What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Squad
Christina Soontornvat · Book
If you loved The Squad, start with Cheer (2020) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Squad across media.
If you enjoyed the high-stakes team dynamics of The Squad, these stories explore the complex pressures of balancing ambition and relationships.
Films on the same thread
Don't Say Good Luck
Julia Hart · Film · 2026
Explores: family conflict, performance anxiety, high school social hierarchy.
Like The Squad, this story captures the tension between personal ambition and the chaotic social drama that threatens to derail a carefully crafted performance in high school.
The Edge of Seventeen
Kelly Fremon Craig · Film · 2016
Shares a thread with The Squad: Coming-of-Age.
You will find the same sharp focus on messy peer dynamics found in The Squad, as this story examines how volatile relationships complicate the pursuit of individual identity.
But I'm a Cheerleader
Film · 2000
Shares a thread with The Squad: Coming-of-age.
This film mirrors the cheerleading backdrop of The Squad while delving deeper into the struggle for self-discovery and the pressure to conform within a rigid social environment.
The Craft
Andrew Fleming · Film · 1996
Explores: Female Empowerment, Revenge, Outcast/Outsider.
Much like the internal conflicts in The Squad, this story highlights the intense group dynamics of a clique and the consequences of shifting loyalties among young peers.
Series on the same thread
Cheer
Series · 2020
Shares a thread with The Squad: Ambition.
If the cheerleading world of The Squad resonated with you, this documentary provides a grounded look at the real-world dedication and adversity faced by athletes on the mat.
Off Campus
Gina Fattore · Series · 2026
Shares a thread with The Squad: Coming-of-age.
This series reflects the intersection of sports and personal growth seen in The Squad, showing how external ambitions often collide with the evolution of complex romantic relationships.
Spinning Out
Samantha Stratton · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with The Squad: Ambition.
Like the characters in The Squad, the protagonist here must navigate the heavy toll of intense athletic ambition while managing fragile mental health and complicated family relationships.
Heated Rivalry
Jacob Tierney · Series · 2025
Explores: Rivalry, Forbidden Love, Career Ambition.
This story expands on the competitive spirit of The Squad by exploring how rivalry and professional ambition can fundamentally reshape the personal lives of dedicated young athletes.
Podcasts on the same thread
ROCK SQUAD
Podcast
Explores: fan content, pop culture, video podcast.
For those invested in the specific community and fandom energy surrounding The Squad, this podcast offers a direct space to engage with similar pop culture content.
Counter Pressed with Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Friends
Podcast
Explores: women in sports, soccer analysis, sports discussion.
If you appreciated the focus on women in athletics throughout The Squad, this podcast provides an engaging, expert-led conversation about the realities of the professional sports world.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Squad a standalone book?
No, The Squad is the second book in the Tryout series. You should read the first installment before starting this title to fully understand the ongoing narrative and character development.
What is the main conflict in The Squad?
In The Squad, the primary conflict revolves around complex relationship issues. These personal struggles begin to interfere with the characters' long-held cheerleading dreams, creating tension throughout the story.
What series does The Squad belong to?
The Squad is part of the Tryout series written by Christina Soontornvat. It serves as the second entry in the series, following the events established in the first book.
Does The Squad focus on cheerleading?
Yes, cheerleading is central to the plot of The Squad. The story explores how the characters balance their personal relationship issues while attempting to pursue their cheerleading aspirations.