Parents' Guide to

Cheerleader Nation

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Family-friendly reality show that's OK for teens.

TV Lifetime Television Reality TV 2006
Cheerleader Nation Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

shoerster
shoerster Parent of 8 and 10-year-old
August 11, 2010
age 11+

Love this show!

This title has:

Great messages
KateT8
KateT8 Parent of 16-year-old
July 21, 2010
age 8+
The mothers of these Lexington cheerleaders are SICK puppies. I went to high school in Lexington and I HATE the message my hometown is giving through these shallow, self-centered selfish mothers who live vicariously through their daughters. The fact that this show is even aired shows that LIFETIME is desperate for subject material. I hope other mothers out there are showing some common sense and allowing their daughters to be who they are.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

CHEERLEADER NATION follows a group of super-competitive teenagers vying for spots on Lexington, Kentucky's Dunbar High School varsity cheerleading squad in the hopes of helping the school get to its third straight national championship. Leading the group is tough-but-sensitive coach Donna Martin who guides the girls through tryouts, daily practice, and, ultimately, the United Cheerleading Association National championships. Real-life dramas unfold as each girl faces her own personal challenges. (Examples include Martin's daughter, Ryan, who makes the team and finds herself struggling to gain her mom's approval on and off the court, and Katie, Dunbar's star soccer player who, as a senior, gives up the sport for cheerleading.)

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Teens and their parents will be enthralled by each hour-long episode, which gives them a rare glimpse into the lives of seemingly regular -- though extremely athletic -- teenagers navigating their way through high school. The girls on the show deal with managing friendships and romances while pursuing their goal and keeping up their grades, and come across as sincere in their attempt to "have it all."

But while the teens on the show are painted as "everygirls," they are anything but. All are extremely attractive, with nary a hair out of place, and all seem to come from affluent families where no need goes unmet. The only real issue these girls apparently have to deal with is overbearing moms who have just as much invested in their daughters' cheerleading skills as the girls do. Still, families who watch the show together will find much to talk about and will be highly entertained, if nothing else.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how teens can successfully juggle extracurricular activities while keeping their grades up. How can you effectively manage your time in high school? Issues involving sports, competition, and ambition also come into play. How do you know when you've crossed the line in pursuit of a goal? Do parents put too much pressure on their kids to succeed?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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