From the creator of the hit series Cheerleaders, producer Autumn deVitry is back with a brand new cheerleading show that fans already love. In this exclusive interview, we talk about what inspired the new Cali Cheer Show, the challenges along the way, and what viewers can look forward to!
deVitry comes from a cheerleading background and has always had a passion for the sport. She made her mark in 2012 when she worked on the hugely popular Cheerleaders for AwesomenessTV.
While working there, AwesomenessTV was looking for more content for teenagers, and that’s when she met Coach Eddie and Smoed. She describes it as being in the “right place at the right time”, and the rest is history. The show ran for multiple successful seasons, gaining millions of views and creating a special connection with fans of Smoed.
Now, with the new Cali Cheer Show already running, deVitry is ready to take cheerleading and Smoed fans on another exciting journey.
Keep reading to learn more about the story behind the new show and what’s next for Smoed this season!
What Inspired the Creation of the New Cali Cheer Show?
“There were no plans to create a new show,” deVitry admits. The inspiration came unexpectedly from a single tweet by a popular cheerleading account known for sharing opinions, rumors, and “confessions.”
The tweet speculated about her working on a new cheerleading show, sparking significant attention online:
Coach Eddie himself texted her the post, joking, “Looks like we’re making a new show, haha.” At first, it was just a rumor, then a joke, but the overwhelming fan interest led to the idea becoming a reality. “I don’t know who posted that, but I owe them a huge thank-you,” deVitry says.
What Challenges Did You Face While Creating the Show?
The biggest challenge was funding. “I had no money,” deVitry recalls. With a strong belief in the project, she reached out to friends who had worked on Cheerleaders and asked for their help, offering to cover gas and food, but not their usual rates.
The team, made up of experienced professionals, agreed to shoot three episodes to test the waters on YouTube. Before those episodes aired, Coach Eddie suggested she contact Rebel Athletic. After speaking with the owners, Rebel agreed to fund 10 episodes.
Thanks to their support, the show gained traction, and Rebel extended funding to cover the entire season, including the World Championships. “Now, we have funding through Worlds, and it feels incredible to see the show grow,” deVitry shares.
How Far Behind Are the Episodes From Real-Time Events?
The episodes are about six weeks behind the events happening in real time. “We try our very best to have it be as close as it can,” deVitry explains. “But it’s a very small production, so it takes time to edit, add music, and put everything together.”
“If I had a bigger crew, we could release episodes weekly and only be about a week behind. But for now, this is what we can do,” she adds.
Are There Any Dramatic Moments or Twists Coming Up?
“Oh god, yes!” she says with a laugh. “I can’t tell you what they are, but there are so many dramatic moments. Anything with Eddie Rios at the helm is going to be full of laughter, drama, and craziness.”
She emphasizes that nothing in the show is scripted. “Eddie puts the team first, always. The show is an afterthought,” she says. “That’s what makes it so interesting—crazy stuff happens all the time, especially now that we’re in competition season. But I can’t give away any spoilers!”
Will There Be Any More Surprise Cameos or Guest Appearances?
“Honestly, I don’t know,” deVitry says. “That’s because I don’t write or plan the show—it’s all about capturing real moments as they happen.”
She reflects on Gabi Butler’s appearance, which she did plan by reaching out to Gabi. “She was like my kid, so it was great to have her on the show.” But for most cameos, it depends on what happens naturally.
“When I go to film, I never know what I’m going to capture,” deVitry explains. “I might plan to follow a new boy on the team, but then he decides not to join, and suddenly, there is no new boy.
In that moment, I have to pivot and ask myself, ‘Okay, what’s the story now?’ That’s both the challenge and the excitement of making this show.”
Could Episodes Be Longer Than They Are Now?
“The episodes can be as long as we want, but it’s really about what we can handle as a small team,” she says. Right now, episodes run 10 to 15 minutes, with a special three-part “full-out” series totaling 30 minutes.
“I’d love to make longer episodes,” she adds, “but with a small production, we’re limited. If we get more viewers and subscribers, we could bring in more help and expand.”
She also points out that this show is supposed to be different from the original Cheerleaders.
“It’s the same creator, but it’s 13 years later, with a different budget and crew. I don’t want to make the same show—I already did that. I want to follow these new kids and their stories.”
Are There Plans for a Second Season?
“Yes, but it depends on the success of this season,” she explains. “We need fans to watch, like, and subscribe. Every comment, thumbs up, and share matters. That’s how we get the green light for more seasons.”
The goal is to hit 100,000 views within a week of an episode’s release. “Right now, we’re averaging 40,000 to 45,000 views, so we’re getting there,” she says.
Let’s all make Season 2 happen—subscribe to the show:
Would You Consider Making a Show for Other Cali Worlds Teams?
“We’re thinking about it,” she teases. “If this show does well, it would make it easier to spin off another series. But at the end of the day, this is a business. For more shows to happen, this one has to succeed.”
What Competitions Are Featured in the Show?
“So far, we’ve done Palm Springs. Next, we’ll be going to JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas, the Spirit Network competition in San Diego, and, of course, The Cheerleading Worlds,” deVitry says.
Smoed competes at around nine events during the season, and the show covers about half of them. “For the size of our production, that’s pretty good,” she adds.
What’s Your Favorite Memory From This Season?
“Seeing Gabi Butler again,” deVitry says fondly. “I’ve known her since she was 14, and she just had my heart. It was incredible to see her running clinics and inspiring young cheerleaders. She’s grown into such a strong, talented woman.”
The Cali Cheer Show isn’t just a behind-the-scenes look at all-star cheer—it’s a testament to the passion, hard work, and resilience of everyone involved.
From the athletes pushing themselves to their limits to the small but dedicated team bringing their stories to life, this show is a labor of love for the cheerleading community.
As deVitry says, “The more people watch, like, comment, and share, the more we can continue to grow and tell these incredible stories.”
If you love the show and want to see more, be sure to subscribe, share it with friends, and help spread the word. Together, we can keep this journey going and give cheer fans everywhere a front-row seat to Smoed’s future seasons!