NBC's new mockumentary comedy, 'Stumble,' is about to flip its way onto your screens, bringing a hilarious take on the high-stakes world of junior college cheerleading this November.
TL;DR
- "Stumble" premieres November 7th on NBC, airing Fridays at 8:30 PM ET/PT.
- Stream new episodes the very next day on Peacock, so you won't miss a beat (or a tumble!).
- Stars Jenn Lyon as a disgraced cheer coach building a quirky, underdog team, with Taran Killam and Kristin Chenoweth joining the comedic chaos.
Flipping the Script: What's 'Stumble' All About?
Alright, cheer fans and comedy lovers, mark your calendars! NBC is bringing us a brand-new series, "Stumble," and if the trailer is anything to go by, it's going to be a riot. This isn't your typical high-gloss, intense cheerleading drama; instead, it's a mockumentary-style comedy, following in the hilarious footsteps of NBC classics like "The Office" and "Parks & Recreation." Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the "ridiculously high stakes competitive world of junior college cheer" – but with a massive dose of humor and heart.
The show centers on Coach Courteney Potter, played by the fantastic Jenn Lyon, who's been through it. She was once on top, a champion coach at the renowned Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College, aiming for a record-breaking 15th championship. But, as often happens in comedy (and sometimes life!), things took an unexpected tumble. Courteney found herself "asked to be fired" after a scandal involving, let's just say, some less-than-professional coaching methods. Think drinking with the team, body-shaming, and an infamous "Best Booty" award that definitely didn't fly. Honestly, in today's world, you can't even give out a "Best Booty" award without it ending up on the internet and costing you your job!
From Champion to Underdog: Courteney's Redemption Arc
After being unceremoniously ousted from her elite position, Courteney finds herself at the rather unfortunately named Heådltston State, a junior college that's, well, seen better days. She's tasked with building a cheer team from the ground up, a squad of "tumblers and stumblers" who are far from elite. The trailer gives us a glimpse of this delightfully quirky new team, featuring members plagued by everything from narcolepsy to ankle monitors – truly a ragtag bunch of misfits if there ever was one!
Despite the drastic change in circumstances, Courteney isn't ready to hang up her pom-poms. She's still fiercely determined to achieve her goal: that 15th championship title that will make her the winningest coach in college cheerleading history. Her mantra? "I can, I will, I must." This drive, combined with the sheer absurdity of her new situation and the lovable quirks of her new team, is sure to be the engine of much of the show's comedy and, dare we say, its heartwarming moments. It’s a classic underdog story, but with more sequins and questionable stunts.
Introducing the Star-Studded Cast of 'Stumble'
The cast bringing this cheerleading chaos to life is packed with talent. Leading the charge, as we mentioned, is Jenn Lyon as the ambitious and scandal-ridden Coach Courteney. Joining her is Taran Killam, who seems to be making a name for himself as "broadcast television's favorite husband," playing Coach Boon – Courteney's love interest (and possibly husband, Boon E. Potter). Their dynamic promises to add another layer of comedic interaction to the series.
But wait, there's more! The incredible Kristin Chenoweth will be appearing as a recurring guest star, stepping into the role of Coach Tammy Istiny. Tammy is Courteney's former deputy, who takes over Courteney's old gig at the elite Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College. This sets up a delicious rivalry, as Courteney's new, less-than-polished team will inevitably go head-to-head with Tammy's perfectly choreographed, high-flying squad. Prepare for some serious competitive spirit and passive-aggressive remarks!
Rounding out the ensemble cast, bringing their unique flavors to Heådltston State's cheer team, are:
- Ryan Pinkston
- Jarrett Austin Brown
- Anissa Borrego
- Arianna Davis
- Taylor Dunbar
- Georgie Murphy
This mix of comedic veterans and fresh faces is sure to create some memorable characters and laugh-out-loud moments as they navigate the highs and lows of collegiate cheerleading.
Echoes of 'Bring It On': A Fresh Take on Cheerleading Comedy
If you're thinking "this sounds a bit like 'Bring It On,'" you're not wrong! Many sources are making the comparison, noting that "Stumble" feels like it's picking up the comedic cheerleading torch that the cult classic movie so famously carried. For years, cheerleading stories on TV have largely leaned into the more serious, dramatic, or even dark aspects of the competitive world, as seen in reality shows and docuseries like Netflix's "Cheer." While those have their place, "Stumble" promises a refreshing return to the lighthearted, laugh-out-loud humor that made "Bring It On" so beloved.
Remember the quotable lines, the spirit fingers, and the sheer joy of watching a group of disparate individuals come together to achieve a common goal (and maybe fall down a few times along the way)? That's the vibe "Stumble" is aiming for. It's been a while since we've had a truly comedic scripted series focused on cheerleading – "Hellcats" on The CW back in 2010-2011 was arguably the last one. So, "Stumble" is perfectly poised to fill that "Bring It On"-sized hole in our hearts, offering more jokes, more laughs, and the extended character development only a TV series can provide. It's a welcome reminder that cheerleading can be fiercely competitive, but it's also ripe for playful mockery.
Behind the Scenes: The Masterminds Bringing 'Stumble' to Life
A great comedy needs great minds behind it, and "Stumble" has a solid team. The series comes from veteran comedy showrunners Liz and Jeff Astrof, who are serving as writers and executive producers. Their experience in crafting hilarious narratives is a good sign for the show's comedic chops. Joining them in the executive producer ranks are Dana Honor (through her Defining Eve Productions) and, notably, Monica Aldama. If that name sounds familiar, it's because she's the championship-winning coach featured in Netflix's hugely popular docuseries "Cheer." Her involvement brings an authentic, insider perspective to the cheerleading world, ensuring the show, while comedic, still grounds itself in some reality.
Jeff Blitz also directed and executive produced the pilot episode, helping to establish the mockumentary style that NBC has perfected over the years. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, which has a strong track record with successful comedies.
Where and When to Catch All the Cheerleading Shenanigans
So, you're hyped and ready to watch "Stumble"? Here's the essential info you need:
- Premiere Date: Friday, November 7th
- Time Slot: 8:30 PM ET/PT
- Network: NBC
- Streaming: New episodes will be available to stream the very next day on Peacock. So, if you miss it live, you're covered!
NBC is positioning "Stumble" as a key part of its Friday night comedy block, airing right after "Happy's Place." Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios for NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, even noted the network's strategy:
"I do think Stumble is going to be a good companion for Happy’s Place because, while Happy’s is a multi cam, and Stumble is a single-cam, in terms of sensibility, we think that those shows are similar. I think that both shows present a co-viewing opportunity for the family."
— Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock ScriptedThis suggests that NBC sees "Stumble" as a family-friendly show, perfect for a Friday night unwind. It's time to gather the family, grab some snacks, and get ready to laugh as Coach Courteney and her lovable misfits attempt to tumble their way to victory.
Your Quick Questions About 'Stumble' Answered
Sources
- Bleeding Cool
- Deadline
- The Wrap
- TV Insider
- BroadwayWorld
- Variety
- UPI
- Screen Rant
- Just Jared