MerPeople

Performing as a merperson is physically demanding, expensive, and few make a living by "mermaiding". The history of the mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida is touched upon, and former Weeki Wachee mermaids recall their experiences. Mermaid Sparkles faces career challenges due to her living in Arkansas. Both Sparkles and Chè Monique, a plus-size mermaid, aspire to join The Circus Siren Pod, "an elite mermaid performance troop." The Pod holds auditions and founder Morgana Alba's safety motto is "No dead mermaids." Eric "The Mertailor" Ducharme plans to open his own live mermaid show and aquarium. Sparkles, Chè Monique, and Tristan the Red River Merman audition for Eric's show.

Sparkles doesn't get hired by Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Tristan is offered a position, but must work his way up before performing. The Blixunami lives life unapologetically after having grown up in a very religious household. The Circus Siren Pod's mermaids perform at a renaissance fair, and later talk about being sexually harassed by mainly adult, male audience members. The Mertailor Aquarium opens to audiences. Veteran mermaid Barbara Wynns coaches Tristan. At MerMagic Con, Sparkles performs and impresses Morgana. She is asked to be a guest performer with the Pod in Las Vegas.

The Circus Siren Pod arrives in Las Vegas to perform. The King and Queen of the Seas competition on the Virgin Voyages Mermaiden cruise ship is announced. Tristan relapses on drugs, but regains sobriety with support from his mer-circle. Blix is forced to couch surf, and eventually travels to the Afro Mermaid Summit, hosted by Carrie Wata. Eric holds a Halloween show at the Mertailor Aquarium. Chè commissions a custom-made, plus-size, silicone tail. She is also invited to be a judge at the Mermaiden competition. Sparkles overcomes her nervousness to swim in a cold-water tank with the Pod. However, she begins showing signs of hypothermia.

Sparkles becomes hypothermic, but quickly recovers once treated. A group of elderly Weeki Wachee mermaids want to reunite for the 75th Anniversary of Weeki Wachee Springs. When the gathering is postponed for no clear reason, they instead hold the reunion at the Mertailor Aquarium. In Miami, the Mermaiden cruise begins. Sparkles, Blix, Chè, and Carrie all attend. In the pageant, the merpeople show off their "mersonas" and skills. Sparkles doesn't make the top 12, but Blix and Sparkles' best friend, Pixi, advance. The winner is decided with an underwater photoshoot. Mermaid Luna of Florida wins Queen of the Seas, while Merman Andy of California wins King of the Seas and the grand prize. Blix receives the congeniality award. Sparkles joins the Circus Siren Pod. Eric ruminates on how the myth of mermaids is important for people's sense of wonder.