Although not nearly on as often as what are viewed as the most major spots (football, basketball, baseball, etc.), cheerleading can be found on TV.

Many viewers first notice it during major games when sideline cheer teams are shown during a football or basketball game.

Networks often show short “cheer” moments during breaks, halftime, or introductions during games in these sports.

All Star cheer, however, is one of the biggest competitive versions shown on screens today.

Fans enjoy seeing many gyms compete against teams from different states throughout the cheer competition season.

A major example of where cheer teams can be seen on “TV” is on ‘Varsity TV’.

Varsity TV carries many competitions throughout the year.

Viewers can watch live performances, later replays, and highlight clips.

This helps families, friends, and other athletes follow teams from home with ease at a wide variety of competitions ranging from regular season comps throughout the season to the end of year championships such as ‘Daytona’, Worlds, and Summit.

Cheerleading is a sport that works VERY well on camera because of how fast-paced and dramatic the routines can be.

With flyers performing difficult stunts high in the air, tumblers performing challenging tumble passes quickly across the mats, and with the sharp motions, smiles, music, and clean timing associated with the routine performances themselves, viewers are able to stay engaged and curious about what comes next in each routine they watch.

It is not a secret within the sport how hard athletes train to build strength, balance, flexibility, stamina, trust, and confidence.

Coaches carefully plan the routines that are being competed.

When people have the opportunity to see this work all put together on TV, they often respect the sport more than they had previously.

Still, cheerleading gets much less regular airtime than the majority of other sports.

Networks have limited hours and often choose sports and events with larger audiences and their associated ad money.

There is also the misconception stereotype that cheer is only meant for sideline support instead of the true competition that is exhibited in events everywhere today.

Streaming has definitely changed things and has greatly promoted the sport in general as events are broadcasted directly to fans through apps and websites.

Social media clips easily spread amazing skills and often lead new viewers to full competition viewings later on.

Another sign of growth within the sport is the Professional Cheer League on ION.

This newer initiative gives viewers a chance to see cheer presented more like other sports leagues.

Regular broadcasts build team names, rivalries, storylines, and returning audiences across the season with fresh interest each time it is aired.

The most popular events on “TV” are most likely the end of season championship weekends on Varsity TV as it streams these end of season performances with everything on the line for the teams competing.

Cheerleading is definitely on television more than the average person realizes.

As interest in the sport continues to grow, it is realistic to expect that opportunities to watch competitions and athlete skill showcases will expand, bringing future events to wider audiences everywhere in the years ahead.