without a wig for the first time at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals game was a moment that brought tears to my eyes.

Image: Netflix

The show also delves into the team's efforts to support textured hair through a specialist brought in specifically to cater to different hair types. It might seem like a small detail, but for an organisation with the DCC's history around diversity, it feels like a genuinely meaningful step forward.

The two most compelling storylines this season centre around women of colour — Jada and Chandi's backstories are beautifully explored, giving us insight into their journeys and what drives them. These are the stories that make the show more than just sparkly entertainment. We love to see it.

Now, for the things I didn't love so much. Let's be real — for all its attempts at progressiveness, America's Sweethearts still has some uncomfortable truths to reckon with. Yes, we're seeing more diverse stories highlighted, which is fantastic, but the reality remains that the bulk of the team is still made up of mostly blonde, white, thin women.

Image: Netflix

Take Allison, the Asian team member who's featured visually in the background of the show but never heard speaking or spoken to throughout the entire series. It's a missed opportunity that feels particularly glaring given the show's apparent commitment to showcasing diversity.

And those beauty standards? Still as toxic as ever. The casual comments from Judy and Kelli about the girls' weight and body structures continue to make for uncomfortable viewing. The underlying issues around eating disorders within the team remain a huge unaddressed problem, lurking beneath the surface of all that glitter and glamour.

Season two also doesn't shy away from the darker realities of DCC life. The pay dispute storyline brings back one of the most shocking revelations from season one — just how little these incredibly talented athletes actually earn. This year, we delve deeper into the ongoing tension between the cheerleaders' professional dedication and their financial compensation. These women aren't just performers; they're athletes, brand ambassadors, and entertainers who dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft, yet their pay structure remains a source of significant controversy.

While season two deserves credit for showcasing more diverse stories and watching some of the girls push back against outdated DCC traditions, there's an unmistakable tension simmering beneath the surface. You can practically feel the resistance from the organisation — and not to mention from Judy and Kelli — when it comes to the bigger, more uncomfortable conversations around things like fair pay.

There's also a domestic violence storyline that adds serious weight to the series, plus the suspension of one team member for breaking DCC rules and another girl leaving after a bullying investigation.

These aren't just dramatic plot points — they're real issues affecting real women, and the show deserves credit for not glossing over them entirely.

Image: Netflix

So, what's the verdict? America's Sweethearts season two is simultaneously the show's greatest triumph and its most frustrating contradiction. It's making genuine efforts toward progress while still operating within a system that perpetuates many of the problems it's trying to address.

But here's the thing — we're still going to watch every single episode, probably twice. Because beneath all the problematic elements lies something genuinely compelling: the stories of incredibly talented, determined women chasing their dreams against all odds.

Season two proves that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders phenomenon isn't going anywhere. It's messy, it's complicated, and it's absolutely unmissable television.

America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season two is now streaming on Netflix.

Feature Image: Netflix.