The USA Network’s new series called Dare Me aired late Sunday night. However, prior to being picked up it was originally a critically acclaimed book which was released back in 2004 by author and lead showrunner for the new series, Megan Abbott. In collaboration with Executive Producers Gina Fattore (Californication; Gilmore Girls), Jamie Travis (Claws; Scream: The TV Series), Karen Rosenfelt (The First Wives Club; Twilight), John Logan Pierson (Mile 22), and Sarah Condon (The Red Road; Looking). The murder mystery, thriller series is set to enlighten audiences on the competiveness within the world of cheerleading.
In a small (and so far) unidentified mid-western town, the shows lead revolves around the character of Beth (played by actress Marlo Kelly). A senior in high school and as acting captain of the cheer squad alongside her close friend, Addy (Herizen Guardiola) who is also involved within the sport. When Collette French, played by Willa Fitzgerald (Royal Pains), their new secretive cheerleading coach steps in as liaison to try to uplift to try to uplift the squad to their potential when things start to act unusual. The show has teased a “dark mystery” between our main characters that will be explained throughout the duration of the series. Hopefully, this mystery will explain the gap between our characters and shows continuing themes that including friendship, obsession, power, and murder. (Refinery 29)
The book, turned television show is to showcase cheerleading in a darker more serious and “life-like” tone than its previous carefree installments including films like Bring-It-On. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Megan Abbott described the portrayal of the show from the first episode script that “There’s a real darker side of human nature that’s explored.”
The pilot episode, which premiered on Sunday December 29th was directed by Steph Green (The L Word; Watchman). The show will debut episodes every Sunday night on the USA Network at 10 PST.