Netflix’s Cheer, the six-episode docu-series following Navarro College’s nationally-ranked cheerleading squad, made quite the splash when it premiered on the streamer in January. But, those were simpler times back then. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world and TV productions in major ways, any hope of seeing the Navarro cheerleader’s next competition has been squandered because of the virus.
Navarro College’s cheer squad attends the NCA College Nationals every year. However, Varsity Spirit, the organization who hosts the competition at Daytona Beach, has announced (via People) that the competition is being cancelled this year due to coronavirus fears. The decision comes following the advice from health officials to cancel or postpone events including 50 or more people. Here’s what the Varsity Spirit statement said:
We are actively exploring all options, including rescheduling events, extending the competition season, and hosting virtual competitions, to continue to provide a competition experience for the thousands of athletes who have worked so hard this year to compete. We are hopeful this situation will improve, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented situation. We will continue to update you with more information as soon as it’s available.
This decision greatly affects the team who appeared in Netflix’s popular Cheer docu-series. Daytona 2020 was to take place from April 8 to April 12. Now that it’s become the next coronavirus cancellation victim, the Navarro College’s cheer team won’t be defending their title anytime soon. Well, that’s incredibly devastating.
Navarro’s star cheerleader Gabi Butler posted to her Instagram, expressing how much she’ll miss being on the team and practicing with her fellow cheerleaders. It sounds like the Daytona cancellation was a major blow since this was Butler’s last year on the team. Next to the heartfelt caption, Butler posted a photo of the cheer squad practicing their routine on the mat. Check out her full post below!
While the cancellation is definitely bad news for the team, it’s unclear whether this turn of events will affect a potential Season 2 of Cheer. Back in January, there were reportedly discussions between Netflix and Varsity regarding the two working together again at some point in the future. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Netflix never confirmed that Cheer would get another season.
Currently, all of Netflix’s shows have officially halted filming due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Witcher Season 2 also shut down production in the U.K. What’s more, Netflix sent an email to staff stating that the studio would undergo deep cleaning and disinfection after it was revealed that Season 2 addition and Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju had tested positive for coronavirus.
All six episodes of Cheer can be streamed on Netflix. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates regarding any changes. In the meantime, be sure to check out our midseason schedule for more on what to watch.
