Plot Synopsis

Based on Megan Abbott's book of the same name, DARE ME is a one-hour drama series that dives into the cutthroat world of competitive high school cheerleading, exploring teen angst, jealousy, loyalty and the dynamics of power in a small Midwestern town. The series follows the fraught relationship between two best friends -- Addy and Beth -- after a new coach, Colette French, arrives at Sutton Grove High School to bring their team to prominence. While the girls' friendship is put to the test, their young lives are changed forever when a shocking crime rocks their quiet rust belt town. Part coming-of-age story, part sport drama, part murder mystery, DARE ME exposes the physical and psychological extremes that some young women are willing to endure in order to get ahead.

Addy Hanlon is a yearning, ambitious high school student who dreams of using cheer to secure a college scholarship and a ticket out of her Midwestern town. When Coach Colette French arrives, Addy is both inspired and tantalized, finding herself increasingly drawn into Colette's complicated world.

Beth Cassidy is a perfect pixie cheerleader on the outside, but on the inside a rebel who knows no limits. Her best friend Addy is the only person she truly cares about, the only one she's ever been able to trust. But the more Addy seems in thrall to Colette, the more determined Beth is to bring their coach down and win Addy back, at all costs.

Once a star cheerleader herself, Coach Colette French is now a rising-star high school cheerleading coach with a reputation for building winning squads. Young, beautiful and charismatic, she exudes a deep, enigmatic movie-star cool, but she can't stop herself from taking risks, with the squad and in her personal life.

Tacy Cassidy is a freshman member of Sutton Grove's dazzling cheerleading squad who's eager to step out of the shadows and secure a spot at the top of the pyramid.

Matt French is the hardworking husband of cheerleading coach Colette French. After some hard times, his new job working for Burt Cassidy moves his family to Sutton Grove and offers the promise of the tide changing, at least as far as he knows.

Bert Cassidy is a Sutton Grove real estate developer, father of two cheerleaders on the squad, and the number-one cheer booster.

Sarge Will Mosley is the head Marine recruiter stationed in Sutton Grove High School. Although strikingly handsome and intriguingly remote, he's a haunted man, hiding secrets and a complicated personal history.
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On Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT, USA Network premiered "Shock & Awe," the season finale of DARE ME. Addy and Colette feel the heat; meanwhile, Beth's digging begins to pay off, leading to revelations.