Cheer – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Cheer

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

55%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Stunning athleticism meets heavy real-world trauma in this acclaimed but mature docuseries about competitive cheerleading.

93%

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Cheer

show

NR, 2020

55%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Stunning athleticism meets heavy real-world trauma in this acclaimed but mature docuseries about competitive cheerleading.

93%

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93%

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Screenwise Verdict

Cheer is genuinely great television—cinematic, emotionally gripping, and a revelation for anyone who thought cheerleading was just sideline fluff. The athleticism alone is worth the watch, and the personal stories are raw and compelling.

But this is not a feel-good sports doc you can throw on for family movie night. Season 2 dives headfirst into Jerry Harris's criminal case, and the series as a whole includes frequent profanity, vaping, graphic injury talk, and heavy discussions of trauma, depression, and abuse. It's a lot.

For mature teens (15+) and adults, Cheer is a powerful conversation starter about consent, safety in sports, and the cost of chasing excellence. Just go in with your eyes open—and your co-viewing hat on.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15 and up, ideally with parental co-viewing. The athletic performances are inspiring, but the mature themes—sexual abuse, mental health crises, explicit language—require context and discussion. Not appropriate for tweens or younger teens.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The series captures genuine moments of teamwork, mentorship, and resilience as athletes push through injuries and personal hardships. Coach Monica Aldama's tough-love approach and the squad's camaraderie offer some positive modeling. However, the show also includes frequent profanity, vaping, references to substance use, and increasingly explicit discussions of sexual abuse, sexting, and trauma as seasons progress. The wholesome elements are real but heavily counterbalanced by mature content.

Imaginative

Cheer is a documentary that documents real life rather than inviting creative expression or exploration. The athleticism on display is stunning and might inspire viewers to appreciate the artistry of competitive cheer, but the format is observational—you're watching, not building or creating. It doesn't prompt imaginative play or curiosity-driven discovery beyond 'wow, that's an incredible sport.'

Safe

Major safety concerns. The series includes graphic descriptions of injuries (concussions, broken bones), detailed discussions of sexual abuse allegations (Jerry Harris's arrest for soliciting minors), references to depression and suicide, and moderate-to-strong language throughout. Season 2 directly covers Harris's criminal case and the trauma experienced by victims. Parents and IMDb flag increasing references to sexuality, sexting, vaping, and indirect drug use. This is not content a child should stumble into unexpectedly—it requires deliberate parental co-viewing and context.

Enriching

Cheer offers a rare, cinematic window into an underappreciated sport and the extraordinary dedication required to compete at an elite level. The athletes' personal stories—many overcoming poverty, family trauma, and systemic barriers—provide genuine insight into resilience, ambition, and the cost of excellence. The series also tackles difficult conversations about abuse, consent, mental health, and the pressures young athletes face. For mature teens and adults, it's a powerful catalyst for discussions about safety in sports, recognizing warning signs of predatory behavior, and the importance of support systems. High production value and strong critical acclaim (93% RT, 81 Metacritic) reinforce its quality.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Showcases the jaw-dropping skill and dedication of elite cheerleaders—this is a legit sport, not just pom-poms
Raw, honest storytelling about athletes overcoming poverty, family trauma, and personal adversity
High production value and critical acclaim (93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 Metacritic)—this is quality documentary filmmaking
Opens important conversations about abuse in sports, mental health, consent, and recognizing predatory behavior
Offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a world most people only see in Friday Night Lights montages

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What to Watch For

Season 2 directly covers Jerry Harris's arrest for soliciting minors and the abuse he committed—this is heavy, explicit content
Frequent strong language, scenes of vaping, and indirect drug references throughout
Graphic descriptions of injuries (concussions, broken bones) and discussions of depression and suicide
Increasingly mature themes around sexuality, sexting, and trauma as the series progresses
Not suitable for younger teens or tweens—this is 15+ territory with required parental co-viewing

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about the pressure these athletes are under? Is it worth it for a shot at Daytona?"
"How do you think Coach Monica's tough-love approach compares to other coaches or teachers you've seen?"
"The Jerry Harris situation—what are some warning signs of predatory behavior, and what would you do if you saw something concerning?"
"Do you think the physical risks of competitive cheer (concussions, injuries) are handled responsibly? What should coaches and programs be doing differently?"
"Several athletes talk about using cheer as an escape from difficult home lives. What are healthy ways to channel stress or trauma?"

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