Stumble Premieres on NBC as a Cheerleading Comedy
NBC’s Stumble debuts Friday night, presenting a mockumentary comedy led by Jenn Lyon as the coach of a ragtag cheer squad. The series, inspired by the Netflix documentary Cheer, offers a comedic take on competitive cheerleading culture.
Main Cast and Creative Team
- Jenn Lyon stars as Courteney Potter, a junior college cheer coach.
- Taran Killam co-stars as Lyon’s character’s husband.
- Monica Aldama, featured in the original Cheer documentary, serves as executive producer.
Plot Overview
Courteney Potter was once tied for the most junior college cheer championships, but a video scandal involving partying with her team at Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College led to her dismissal. Now she coaches at Headltston State Junior College, a much smaller program with just one cheerleader, Madonna, who suffers from narcolepsy during routines.
This underdog story includes a diverse ensemble:
- DiMarcus, a flashy football player recruited by Courteney.
- Stevie, a middle-aged former cheerleader who left the sport 16 years ago.
- Peaches, a low-level criminal with advanced parkour skills.
- Sally, who is frequently caught in strange predicaments.
Theme and Style
“When I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people want to be a part of.” — Courteney Potter
Stumble blends the intense drama of competitive cheer with humor, capitalizing on the popularity brought by the Netflix series Cheer. It turns the world of cheerleading into a comedic, heartfelt story of perseverance.
Author’s Summary
Stumble reinvents cheerleading narratives by combining authentic inspiration with comedy, delivering a fresh take on the underdog spirit in sports culture.