Even if you have never tumbled in your life, many of us have heard of the Netflix Original Series Cheer. Although the show was released 2 years ago, no one has ever stopped talking about it. I decided to start watching the show recently, and it is already one of my favorites!

   Based in the small town of Corsicana Texas, head cheer coach of Navarro Community College Monica Aldama is a hardcore woman who expects perfection from her cheerleaders. Watching the girls fly in the air and watching the guys tumble up and down the mats are some of the most interesting stunts I have ever watched. These young athletes mentally and physically are consistently challenged in ways I had never imagined. People usually question whether or not cheer is a sport, but watching just one practice of these athletes will make you never question this again.

   Throughout the documentary, you get to know a lot of the characters outside of just cheer. A handful of these athletes come from tough backgrounds. Luckily, Navarro College has offered them a “safe space” and cheer has given them a built-in family. 

   Each episode dives into the lives of specific characters. Monica, Lexi, Morgan, La’ Darius, and Gabi all either struggle at home or have had cheer impact their lives in difficult ways.

   Throughout the first season of this show, you will cry, laugh, and grow a huge attachment towards these characters. Watching this show makes me wish I could go back in time and choose the path of cheerleading. It’s amazing how close I feel towards these characters after just 6 episodes.   If you haven’t watched this show yet, you’re missing out. I recommend it to everyone no matter what their interests are, as it shows the determination of young athletes around the world.