Cheer fans have been eagerly waiting for news about a possible third season, and executive producer Greg Whiteley gives us an exclusive peek into what it might take to bring the hit Netflix docuseries back.

Since its debut in January 2020, Cheer captured the hearts of viewers by showcasing the intense journey of Navarro College’s cheerleading team as they vied for national titles. Led by the indomitable coach Monica Aldama, the series brought fame to athletes like Gabi Butler, Morgan Simianer, and Lexi Brumback. However, it also faced dark times with the scandal involving Jerry Harris, who pled guilty to serious charges in 2022.

As Whiteley prepares to release his new sports docuseries, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders—dubbed by many as “Cheer Season 3″—he shares with PEOPLE the challenges and possibilities of reviving Cheer for another season.

The High Bar Set by Cheer

“I think the bar has been set pretty high,” Whiteley remarks when asked about a potential return. “That world is incredibly interesting, but finding the right squad and the right team is essential. It’s hard to beat Monica.”

Monica Aldama, who led Navarro to 16 NCA National Championships, retired in December 2023, making her an irreplaceable figure in the cheerleading community. This sets a challenging precedent for any future iterations of the series.

America’s Sweethearts: A Different Playbook

Comparisons between Cheer and America’s Sweethearts are inevitable, yet Whiteley emphasizes the vast differences. “Technically, they’re both cheerleading teams,” he explains. “But one is really a dance team, while the other is quasi-gymnastics, competitive cheer.”

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), featured in America’s Sweethearts, are more akin to a dance team, drawing parallels to the Radio City Rockettes. This new series also had to navigate the legacy of CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which followed the DCC for 16 seasons.

Whiteley notes that many DCC veterans referenced their time on the reality series, prompting a revisit to some of that footage to enrich their stories. The challenge was ensuring a brand as iconic as the DCC would be open to the in-depth documentary style that Whiteley is known for.

Winning Over the Cowboys

Winning the trust of the Dallas Cowboys organization was no small feat. “I didn’t think they would be willing to give us the access we require,” Whiteley admits. A pivotal meeting with Charlotte Jones, the executive vice president and chief brand officer of the Cowboys, assured him otherwise. “She assured me, ‘Hey, we would be willing to do this if you are.’ And the world is obviously interesting enough that it warrants this kind of doc treatment.”

What’s Next?

While America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is set to premiere on June 20 on Netflix, the future of Cheer remains uncertain. Yet, with the bar set high and a proven formula for captivating sports documentaries, fans can always hope for another thrilling season in the world of competitive cheerleading.

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