The popular Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders returned for its third season on June 16, 2026. This season portrays the intense auditions and training processes as both veteran members and rookie hopefuls gear up for a place on the esteemed Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) team. With a competitive atmosphere, only six veterans departed following the previous season, creating a pressing challenge for the auditioning hopefuls.
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The show’s producers highlight the incredible talent pouring in from around the globe, which has been fuelled by the show’s success over its first two seasons. Kelli Finglass, the DCC director, alongside head choreographer Judy Trammell, faces some of the most daunting decisions yet regarding whom to promote to the prestigious cheerleading squad. The docuseries also delves into how established cheerleaders are navigating the escalating pressures of fame stemming from their sudden prominence.
Filming for this latest season concluded in early 2026, but many cheerleaders featured in the show have already embarked on new and significant life journeys. Reece Weaver, a standout from the earlier seasons, was an audience favourite, having joined the team right after her graduation from the University of Alabama in 2023. Weaver has openly expressed pride in her position with the DCC, recently describing it as her proudest achievement to date. However, after a challenging season that included an ankle injury, Weaver made the emotional decision to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. She now looks forward to a new chapter in her life with her husband while remaining active in the public eye through social media partnerships and appearances.
Another notable cheerleader from the series is Kleine Powell, who first joined the DCC in 2021. Throughout her journey, her deep-rooted passion for dance has shone, particularly in her role as a second group leader during her fifth season. Though Powell initially considered extending her tenure with the DCC, she ultimately chose to retire, launching her visual arts studio, By Kleine, and walking the runways at Miami Swim Week soon after.
Veteran member Megan McElaney returned for her fifth season on the show, where she made a significant mark by securing the title of “veteran of the year” at the annual banquet in May 2026. McElaney’s leadership and advocacy for the cheerleaders contributed to a remarkable pay increase, demonstrating her dedication to her colleagues. Following her departure from the DCC, McElaney has ventured into podcasting with her brother, focusing on their shared dance experiences.
Anna Kate Sundvold, known for her accomplished background in dance and her familial connection to the DCC legacy, also made her mark in the latest season. After successfully securing a role with the DCC, Sundvold transitioned into the financial sector, taking on a position as a financial advisor at a prominent Dallas firm while also enjoying personal adventures abroad.
Former cheerleader Dayton Bramhall faced disappointment when she was cut from the training camp after her fourth audition attempt. However, she has chosen to embrace this change openly, stating her desire to pursue dancing on Broadway or in the West End, thereby shifting her focus towards new opportunities.
The season also highlighted Jenna Waller’s inspiring comeback story. After being the last member cut from training camp the previous year, she not only secured a spot on the 2025-26 team but also earned the title of “rookie of the year” at the season’s conclusion, celebrating her triumph on social media.
Among the new recruits was Faith Ward, an Australian dancer who successfully landed a place on the team as a rookie and made history as the first New Zealand-born member of the DCC. This season showcased her dynamic personality and dance skills, with her distinctive style quickly winning over fans.
As the series progresses, it continues to follow the remarkable journeys of each cheerleader, celebrating their triumphs and exploring the complexities of their lives beyond cheerleading. With new opportunities emerging, a mixture of heartbreaks and accomplishments, and aspirations for the future, America’s Sweethearts offers a candid glimpse into the world of professional cheerleading and the women behind the glittering uniforms. As the DCC prepares for another exciting season, fans eagerly await the next chapter in their favourite cheerleaders’ lives.