Cheerleaders Making the Squad—San Diego Chargers

This nearly-three-hour production documents the San Diego Chargers' lengthy and arduous task of selecting a new cheerleading squad from over 350 applicants. Viewers will follow the candidates as they are interviewed in an initial screening, audition in grueling tryouts, and ultimately win—or lose—the hotly desired open slots. Of course, there's a certain amount of pomp and pageantry to the process (not unlike the Miss America competition, only a lot more physically vigorous), with a surfeit of gorgeous women in scanty outfits, but anyone who thinks that becoming a cheerleader is just about shaking tush and flashing smiles will be considerably enlightened after seeing how hard these women have to work. Unfortunately, this overlong offering (originally part of the Making the Squad reality series aired on NFL Network) could have easily been pruned by at least an hour without losing any real impact. Still, this sure-to-be-popular title is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Cheerleaders Making the Squad: Miami Dolphins and Cheerleaders Making the Squad: Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also available.] Aud: H, C, P. (E. Hulse)