Network: The CW
Episodes: 22 (hour)
Seasons: One

TV show dates: September 8, 2010 — May 17, 2011
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Aly Michalka, Ashley Tisdale, Gail O’Grady, Heather Hemmens, Matt Barr, Robbie Jones, and Sharon Leal.

TV show description:
This drama series is a coming-of-age story about Marti Perkins (Aly Michalka), a pre-law student at Memphis’ Lancer University. Marti is a hip townie with working class roots who’s dependent on a scholarship to attend college. Her world is turned upside down when her school funding is cancelled and her irresponsible but well-meaning mother, Wanda (Gail O’Grady), forgets to tell her.

With no money or options, Marti realizes that the only way she can stay in school is by winning a place on the Hellcats — Lancer’s legendary cheer squad — and securing the scholarship that comes with it. She’d been a rising star in gymnastics but abruptly quit in her senior year of high school. Despite some serious attitude from some on the team, Marti impresses at tryouts and is soon thrust into a world of camaraderie, backstabbing, and competition.

Her new roommate is Savannah Monroe (Ashley Tisdale), a petite and peppy Texan who’s also the captain of the Hellcats. Savannah’s led a sheltered life and was home-schooled by her strictly religious parents. They recently had a falling out, particularly over her new co-ed living arrangements and the racy Hellcats outfits. Savannah’s faith is still important to her, but she’s also a fierce competitor, and loves her role as captain of the squad.

The fact that Savannah was chosen to be captain is a sore spot with another squad member, Alice Verdura (Heather Hemmens). She was on track to become captain until Savannah transferred in and snapped up the position. To make matters worse, she’s been injured.

Architecture student Lewis Flynn (Robbie Jones) gave up Lancer football and joined the squad after becoming disillusioned by corruption in the program. He’s only been cheerleading for a year but has found it to be every bit as challenging and competitive as football.

Lewis has moved on from his relationship with Alice, despite her still having strong feelings for him. He’s more than a little interested in the squad’s newest star, Marti.

Thankfully, there’s a familiar face at school, Dan Patch (Matt Barr). They’ve been best friends since first grade. He still lives with his large, working class family and works the docks as a machinist in his spare time. A budding documentary filmmaker, Dan is never without his camera.

Overseeing all the practices and personal drama is former Hellcats star and current coach Vanessa Lodge (Sharon Leal). Vanessa has a history with football coach Red Raymond (Jeff Hephner). That creates some conflict between Vanessa and her fiance, the Hellcats’ team doctor, Derek (D.B. Woodside).

Vanessa’s in very real danger of losing her job if the squad doesn’t win the upcoming nationals. Just like Marti, her future is riding on the Hellcats ascending to the very top of the fiercely competitive cheerleading world.

Image courtesy The CW.