Finding out exactly where to watch Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team has become a bit of a scavenger hunt lately. Honestly, it shouldn't be this hard to watch a show that ran for sixteen seasons, but here we are. Between the original CMT run ending in 2021 and the massive Netflix pivot with America’s Sweethearts, the streaming rights for the "OG" episodes are scattered across the internet like pom-poms after a halftime show.
If you’re looking for that classic Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell energy—the high-stakes office visits, the brutal "kicks aren't high enough" critiques, and the iconic uniform fittings—you have to know which platform holds which years.
The Streaming Giant: Where Most Seasons Live
Right now, the heavy lifter for this show is Paramount+. It makes sense since the show originally aired on CMT, which is a Paramount-owned network.
If you have a subscription, you can find the vast majority of the series there. Most of the library, specifically Seasons 1 through 15, is usually available for streaming. However, fans often get frustrated because Season 16—the final, bittersweet COVID-era season—tends to play hide-and-seek. Sometimes it's there; sometimes it requires a separate "buy" option on other platforms.
💡 You might also like: Is Steven Weber Leaving Chicago Med? What Really Happened With Dean Archer
Where to Watch Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team for Free
Yes, you can actually watch this without a monthly bill if you don’t mind a few commercials. Pluto TV is the secret weapon here. They have a dedicated "More TV" or "Reality" section where they often loop older seasons of DCC. It’s linear, meaning you can’t always pick the exact episode you want to see right that second, but it’s 100% free.
- Pluto TV: Usually carries Seasons 1-12 on a rotating loop.
- The Roku Channel: Has been known to host several seasons for free with ads.
- Samsung TV Plus: If you have a Samsung smart TV, there is often a dedicated CMT or reality channel that marathons the show.
It’s kinda nostalgic watching it this way. You just turn it on and suddenly you’re back in 2012 watching a rookie struggle with the jump split.
Buying vs. Streaming: Filling the Gaps
Sometimes a streaming service will lose the rights to a specific year. If you are a completionist who needs to see the Season 16 finale where they announce the team at the Star in Frisco, you might have to cough up a few dollars.
📖 Related: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video are the most reliable spots to buy individual episodes or full seasons. They usually have the entire 16-season run available for purchase. It’s not the cheapest route, typically costing around $14.99 to $19.99 per season, but once you buy it, you don’t have to worry about it leaving a streaming library next month.
What About the Netflix Show?
Don't get it twisted. If you search for the cheerleaders on Netflix, you aren't going to find Making the Team. Instead, you’ll find America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
This is the spiritual successor. It’s much more of a "prestige" docuseries with higher production values and a deeper look into the dancers' personal lives. It’s great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the same format as the CMT show. If you want the old-school reality TV vibes, stick to Paramount+ or Pluto.
👉 See also: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
Quick Summary for Your Binge Watch
Basically, your best bet is to start with Paramount+. If you hit a wall or a missing season, check Pluto TV for a free fix. If you absolutely must own it forever, Amazon is the way to go.
Tracking down all 140+ episodes takes a little effort, but for anyone who lives for the "Thunderstruck" routine, it's worth the hunt.
To get started, check your current Paramount+ login or download the Pluto TV app to see which season is currently live on their rotation.