Cheer Dad
Cheer Dad is a 2026 family drama about a father and daughter who find their way together through competitive cheerleading — and it's based on something that actually happened. If you've got kids aged 8–12, or you're someone who gets emotional watching parents show up for their kids, this one's worth 83 minutes of your time.
Is it actually good? Should you watch it?
Here's the thing: Cheer Dad won't blow you away technically. The sound mixing is rough in places, the budget shows, and it's not trying to be anything it isn't. But it nails the one job that matters — making you believe in the relationship between Patrick and Anna, his adopted daughter.
What's striking is how the film avoids turning Anna's adoption into a plot device. It just is. The real tension comes from Patrick fumbling his way through sideline coaching while trying to be the parent his daughter needs. Tim Perez-Ross plays him with a kind of earnest overwhelm that lands better than most polished performances — you're watching a man genuinely in over his head on the mat but never, ever in over his heart. Joey Victoria Lezama brings quiet determination to Anna; you're rooting for her from the opening scene.
The tone works. It's warm without veering into saccharine, funny without straining. Director Joyce Licorish keeps the pacing tight, and there's a pep talk scene midway through that'll stick with you longer than you'd expect from a VOD indie film.
The verdict: Watch it if you're looking for something genuinely family-friendly that doesn't talk down to kids. Skip it if you need technical polish or high-stakes drama. The Dove Foundation gave it their Seal for ages 12+, and Kids First! critics (actual young people, not adults guessing) gave it four to five stars.
The real story behind the film
Cheer Dad isn't fiction. It's adapted from Dad in a Cheer Bow, Patrick Riccards' memoir about his real experience supporting and eventually coaching his adopted daughter's cheerleading team. That authenticity matters — you can feel it in how the script handles family moments without overexplaining them.
The film's a 2026 production from DreamEmpire Films, written and directed by Joyce Licorish. It hit U.S. VOD and digital platforms in early June 2026 — no theatrical release, no box-office numbers. Straight to streaming, which is exactly where a film like this thrives. You've got:
- Runtime: 83 minutes
- Rating: PG
- Stars: Tim Perez-Ross (Patrick), Joey Victoria Lezama (Anna)
- Release: June 2026 (VOD/digital)
The production is indie through and through. Film Threat flagged issues with sound mixing and lighting that'll be noticeable on a large screen — fair criticism. But Licorish doesn't let the budget become the story. You're watching a film that knows what it cares about.
Where to watch Cheer Dad right now
Cheer Dad is available on major VOD and digital platforms starting June 2026. You can rent or purchase it directly through:
- Fandango at Home
- Other major digital storefronts
You don't need a subscription service — just pick a platform and rent or buy. For the most current availability across all services, Movie OTT's where-to-watch tracker updates in real time and aggregates listings so you're not chasing dead links. It's the fastest way to find out which platform has it available this week.
What parents need to know
Dove.org awarded Cheer Dad the Dove Seal for ages 12 and up, emphasizing its "positive parent and child focus." That's meaningful — the organization doesn't hand those out lightly. Kids First! youth critics (the site's actual child reviewers) recommended it for ages 8–12 and their parents, calling it "sweet" and "relatable."
The film's PG rating is accurate. There's nothing here that'll blindside you — no language beyond what you'd hear on network TV, no violence, no sexual content. It's genuinely built for family viewing, which makes it rare in a streaming landscape cluttered with content that isn't quite for kids and isn't quite for adults.
Why this film works when it shouldn't
The thing nobody mentions enough about low-budget family films is how easily they tip into sappy territory. One wrong scene, one overwrought moment, and the whole thing collapses. Cheer Dad mostly avoids that trap. There's a scene where Patrick's trying to give a pep talk and he's clearly ad-libbing, stumbling over words — and it lands harder than any scripted monologue would've. Hard to say if that's direction or Perez-Ross pulling from something real, but it works.
What I keep coming back to is the adoption angle. Too many films treat a character's background like a trauma waiting for resolution. This one doesn't. Anna's story isn't about her needing to be "fixed" — it's about two people building something together. The cheerleading is just the vehicle.
Movie OTT's editorial team tends to flag films that punch above their production weight, and Cheer Dad qualifies. Not because it's technically accomplished, but because it cares about the right things. That matters more than you'd think.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheer Dad based on a true story? Yes. The film adapts Dad in a Cheer Bow, Patrick Riccards' memoir about his real experience coaching his adopted daughter's cheerleading team. The characters and story are drawn directly from his life.
Who directed it? Joyce Licorish wrote and directed Cheer Dad for DreamEmpire Films.
How long is it? 83 minutes. Lean and efficient — no fat, all story.
Where can I watch it? It's available on Fandango at Home and other major digital platforms as a rental or purchase. Check Movie OTT for real-time availability across all platforms in your region.
What's the rating? PG. Appropriate for kids 8 and up, though younger viewers might find it slow in the middle.
Is it appropriate for kids? Yes. Dove.org gave it their Seal for ages 12+. Kids First! reviewers recommend it for ages 8–12 and their parents.
Bottom line
Cheer Dad isn't trying to be the next big streaming hit. It's a solid, earnest family film about showing up for the people you love — even when you're not sure you know what you're doing. If that resonates with you, watch it. If you need flashy production values and high stakes, skip it. Everyone else should give it a shot.
