'Dare Me' brings back 'Friday Night Lights' except with a cheerleading squad and a lot more murders

From the obsession with a high school sport and local politics to a grimy insight of a small town, this is the new 2020 show
A still from 'Dare Me' (USA Network)
A still from 'Dare Me' (USA Network)

Teen dramas with mystery murders are all the hype, and USA Network's new thriller series 'Dare Me' is definitely worth the watch. The series is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Megan Abbott and is executive produced by Gina Fattore and Peter Berg. Peter Berg also directed the acclaimed TV series 'Friday Night Lights', and 'Dare Me' promises to show remnants of the same themes, with added murderers running loose.

'Friday Night Lights' focused on a small town in Texas hosting a high school football team that is far too loyal to the sport. When their tailback Boobie Miles (Derek Luke) is injured at the start of their season, the town's dark side comes to light. Their new coach, Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) tries to instill inspiration in the team members.

Now, if you've watched 'Dare Me', you already know that the premise is quite similar except instead of a football team, we see a fierce cheerleading squad. If you like Berg's 'Friday Night Lights', you're sure to add this new thriller series to your binge-watch list. The small town of Sutton Grove is now depending on their girls to make a name, and Beth Cassidy (Marlo Kelly), the top girl and her best friend Addy Hanlon (Herizen Guardiola) are in for a dangerous ride.

Fans also noticed the directional and storyline similarities, with one tweeting, "#DareMe is kind of like the Euphoria version of Bring It On meets Friday Night Lights with some murder thrown in there. I *love* what I've seen so far — dark without being campy, it depicts high school women as complicated, real people instead of stereotypes. Watch this show!"

"Wow that show Dare Me is like if Pretty Little Liars met Euphoria and had a lovechild with Friday Night Lights. What I’m saying is that this is central to all my interests," tweeted a fan comparing the darker nature the trailer of 'Dare Me' to other coming-of-age teenage rebellion series.

With murders and thrilling twists, most could compare 'Dare Me' to films like 'Gone Girl' or shows like 'Euphoria' but you'll definitely notice the 'Friday Night Lights' vibe but with cheerleading. From the obsession with a high school sport and local politics to a grimy insight of a small town, this is the new 2020 show. It's safe to say that Peter Berg has done it again!

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The premiere episode of 'Sugar' Season 2 was titled 'Home Away From Home' and hinted that Sugar might be lonelier than ever.
11 hours ago
The detective drama series premiered its first season in 2024 on Apple TV+, and after a fantastic debut season, it's back with Season 2.
13 hours ago
The much-loved One Chicago shows are set to return on NBC this fall, and the network's latest announcement may help figure out the premiere date
17 hours ago
Adam Remsen returned for his fifth game and faced off against Tyler Stevenson and Nora Inman
20 hours ago
The story follows David, who has spent years behind bars after being convicted of killing his young son, Matthew Burroughs
21 hours ago
Adapted from the popular video game franchise, the series is set in a future shaped by nuclear devastation
23 hours ago
Season 5 of 'Outer Banks' will focus on the Pogues dealing with the aftermath of JJ's murder by his father Chandler Groff.
1 day ago
The documentary revisits the harrowing case of Reagan Hancock who was murdered by Taylor Parker, after a horrific turn of events.
1 day ago
The upcoming eight-part comedy series is created by Lee Eisenberg, who also produced 'The Office.'
1 day ago
The eight part thriller series is based on author Harlan Coben's eponymous novel and stars Sam Worthington in the leading role.
1 day ago