David Farnor | On 29, Jan 2019

Netflix and USA Network are teaming up for new cheerleading series Dare Me.

The show, which is based on the acclaimed novel by Megan Abbott, was picked up from pilot by USA Network this week, with Netflix joining as a co-producer and holding the international rights to the programme’s first run.

Abbot serves as writer and executive producer on the show, along with Gina Fattore (Dawson’s Creek, Gilmore Girls, Californication), with UCP producing in association with Film 44. The series is an unflinching exploration of teen angst, jealousy, loyalty, and the dynamics of power in a small Midwestern town. Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and Michael Lombardo of Film 44, Sarah Condon and Karen Rosenfelt executive produce.

Peering behind the all-American facade, the series dives into the cutthroat world of competitive high school cheerleading. It follows the fraught relationship between two best friends (Herizen Guardiola and Marlo Kelly) after a new coach (Willa Fitzgerald) arrives to bring their team to prominence. While the girls’ friendship is put to the test, their young lives are changed forever when a shocking crime rocks their quiet suburban world. Part coming-of-age story, part small-town drama, part murder mystery, Dare Me exposes the physical and psychological extremes that some young women are willing to endure in order to get ahead. Academy Award-nominated director Steph Green (The Americans) directed and executive produced the pilot.

Dare Me stars Fitzgerald (Scream: The TV Series) as Coach Colette French, Herizen Guardiola (The Get Down) as Addy Hanlon, and Marlo Kelly (Home & Away) as Beth Cassidy. Additional series regulars include Rob Heaps (Imposters), Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries), and Paul Fitzgerald (Veep, Glow, Younger). Joyful Drake (Let’s Stay Together), Tammy Blanchard (Tallulah, Into the Woods), Antonio J. Bell (Nigerian Prince), and Alison Thornton (Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce) are also set to recur.

“Megan Abbott’s voice brings a fresh perspective to USA Network, with a gripping, female-focused story that combines the ultra-competitive world of high school cheerleading with the secrets of a seemingly-perfect small American town,” says Chris McCumber, President, USA Network and SYFY.

The series will premiere on Netflix in the UK and other territories outside of the USA.

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