Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 4 cast shake-up: America’s Sweethearts rocked by shocking exits as beloved cheerleaders walk away
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 23, 2026, 04.42 AM IST
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is heading into another season, but the latest cast update comes with a major twist. Netflix has renewed the popular docuseries for season 4, giving fans another look at the women behind the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. While several familiar faces are expected to return, some beloved dancers have already closed this chapter, creating a very different lineup for the next season.
Several recognizable names are expected to remain part of the story. Charly Barby enters the 2026 season as a second group leader, while her close friend Kelly Villares also made the team again. Anna Kate Sundvold has gone from rookie to group leader, showing just how quickly the DCC journey can change.
Camille Sturdivant is another returning group leader, while Faith Ward moves into her veteran year. Jenna Waller also has another opportunity after her comeback story became one of the memorable parts of season 3.
Emily Awbrey has an especially interesting path into the new season. After being eliminated during season 3, the former cruise ship dancer returned to compete again and successfully made the 2026 squad.Savanna Dastrup also turned disappointment into another chance. After being cut in season 3, she came back stronger and earned her place on the team for 2026. Her comeback is likely to become one of the more compelling storylines when the new episodes arrive.
Behind the dancers, Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell are also set to continue their roles. Finglass remains the DCC’s senior director, while Trammell continues as head choreographer.
Finglass shared her excitement about another season, saying, “Each new season is another opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talent, dedication and individuality of our team. We’re proud to continue to share their stories and artistry with audiences, inspiring the next generation of young performers all over the world to dream big and pursue their passions.”
Megan McElaney ended her DCC career after season 3 following five years with the team. Kleine Powell also retired, making her unlikely to feature as a current cheerleader in the next chapter.
Then there is Reece Weaver, whose departure surprised many viewers. After three seasons, she decided to retire and move into a new phase of her life with her husband, Will Allman. The couple relocated to Alabama, although Reece later returned to the spotlight in New York City for her Broadway debut in Chicago.
Reece previously reflected on that transition, saying, “I think right now it’s just trying to figure out what life is and being excited for all the things that are thrown at us,”
She added, “We’re just soaking in this time right now. I don’t want to say that we’re empty nesters — because that’s kind of where our parents are right now, they can just kind of pick up and go wherever — but we are kind of living in our empty nester season.”
With veterans leaving and new opportunities opening for returning dancers, season 4 could feel less like a continuation and more like the start of a new era for America’s Sweethearts.:::
America’s Sweethearts season 4 brings back familiar faces
Season 4 will follow the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders through the 2026 NFL season, with the focus shifting toward dancers who earned their places on the squad after the latest audition and training process.Several recognizable names are expected to remain part of the story. Charly Barby enters the 2026 season as a second group leader, while her close friend Kelly Villares also made the team again. Anna Kate Sundvold has gone from rookie to group leader, showing just how quickly the DCC journey can change.
Camille Sturdivant is another returning group leader, while Faith Ward moves into her veteran year. Jenna Waller also has another opportunity after her comeback story became one of the memorable parts of season 3.
Emily Awbrey has an especially interesting path into the new season. After being eliminated during season 3, the former cruise ship dancer returned to compete again and successfully made the 2026 squad.Savanna Dastrup also turned disappointment into another chance. After being cut in season 3, she came back stronger and earned her place on the team for 2026. Her comeback is likely to become one of the more compelling storylines when the new episodes arrive.
Behind the dancers, Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell are also set to continue their roles. Finglass remains the DCC’s senior director, while Trammell continues as head choreographer.
Finglass shared her excitement about another season, saying, “Each new season is another opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talent, dedication and individuality of our team. We’re proud to continue to share their stories and artistry with audiences, inspiring the next generation of young performers all over the world to dream big and pursue their passions.”
Which Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders stars are leaving?
The biggest changes involve dancers who have already stepped away from the squad.Megan McElaney ended her DCC career after season 3 following five years with the team. Kleine Powell also retired, making her unlikely to feature as a current cheerleader in the next chapter.
Then there is Reece Weaver, whose departure surprised many viewers. After three seasons, she decided to retire and move into a new phase of her life with her husband, Will Allman. The couple relocated to Alabama, although Reece later returned to the spotlight in New York City for her Broadway debut in Chicago.
Reece previously reflected on that transition, saying, “I think right now it’s just trying to figure out what life is and being excited for all the things that are thrown at us,”
She added, “We’re just soaking in this time right now. I don’t want to say that we’re empty nesters — because that’s kind of where our parents are right now, they can just kind of pick up and go wherever — but we are kind of living in our empty nester season.”
With veterans leaving and new opportunities opening for returning dancers, season 4 could feel less like a continuation and more like the start of a new era for America’s Sweethearts.:::