What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedWork It
Laura Terruso · Film · 2020
If you loved Work It, start with Cheer (2020) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Work It across media.
If you loved Work It, you will enjoy these stories about misfits finding their rhythm and purpose through unexpected transformations.
Books on the same thread
If We Were a Movie
Zakiya N Jamal · Book · 2025
Shares a thread with Work It: Self-Discovery.
Much like the ambitious protagonist of Work It, these characters navigate the high-stakes pressure of academic life while finding deep personal connections in an unlikely, creative environment.
The Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown · Book
Explores: Perseverance, Teamwork, Great Depression era.
The spirit of the misfit squad in Work It finds a historical parallel here, where a group of unlikely individuals achieves greatness through sheer dedication and teamwork.
Swing Shift
Sherrie Tucker · Book · 2000
Explores: Women in Music, World War II, Gender Roles.
Just as the dancers in Work It break societal expectations, these musicians challenge gender roles, proving that collective passion can redefine a community during a period of transition.
Giraffes Can't Dance
Giles Andreae · Book · 2015
Explores: Self-Acceptance, Overcoming Obstacles, Individuality.
If the clumsy determination of the lead in Work It resonated with you, you will appreciate this story about embracing individuality to overcome perceived limitations through dance.
Series on the same thread
Cheer
Series · 2020
Explores: Teamwork, Perseverance, Overcoming Adversity.
The intense pursuit of a championship goal in Work It mirrors the rigorous training and emotional resilience required by these athletes as they strive for perfection together.
Never Have I Ever
Mindy Kaling · Series · 2020
Shares 2 threads with Work It: Self-Discovery, Coming-of-Age Story.
This series captures the same coming-of-age vulnerability found in Work It, focusing on a teen trying to reinvent her identity while navigating the complexities of high school.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Work It: Underdog Story.
The underdog theme that drives the squad in Work It is central here, as a team of skeptics learns to believe in themselves and their unconventional leader.
Sex Education
Laurie Nunn · Series · 2019
Shares 2 threads with Work It: Self-Discovery, Coming-of-Age Story.
Like the bold collaboration at the heart of Work It, this story pairs unlikely partners who create their own space for self-discovery within the social high school hierarchy.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
The quest for authentic connection that motivates the characters in Work It is mirrored in this pursuit of professional intimacy and friendship through honest, vulnerable conversation.
Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness · Podcast · 2026
Explores: curiosity, self-actualization, mental wellness.
Much like the personal transformation journey in Work It, this show uses curiosity and self-actualization to empower listeners to evolve and embrace their true potential every day.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Work It about a high school senior?
Yes, Work It follows a brilliant but clumsy high school senior who aims to get into her late father's alma mater by leading a misfit dance squad to become champions.
What is the primary goal of the main character in Work It?
The main character in Work It vows to gain admission to her late father's alma mater. To achieve this, she transforms herself and a group of misfits into a competitive dance team.
Who directed the movie Work It?
The movie Work It was directed by Laura Terruso. The film focuses on a high school senior who forms a dance squad to help her achieve her academic goals.
Is there a dance competition element in Work It?
Yes, dance competition is central to the plot of Work It. The protagonist organizes a misfit squad and works to transform them into dance champions as part of her plan to enter her father's alma mater.