Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team is an American reality television series that premiered in 2006 on Country Music Television.[2] The series follows the auditioning process and the forming of the annual Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. The series features director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and choreographerJudy Trammell (both of whom are former cheerleaders from the 1980s). Hundreds of young women audition each year and are put through the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp system before being cut down to the final 36 squad members for the first home football game of the NFL preseason.
The show tracks the progression of women who are in the audition process of trying to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. The show begins at Texas Stadium (Seasons 1–3), and going forward to AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium): first the open audition "cattle call", then the five-person audition "cut-down", followed by personal interviews, uniform fittings, BMI testing, physical fitness testing, etiquette training, mock media interviews, and calendar shoots. Successful candidates must also complete a knowledge test on various subjects including, but not limited to: the Dallas Cowboys and their history, NFL Football in general and the rules of the game, general history, government, and current events. There is also the grueling elite dance choreography that tests each girl's capacity to grasp dance combinations and perform the trademark kick-line/jump-split routine for which the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is known. Girls are judged by a hand-picked panel of experts, and scoring is based on physical appearance, physical fitness, dance style, poise, grace, intelligence, and showmanship. Once training camp opens, the girls are put through a program of elite dance training and physical conditioning that is comparable to some professional sports training programs. If a girl is struggling, she is called into Finglass' office to discuss the nature of her difficulty and is generally given an opportunity to correct the shortcoming(s) to avoid being dismissed ("cut") from the squad.
Seasons[]
The series returned for a second season in 2007, and with the success of the program, the series returned for a third season on October 4, 2008. The fourth season started on October 10, 2009. The fifth season began airing on October 15, 2010. Season 6 began airing on October 20, 2011. Season 7 premiered on September 7, 2012. Season 8 premiered on September 6, 2013. Season 9 premiered on August 1, 2014. Season 10 premiered on August 6, 2015.[3] Season 11 premiered on August 25, 2016.[4] Season 12 premiered on August 3, 2017. Season 13 premiered on August 2, 2018. Season 14 premiered on August 2, 2019.[5] Season 15 premiered on November 24, 2020.[6][7] Season 16 scheduled to premiere on September 17, 2021.[8]
Note: Cheerleaders in bold indicate legacy cheerleaders (i.e. mother was previously a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader).
Note: Cheerleaders in italics indicate group leaders during that respective season.
^The 2020 season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team took place in a "quarantine bubble" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All auditions were done online with trainingcamp taking place in person with the needed measurements.[21]
^In June 2018, Wilkins sued the organisation for lost wages, calling for increased pay for members.[51] Lawsuit was settled in September 2019 resulting in increase in "cheerleader pay from $8 an hour to $12, and doubled...game-day pay from $200 to $400."[52]
^Kellerman made news after being accidentally tackled by Jason Witten at the team's 2011 Thanksgiving game against the Miami Dolphins.[80] Reportedly, she was forced to delete herTwitter account after tweeting about the event and tripling her follower count; the Cowboys organisation denied playing any role in Kellerman deleting her account.[81]
^Keys now helps choreograph game day routines for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders[84]
Jennifer McMahon (cut mid-season for breach of contract)[citation needed]
Stefani Peterson (retired)
Ryan Ray (retired)
Makenzi Swicegood (retired)
Point: Nicole Hamilton
Pro Bowl 2010 Representative: Justine Phillips-Orf[53]
Rookie of the Year: Malia Morales
Veteran of the Year: Nicole Hamilton
^Isleib dressed as Lil Wayne in blackface for a 2009 Halloween party.[86] The scandal was "handled internally," and Isleib remained on Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders squad with no public consequences or punishment.[87][88]
Hundreds of women audition for one of the 45 open spots in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp.
2
2
"Episode 2"
October 6, 2006 (2006-10-06)
N/A
45 women start training camp with choreographer Judy Trammell and fitness instructor Jay Johnson.
3
3
"Episode 3"
October 13, 2006 (2006-10-13)
N/A
The girls get fitted for their uniforms; one girl doesn't make the cut.
4
4
"Episode 4"
October 20, 2006 (2006-10-20)
N/A
The girls are tested on their NFL knowledge and athletic skills; another girl is sent home.
5
5
"Episode 5"
October 27, 2006 (2006-10-27)
N/A
The contestants get hair makeovers in preparation for some publicity stills.
6
6
"Episode 6"
November 3, 2006 (2006-11-03)
N/A
Kelli's annual etiquette luncheon; a new choreographer.
7
7
"Episode 7"
November 10, 2006 (2006-11-10)
N/A
The candidates get a crash course in how to deal with the media; the judges from the open call return.
8
8
"Episode 8"
November 17, 2006 (2006-11-17)
N/A
Training camp comes to end and 36 women are poised to become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Season 2 (2007)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
9
1
"Episode 1"
September 4, 2007 (2007-09-04)
N/A
Hundreds of hopefuls arrive at Texas Stadium to tryout for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders; many hopefuls are eliminated during the preliminary and the semi-final auditions.
10
2
"Episode 2"
September 21, 2007 (2007-09-21)
N/A
Finalists compete against each other and veterans for a spot at the Dallas Cowboys training camp.
11
3
"Episode 3"
September 28, 2007 (2007-09-28)
N/A
The 48 candidates that have made it to training camp are put through an army fitness test and receive evaluations during their first rehearsal.
12
4
"Episode 4"
October 6, 2007 (2007-10-06)
N/A
The veteran cheerleaders model bikinis for an upcoming calendar shoot; the rookies perform for Kelli and Judy.
13
5
"Episode 5"
October 13, 2007 (2007-10-13)
N/A
Reality sets in at the training camp after the first cuts are made; the cheerleaders are fitted for their uniforms; the candidates sweat through a physical workout.
14
6
"Episode 6"
October 20, 2007 (2007-10-20)
N/A
Guest choreographer Kitty Carter teaches a class; the rookies get professional makeovers.
15
7
"Episode 7"
October 27, 2007 (2007-10-27)
N/A
The rookies get to wear iconic uniforms during their first modeling shoot; the girls go skydiving with the Golden Knights.
16
8
"Episode 8"
November 3, 2007 (2007-11-03)
N/A
The last rehearsals and the final cuts for the 2007 squad; the ladies pose for their Squad Photo; the squad performs in front of 65,000 fans at Texas Stadium.
Season 3 (2008)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
17
1
"Episode 1"
October 4, 2008 (2008-10-04)
N/A
600 hopefuls arrive at Texas Stadium for the preliminary auditions for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; 60 women are called back after the semifinals for a chance to compete against the veterans to earn a spot in training camp.
18
2
"Episode 2"
October 11, 2008 (2008-10-11)
N/A
In the finals audition, contestants compete with veteran cheerleaders for a spot in training camp. Tryouts feature solo dance routines, background checks and interviews.
19
3
"Episode 3"
October 18, 2008 (2008-10-18)
N/A
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass announces that a couple more veterans have failed the written test; the body fat evaluation does not go well for some veterans; the rookies struggle to learn the choreography.
20
4
"Episode 4"
October 25, 2008 (2008-10-25)
N/A
The ladies go for uniform fittings; the girls compete in an army fitness test for a spot on the elite "Power Squad"; the first cuts are made.
21
5
"Episode 5"
November 1, 2008 (2008-11-01)
N/A
The candidates learn that nobody's position is secure; Kitty Carter works with the weaker girls; the rookies are given makeovers.
22
6
"Episode 6"
November 8, 2008 (2008-11-08)
N/A
Guest choreographer Kitty Carter gives the squad a wake up call; a lesson in DCC etiquette on and off the field; a Vets vs. Rookies football game; Kelli continues to make cuts.
23
7
"Episode 7"
November 15, 2008 (2008-11-15)
N/A
The remaining candidates model the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform during a photo shoot; a veteran helps a rookie when the new girl is asked to dance with more sex appeal; a surprise guest judge has everyone on edge.
24
8
"Episode 8"
November 22, 2008 (2008-11-22)
N/A
The girls are run through their final dance routines; Jay tests the girls' endurance; Kelli and Judy make their final decisions; the '08-'09 squad is announced; the girl's perform during the first Dallas Cowboys game of the season.
Season 4 (2009)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
25
1
"Episode 1"
October 10, 2009 (2009-10-10)
N/A
The 600 hopefuls arrive at the Gaylord Texan Hotel for the preliminary auditions; each contestant performs a freestyle routine in front of the judges; the 115 semi-finalists get a crash course in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders style of dancing.
26
2
"Episode 2"
October 17, 2009 (2009-10-17)
N/A
The 75 remaining hopefuls compete with the returning veterans for a spot at training camp.
27
3
"Episode 3"
October 24, 2009 (2009-10-24)
N/A
The girls head to training camp; Kelli Fineglass critiques the girls' dance abilities.
28
4
"Episode 4"
October 31, 2009 (2009-10-31)
N/A
The third week of training camp; uniform fittings; Jay judges the physical fitness level of the girls.
29
5
"Episode 5"
November 7, 2009 (2009-11-07)
N/A
Contestants are hoisted 16 stories and dropped into a net; Kelli invites former contestant in camp; Another contestant is released from camp.
30
6
"Episode 6"
November 14, 2009 (2009-11-14)
N/A
Forty-one wannabes pose for their Official DCC Cameo Photograph; Contestants rehearse flying jump splits; Contestants prepare for first game.
31
7
"Episode 7"
November 21, 2009 (2009-11-21)
N/A
Kitty Carter visits Valley Ranch to teach a techniques class; a tour of the stadium; a pop quiz during rehearsal.
32
8
"Episode 8"
November 28, 2009 (2009-11-28)
N/A
Two rehearsals left before the final cuts; the girls have their final rehearsal on the stadium field; the new squad takes the field in front of 80,000 fans.
Season 5 (2010)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
33
1
"Episode 1"
October 15, 2010 (2010-10-15)
N/A
In the fifth-season premiere, the best rookies are chosen to join the returning veterans.
34
2
"Episode 2"
October 22, 2010 (2010-10-22)
N/A
The 47 new girls invited to attend Dallas Cowbos Cheerleaders final auditions have had two weeks to prepare, but are possibly ready to swap dance moves with the 27 returning veterans.
35
3
"Episode 3"
October 29, 2010 (2010-10-29)
N/A
The training camp candidates arrive at Valley Ranch for the first time and have the opportunity to meet their idols and mentors, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders veterans; director Kelli and choreographer Judy lead the orientation meeting, sharing a surprising fact.
36
4
"Episode 4"
November 5, 2010 (2010-11-05)
N/A
The first cuts loom and four candidates are summoned for a meeting with Kelli and Judy.
37
5
"Episode 5"
November 12, 2010 (2010-11-12)
N/A
Three candidates are called into Kelli's office for a face-to-face meeting. The atmosphere is tense and emotional for all, but cuts must be made.
38
6
"Episode 6"
November 19, 2010 (2010-11-19)
N/A
The training camp candidates and veterans are readied for their photos. Technical director Kitty Carter directs the girls through rehearsal and points out a wide array of lingering problems with the class.
39
7
"Episode 7"
November 26, 2010 (2010-11-26)
N/A
Kelli announces who she wants to see.
40
8
"Episode 8"
December 10, 2010 (2010-12-10)
N/A
The squad is finally set and the new team performs.
Season 6 (2011)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
41
1
"Episode 1"
October 20, 2011 (2011-10-20)
N/A
Five hundred candidates dream of making the 2011-2012 Dallas Cowboy Cheerleading squad.
42
2
"Episode 2"
October 27, 2011 (2011-10-27)
N/A
The 18 returning Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders veterans join the competition for an invitation to training camp.
43
3
"Episode 3"
November 4, 2011 (2011-11-04)
N/A
Training starts at Valley Ranch; the candidates struggle to rearrange their schedules and secure living arrangements in Dallas.
44
4
"Episode 4"
November 11, 2011 (2011-11-11)
N/A
The girls are expected to master the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders kick line and jump split.
45
5
"Episode 5"
November 18, 2011 (2011-11-18)
N/A
It's week three of training camp; the rookie candidates get their Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders makeovers.
46
6
"Episode 6"
November 25, 2011 (2011-11-25)
N/A
Rehearsals start with a big bang when DCC technical director Kitty Carter makes a surprise visit to Valley Ranch; both rookie and veteran candidates are immediately on edge, aware that Kitty is quick to call out shoddy performances and mistakes.
47
7
"Episode 7"
December 2, 2011 (2011-12-02)
N/A
Candidates who are not DCC ready will be exposed at the only field rehearsal on the Cowboy's Stadium turf.
48
8
"Episode 8"
December 18, 2011 (2011-12-18)
N/A
In the final part of the series, some dreams are made and others broken as Judy and Kelli make their final decisions; it is time for the girls to put on their famous uniforms for the squad photo as the dream starts to become a reality.
Season 7 (2012)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
49
1
"Episode 1"
September 7, 2012 (2012-09-07)
N/A
600 hopeful candidates arrive at Cowboys Stadium for the preliminary auditions.
50
2
"Episode 2"
September 14, 2012 (2012-09-14)
N/A
Training Camp begins, and it's clear that if the candidates screw up, they'll get cut.
51
3
"Episode 3"
September 21, 2012 (2012-09-21)
N/A
The candidates must run through the signature kick line and jump split.
52
4
"Episode 4"
September 28, 2012 (2012-09-28)
N/A
In week four of training camp the rookie candidates are brought in for their DCC makeover; under the scrutiny of Kelli Finglass, new hairstyles and make up applications give the girls the DCC look.
53
5
"Episode 5"
October 5, 2012 (2012-10-05)
N/A
In week five, Kitty Carter fills in for a sick Kelli and calls out girls with messy routines; DCC Cameo Photos are taken.
54
6
"Episode 6"
October 12, 2012 (2012-10-12)
N/A
A rehearsal on the field could determine who makes the squad and who gets cut.
55
7
"Episode 7"
October 18, 2012 (2012-10-18)
N/A
One final rehearsal is run before the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad is announced.
56
8
"Episode 8"
October 26, 2012 (2012-10-26)
N/A
The squad has their first game day performance behind them, but a bad rehearsal brings a warning that cuts can still be made; the squad has their first off-the-field appearance.
57
9
"Episode 9"
November 2, 2012 (2012-11-02)
N/A
The team travels to Mexico for their annual swimsuit calendar photo shoot, and also puts on a show for the resort's guests.
58
10
"Episode 10"
November 9, 2012 (2012-11-09)
N/A
The cheerleaders prepare intensely for their first regular season home game performance.
59
11
"Episode 11"
November 16, 2012 (2012-11-16)
N/A
The team has their marquee performance at the Susan G. Komen Cancer Awareness Halftime Show during a nationally televised game.
Season 8 (2013)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
60
1
"The Journey Begins"
September 6, 2013 (2013-09-06)
N/A
Tryouts begin for 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad.
61
2
"Return of the Vets"
September 13, 2013 (2013-09-13)
N/A
Pressure mounts as 54 new candidates compete with 32 veterans for an invitation into the famed Dallas Cowboys cheerleading camp.
62
3
"Pressure to Perform"
September 20, 2013 (2013-09-20)
N/A
Training camp begins at Valley Ranch; first meeting is filled with energy until Kelli calls a meeting with the veterans.
63
4
"Harsh Reality"
September 27, 2013 (2013-09-27)
N/A
The cheerleaders learn the dreaded jump split, a famous and required move.
64
5
"Appearance Counts"
October 4, 2013 (2013-10-04)
N/A
D.J. Guthrie teaches the ladies a new dance style; Kelli and Judy have some tough decisions to make.
65
6
"A Toxic Situation"
October 18, 2013 (2013-10-18)
N/A
Kitty Carter pays a visit to the training camp and takes no prisoners, ripping into the new girls and the veterans.
66
7
"The Pressure Cooker"
October 25, 2013 (2013-10-25)
N/A
With their futures on the line, the camp candidates need to push through their emotions to prove they deserve to be a part of "America's Sweethearts."
67
8
"Game Day"
November 1, 2013 (2013-11-01)
N/A
The squad finally learn their fate and dreams come true.
Season 9 (2014)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
68
1
"The Journey Begins"
August 8, 2014 (2014-08-08)
N/A
Five hundred hopeful women endure a demanding audition to become Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders for the 2014-2015 season.
69
2
"Dancing for Your Life"
August 15, 2014 (2014-08-15)
N/A
Intimidation sets in for the veterans when 55 high caliber girls make it to the finals.
70
3
"Welcome to Valley Ranch"
August 22, 2014 (2014-08-22)
N/A
Training camp begins with 43 ladies, with seven girls cut to make a squad of 36; Kelli's passion infects and intimidates in First Meeting as she sets the expectations very high.
71
4
"A Week of Firsts"
August 29, 2014 (2014-08-29)
N/A
The new training camp candidates are nervous about doing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders kick line and jump splits for the first time; the girls try on the uniform for the first time.
72
5
"Getting the DCC Look"
September 5, 2014 (2014-09-05)
N/A
Kelli makes sure all the girls have the look of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader; the final rehearsal of the week brings emotions to the forefront as a girl gets sent home.
73
6
"Time to Get Serious"
September 12, 2014 (2014-09-12)
N/A
The candidates enter the sixth week of training camp and need to start looking like a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader or their spot is in jeopardy; Melissa Rycroft and former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Tina Kalina sit in for Judy.
74
7
"A Lucid Dream"
September 19, 2014 (2014-09-19)
N/A
With three girls left to cut and the first game around the corner, the pressure is intense as the girls return to AT&T Stadium to take the field for the first time since auditions.
75
8
"The Payoff"
September 26, 2014 (2014-09-26)
N/A
Everyone nervous during the final training day because Kelli and Judy might take a squad of less than 36.
Season 10 (2015)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
76
1
"Dare to Dream"
August 6, 2015 (2015-08-06)
N/A
Four hundred girls who each aspire to become a world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader put it all on the line as preliminary auditions for the 2015-2016 season begin.
77
2
"Dance Your Heart Out"
August 13, 2015 (2015-08-13)
N/A
Talent and looks won't be enough to get on the squad; only 46 out of 59 candidates make it into training camp; dreams are made and hopes are crushed.
78
3
"An Emotional Beginning"
August 20, 2015 (2015-08-20)
N/A
Kelli sets strict rules as training camp begins; some girls start to crack as the reality of how hard it is to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader sets in; Melissa Rycroft offers hope and advice on how to make it through.
79
4
"The Cuts Begin"
August 27, 2015 (2015-08-27)
N/A
Kelli and Judy must cut 10 girls to get to the magic number of 36 for the squad; uniform fittings gives Kelli a better idea of who has the whole package; as the cuts begin, the emotions flow.
80
5
"Becoming World Class"
September 3, 2015 (2015-09-03)
N/A
As the girls get the look of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, it helps some and not others; two surprise guests stop by rehearsal; Kelli has an extremely awkward office visit.
81
6
"Having a Bad Day"
September 10, 2015 (2015-09-10)
N/A
The new girls and veterans are pushed to their limits during the Cameos and Show Group auditions; Melissa Rycroft tries to save a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader that's barely hanging on; a shocking outcome from Kelli's office visit.
82
7
"The Cutting Board"
September 17, 2015 (2015-09-17)
N/A
Kelli and Judy make many tough cuts to keep up the quality of the team, which causes emotions to run high; Melissa Rycroft offers invaluable field experience.
83
8
"Living the Dream"
September 24, 2015 (2015-09-24)
N/A
Kelli announces who will be on the squad; injuries threaten the opening of Cowboys training camp; chaos during game day puts their performance at risk.
Season 11 (2016)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
84
1
"The Dream Begins"
August 25, 2016 (2016-08-25)
N/A
Hundreds of beautiful and talented hopefuls arrive to try out for the best cheerleading team in the world while many of the returning girls look for redemption.
85
2
"Comeback Girls"
September 1, 2016 (2016-09-01)
N/A
Veterans fight for their jobs as new girls try to live their dreams and make DCC Training Camp as they face panel Interviews, solos, an exhausting dance combination and a room full of very tough judges.
86
3
"These Are The Big Dogs"
September 8, 2016 (2016-09-08)
N/A
The new candidates get an eye-opening taste of what it means to be a DCC; girls struggle to learn the dances; Melissa Rycroft meets the new girls for the first time.
87
4
"Time To Push"
September 15, 2016 (2016-09-15)
N/A
With the first cut looming, the girls must push their dance skills to the limit; Melissa Rycroft works to bring out showmanship; stress increases on makeover day as the girls try to get the DCC look.
88
5
"Big Surprises"
September 22, 2016 (2016-09-22)
N/A
A new choreographer shakes things up; uniform fittings and the Belk fashion show approach; two-time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves stops by rehearsal.
89
6
"Dance Intervention"
September 29, 2016 (2016-09-29)
N/A
Melissa Rycroft makes a house call to help Yuko; Kitty Carter rocks some of the candidate's worlds; cameos give Kelli and Judy a fresh perspective on the girls; at Show Group auditions, the girls let it all hang out.
90
7
"Rehearsals With The Stars"
October 6, 2016 (2016-10-06)
N/A
Kellie Pickler comes to a rehearsal to share her experience and motivate the girls as Training Camp comes to an end; Melissa Rycroft makes Kelsey aware of a big mistake; Candace Romo helps with a big night of cuts.
91
8
"The Finish Line"
October 13, 2016 (2016-10-13)
N/A
Squad announcement feels bittersweet as some favorites go home; the team has their first appearance at the Star Ribbon cutting; Game Day arrives.
Season 12 (2017)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
92
1
"Auditions Begin"
August 3, 2017 (2017-08-03)
N/A
Hundreds of beautiful and talented women converge on AT&T Stadium to start the hardest audition process in professional sports, trying out for a coveted spot on the most famous NFL cheerleading squad in the world.
93
2
"Making the Team"
August 10, 2017 (2017-08-10)
N/A
The 119 remaining women have one hour to learn a power pom routine and the famous kickline; the stress of mastering the choreography in such a short time leads to numerous mistakes.
94
3
"Finals"
August 17, 2017 (2017-08-17)
N/A
The veterans finally enter the audition process; all 83 women are judged head to head during a panel interview, a solo dance performance and on their appearance on the football field.
95
4
"Empty Your Bucket"
August 24, 2017 (2017-08-24)
N/A
44 women begin the very first training camp at the new 1 billion dollar Cowboys' facility, The Star; Kelli lays down the law and makes it clear that eight women will be sent home this summer.
96
5
"Getting the Look"
August 31, 2017 (2017-08-31)
N/A
The ladies first need to have the "classic" Dallas Cowboys cheerleader look; Kelli's legendary hair and makeup transformations; assessing the ladies with a new fitness test, "Styku."
97
6
"Media Training"
September 7, 2017 (2017-09-07)
N/A
Kelli media trains the rookie candidates to determine who best represents the cheerleaders at press events; NBC news anchor Meredith Land tests their on-camera interview skills.
98
7
"Personality Testing"
September 14, 2017 (2017-09-14)
N/A
Personality is critical when representing the brand; Kelli takes the women on location to see how they interact during a public appearance.
99
8
"Picture Perfect"
September 21, 2017 (2017-09-21)
N/A
Choreographer Nick Florez stops by to offer performance advice; the cheerleaders experience a day they will never forget when they wear the DCC uniform to pose for their cameo photos.
100
9
"Hit the Field"
September 28, 2017 (2017-09-28)
N/A
The squad goes on an appearance to support pop-music star Demi Lovato; a make-or-break moment finds the ladies learning the entrance to the famed pre-game dance.
101
10
"The Next Step"
October 5, 2017 (2017-10-05)
N/A
With two suspended vets, the team must re-block their formations for their Hall of Fame performance; new vets step up as a new point of the triangle is named; the rookie candidates attempt to get their footing during a rehearsal.
102
11
"Hall of Fame Week"
October 12, 2017 (2017-10-12)
N/A
Twenty three veterans travel to Canton, Ohio to perform for Jerry Jones' induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
103
12
"Down to the Wire"
October 19, 2017 (2017-10-19)
N/A
As training camp winds down, the pressure skyrockets, and the ladies start to crack.
104
13
"The Pre Season Test"
October 26, 2017 (2017-10-26)
N/A
Kelli announces the official squad; the hard-fought dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader; full of excitement and nerves, the squad prepares for their very first football game at AT&T Stadium.
Season 13 (2018)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
105
1
"The Road to World-Class Begins"
August 2, 2018 (2018-08-02)
N/A
Four hundred nervous and excited women flock to AT&T Stadium to try out for the best cheerleading squad in the world.
106
2
"Field of Dreams"
August 9, 2018 (2018-08-09)
N/A
125 ladies try to conquer a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders dance routine and the kickline to advance to Finals.
107
3
"Leave It All on the Dance Floor"
August 16, 2018 (2018-08-16)
N/A
23 veterans join 50 new candidates at Finals for a place in Training Camp.
108
4
"Success Is Such Hard Work"
August 23, 2018 (2018-08-23)
N/A
The returning veterans go to the Bahamas to compete to be the calendar cover girl. Then Training Camp begins for all.
109
5
"Getting The DCC Look"
August 30, 2018 (2018-08-30)
N/A
The ladies learn to look and dance like a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.
110
6
"Jump Split Reckoning"
September 6, 2018 (2018-09-06)
N/A
The ladies learn the famed kickline and the scary jump splits. They must also pass Jay's boot camp fitness test or be called out and a dream comes true as the new ladies try on the legendary uniform for what may be their only time.
111
7
"Big Time Dance"
September 13, 2018 (2018-09-13)
N/A
Nick Florez, choreographer for Katy Perry, Pink and the Super Bowl, comes to rehearsal; Kelli and Judy must pick the best of the best for "Show Group"; Katie Schaar attempts to prevent injuries.
112
8
"Here Comes Kitty"
September 20, 2018 (2018-09-20)
N/A
Kitty comes to a rehearsal and stirs thing up; the new candidates bond, then are judged as they perform at a mock appearance; Travis Wall comes to town.
113
9
"Field of Fears"
September 27, 2018 (2018-09-27)
N/A
Candidates dance on the football field for the first time, and Judy teaches them the signature Dallas Cowboys entrance.
114
10
"The Next Level"
October 4, 2018 (2018-10-04)
N/A
The training camp candidates go through media training. Kelli reveals which veterans will be featured in the squad’s calendars.
115
11
"Staying Strong"
October 11, 2018 (2018-10-11)
N/A
The ladies take their cameo photos and learn how to carry themselves under pressure at etiquette training. Kelli and Judy have a tough time making cuts.
116
12
"Time's Up"
October 18, 2018 (2018-10-18)
N/A
The rookie candidates learn how to help their bodies recover from training camp. As training camp starts to come to an end, Kelli and Judy have tough decisions ahead, as they have to cut four more ladies before the first football game.
117
13
"Game Day"
October 25, 2018 (2018-10-25)
N/A
At the final rehearsal, Kelli and Judy must make the final cuts. The 2018 squad is announced. At the first game, the girls must prove that they can handle all the distractions and chaos of NFL football games.
Season 14 (2019)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
118
1
"First Impressions"
August 2, 2019 (2019-08-02)
N/A
Hundreds of hopefuls arrive at AT&T Stadium to start the rigorous audition process for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, competing for the fewest open spots ever.
119
2
"Choreography Competition"
August 8, 2019 (2019-08-08)
N/A
The 101 remaining hopefuls must master tough choreography, learn the famous Dallas Cowboys kick line and impress judges Melissa Rycroft and Charm La'Donna.
120
3
"It's Going Down"
August 16, 2019 (2019-08-16)
N/A
The candidates give panel interviews and solo performances before the rookie and veterans face off on the field and find out who makes it to training camp.
121
4
"Overwhelmed"
August 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
N/A
The pressure is on at training camp as both rookie and veteran candidates give it their all in front of their toughest audience yet
122
5
"Choreography Competition"
August 30, 2019 (2019-08-30)
N/A
Kelli gives the ladies a tough kick line and jump split workout, and choreographer Travis Wall teaches them a modern dance that will determine their future in the competition.
123
6
"Adventures in Dance"
September 6, 2019 (2019-09-06)
N/A
Charm La'Donna teaches the candidates a hip-hop-style routine, the judges pick their charm squad, the ladies visit the Dallas VA Medical Center and two rookies are sent home.
124
7
"Proving You're the Best"
September 13, 2019 (2019-09-13)
N/A
The candidates audition for show group, an honorary contingent of 18 cheerleaders who represent the Dallas Cowboys on USO tours and TV, in front of guest judge Cheryl Burke.
125
8
"Adventures in Dance"
September 20, 2019 (2019-09-20)
N/A
The dancers perform routines by guest choreographers Evan Miller and Tyce Diorio, and the final four cuts hang over the remaining hopefuls' heads.
126
9
"Field Ready"
September 27, 2019 (2019-09-27)
N/A
The hopefuls hit the field in their Dallas Cowboys boots for the first time, Melissa Rycroft stops by for showmanship coaching, and Kelli and Judy make one of the final four cuts.
127
10
"Welcome to the Triangle!"
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
N/A
The recruits do media training with NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth lead news anchor Meredith Land, Kelli and Judy name two triangle points, and guest judge Melissa Rycroft sits in.
128
11
"Picture Perfect"
October 11, 2019 (2019-10-11)
N/A
The ladies put their modeling skills to the test on photo shoot day, Julia tries to bounce back after her car accident, and the dancers get a lesson in healthy cooking.
129
12
"Time is Running Out"
October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)
N/A
With one week until the start of the season, Kelli and Judy make a tough cut, the show group performs for the first time, and Charlotte Jones Anderson judges rehearsal.
130
13
"Game Day"
October 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
N/A
To make their final cut, Kelli and her team try to find one hopeful of the remaining 37 who isn't ready to perform at the Cowboys' home opener.
Season 15 (2020–21)[]
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
131
1
"Like No Other"
November 24, 2020 (2020-11-24)
N/A
Some of the best ever rookie candidates enter Training Camp in the Dallas Cowboys Bubble; they have a few days to become acclimated and impress Kelli and Judy.
132
2
"Unexpected"
December 1, 2020 (2020-12-01)
N/A
The rookie candidates must show Kelli and Judy they can learn the choreography quickly; things take an unexpected turn for some.