Stumble Premieres on NBC as Cheerleading Comedy
NBC’s Stumble debuts Friday night, featuring Jenn Lyon as the leader of a quirky cheer squad. This mockumentary-style comedy premieres in November and includes Taran Killam co-starring as Lyon’s husband in a high-pressure cheerleading story.
Inspiration and Production
The show draws its inspiration from the Netflix documentary Cheer and lists Monica Aldama among its executive producers.
Plot Overview
Courteney Potter, once a junior college cheer coach with an impressive 14 championships, shares the record for most wins in history. However, a scandal involving partying with her team led to her dismissal from Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College.
She now coaches at Headltston State Junior College, a smaller program with just one cheerleader, Madonna, who suffers from narcolepsy during routines. The setup may feel familiar, echoing classic underdog sports comedies.
Team Recruitment
- Courteney recruits DiMarcus, a flashy football player.
- Stevie, a middle-aged former cheerleader who quit 16 years ago, rejoins the team.
- Peaches, a minor criminal with exceptional parkour skills, joins the squad.
- Sally, who frequently faces strange crises, rounds out the group.
Cultural Context
Competitive cheerleading has surged in popularity following the success of Netflix’s Cheer, a documentary praised for its intense drama and real-life challenges. Stumble captures this enthusiasm but turns it into a comedic story.
“When I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people want to be a part of.” — Courteney Potter
Overall, Stumble offers a fresh comedic take on the underdog spirit and passion found in cheerleading culture.
Author's summary: Stumble on NBC blends heartfelt grit and humor, portraying a flawed cheer squad’s battle to overcome past scandals and quirky challenges in this fresh sports comedy.