Cheerleader And The Beast

starring: NEELA JOLENE & BLAKE LEWIS

A cheerleader and rival quarterback share a forbidden kiss that goes public. He’s betrayed, left for dead, and returns as a scarred ‘Beast’ bent on destroying those who wronged him - until she becomes the one he can’t destroy.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Well this is utterly brilliant - taking vertical tropes, mixing them with Beauty & The Beast and Count Of Monte Cristo, adding in a scene where Belle looks at famous paintings and identifies they are all of betrayal. This is intelligent 🤓

This is a vertical that actually has something to say, really cool moments, career best performances, and dare I say it some aura. FINALLY

I should start with the leads but this vertical is all about @jossgyorkosacting

Firstly physically to be able to stand up to someone as tall as @blake_lewwis and hold the screen is phenomenal. He takes Lennox and makes him this mini masterpiece, so many moments, when he claims he is God of the school, he turns a bully into a cypher for the out of control billionaires on our society who rules don't seem to apply to. Confirmed here as one of the most talented actors in verticals

Ably backed up by @daniel_melcher_ who nails the intellectual snobbery of Trevor, and his confusion when the Beast bests him and @connorrubin4 who is brilliant in the scenes when loaded with steroids and shaking about being found out

Definitely my fave role of @blake_lewwis who maintains the intensity all the way through, and @neelajolene who is the light and softness. Would have loved a tiny bit more romance between them but at least we get good flashbacks with @shanedorriz as James

Everything is so good - take Kris Kozlowski as Coach Harper who explodes when he finds out about the drugs

Basically this is what we all knew verticals could be

Give people a great script and watch magic happen

This feels like it is a pilot or should be on the CW

It's better than the Kristin Kreuk & Jay Ryan one which ran for 4 years on there

Anyway point is well done @yijunzhu_@analisa_labianco@dramawave_official for raising the bar

I think this could be a good year for verts.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

This is more drama than romance, but it is there, and the heart of it is Belle. My favourite moment is when she calls out the ‘Beast’ for coming back for revenge rather than her - really powerful. Also I know it is cold for creatives, but rain / water kisses always look cool.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

Lennox - already contender for villain of the year 2026. Because the part is brilliantly written, and then performed by acting powerhouse Joss Gyorkos. Always 100% believable - with some terrifying scenes, such as when Beast gets trapped in the swimming pool.

😂 Comedy gold:

The whole truth serum with Trevor is hilarious, it is so well done, and not rushed. You have the build of the funny reveals, and then the dramatic reveals. Also Trevor is 5 generations Princeton - just in case you hadn’t caught that 😂

🎺 Unsung hero:

I’m going to have to say the OG James Ashford, as that is a tough part to play - get violently assaulted, and then be all trussed up in bandages in a hospital bed. Glad there were at least a few nice flashback moments as well with Belle.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Creators: Analisa Labianco & Yijun Zhu | 2026

Available on Dramawave