Get Ready to 'Stumble': New Stars Join NBC's Cheerleading Comedy!

NBC's hilarious new mockumentary 'Stumble' is almost here, and it's bringing some serious comedic talent! Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson are joining Jenn Lyon, Taran Killam, and Kristin Chenoweth in this high-stakes junior college cheer world.

TL;DR: The Quick Hits on 'Stumble'

• NBC's brand-new cheerleading mockumentary, "Stumble," premieres on Friday, November 7th on NBC, with episodes available to stream the very next day on Peacock.
• Get ready for fresh faces! Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson are set to guest star, adding even more comedic firepower to the already stacked cast.
• The series follows Jenn Lyon's character, Courteney Potter, a disgraced but determined coach trying to lead a quirky junior college cheer squad to victory, alongside regulars like Taran Killam and recurring guest star Kristin Chenoweth.

Alright, cheer fans and comedy lovers, get ready to flip for some exciting news! NBC's upcoming mockumentary, "Stumble," is already looking like a winner, and it just got even more star-studded. We've just learned exclusively that fan-favorite actors Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson are jumping into the high-stakes world of junior college cheer as guest stars!

This trio of talent is joining an already fantastic ensemble that includes series regulars Jenn Lyon, Taran Killam, and the incredibly talented Kristin Chenoweth in a recurring role. With its mockumentary style and a premise that promises laughs and heart, "Stumble" is definitely going to be one to watch this fall.

Diving Deep into the Hilarious World of 'Stumble'

So, what exactly is "Stumble" all about? Imagine the intense, competitive spirit of cheerleading, mix it with the quirky, often absurd reality of junior college, and then film it all like a documentary crew is following their every move. That's "Stumble" in a nutshell!

The show is described as "a mockumentary about the ridiculously high stakes competitive world of junior college cheer." It centers around Courteney Potter, played by Jenn Lyon. Courteney was once a celebrated cheer coach, on the verge of making history as "the winningest coach in college cheer history." But, as the trailer teases, a "dumb video" involving her drinking with the team and, controversially, giving out a "best booty" award, led to her abrupt firing. Ouch!

Now, she's landed at Headltston State Junior College (which she admittedly struggles to pronounce) with a new mission: to build a championship team from scratch and snag her 15th title. But this isn't just any team; it's a motley crew that includes a former football player, a narcoleptic tumbler (who impressively flips before collapsing!), and even a criminal sporting an ankle monitor. Courteney's desperation is palpable, as she admits in the trailer, "Are they perfect? No. Are they good? I wouldn't say so. I'm just trying to make sure nobody dies." Sounds like pure gold!

Meet the Incredible Cast Bringing the Cheers and Laughs

The cast list for "Stumble" is packed with familiar faces and rising stars who are sure to make this comedy shine:

• Jenn Lyon as Courteney Potter: The heart and chaotic center of the show, Lyon steps into the role of the disgraced-but-determined coach. Her journey from the top to trying to make a junior college team work promises endless comedic possibilities.
• Taran Killam as Boone E. Potter: The "Saturday Night Live" alum plays Courteney's husband. Killam's impeccable comedic timing will undoubtedly bring plenty of laughs as he navigates his wife's ambitious new venture.
• Kristin Chenoweth as Tammy Istiny: The Tony Award winner appears as a recurring guest star, playing Coach Tammy, Courteney's former assistant who took over her old team. Expect some hilarious rivalry and Broadway-level energy!
• Ryan Pinkston, Jarrett Austin Brown, Anissa Borrego (as Krystal), Arianna Davis, Taylor Dunbar, and Georgie Murphy: These talented actors round out the core series regulars, likely forming the unique and endearing cheer squad that Courteney is molding. Anissa Borrego's Krystal is Courteney's "star flyer" who she desperately wants on her new team.

Fresh Faces Joining the 'Stumble' Fun: Guest Stars Galore!

As if that wasn't enough, "Stumble" is bringing in some serious comedic heavy-hitters for guest appearances. These additions, exclusively revealed by Variety, are going to add another layer of hilarious character dynamics to the show:

Jeff Hiller as Augustus, the Benevolent Benefactor

Emmy winner Jeff Hiller is joining the cast as Augustus, who's not just the owner of the Candy Button factory but also the biggest benefactor in the town where Headltston State Junior College is located. Hiller recently snagged an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his incredible work in HBO's "Somebody Somewhere." You might also recognize his versatile talents from shows like "30 Rock," "Community," "Broad City," and "Evil." His unique brand of dry wit and earnestness is going to be a perfect fit for a mockumentary setting, especially as a town's quirky, candy-making patron. We can already imagine the kind of "assistance" Augustus might offer the cheer squad!

Dascha Polanco as Krystal's Mom and CEO of Krystal Enterprises

Get ready for Dascha Polanco, best known for her iconic role as Dayanara Diaz in the hit Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black." Polanco will be playing the mother of Krystal (Anissa Borrego), who is also the manager and CEO of "Krystal Enterprises." Polanco has an impressive resume, including roles in "When They See Us," "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," and "Russian Doll," as well as films like "Joy" and "In the Heights." Her presence as a potentially ambitious, entrepreneurial cheer mom for Courteney's star flyer could bring some fantastic tension and humor. Will she approve of Courteney's unorthodox coaching methods? We can't wait to find out!

Ashlie Atkinson as Miss Dot, the Eccentric School Nurse

Rounding out the new guest stars is Ashlie Atkinson, who will portray Miss Dot, described as "the eccentric unregistered school nurse/facilities manager." Apparently, she'll be assisting the cheer team with "various odd jobs," which in a mockumentary setting, promises absolute hilarity. Atkinson currently shines as Mamie Fish in HBO's "The Gilded Age" and has appeared in "And Just Like That...," "Mr. Robot," and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," plus films like "BlacKkKlansman." Her talent for playing distinct, memorable characters means Miss Dot is sure to become an instant fan favorite, providing a unique blend of medical (or un-medical) advice and questionable assistance.

The Visionaries Behind the Pom-Poms: Creative Team of 'Stumble'

"Stumble" isn't just relying on its incredible cast; it's got a powerhouse creative team behind the scenes as well. The series hails from writers and executive producers Jeff Astrof and Liz Astrof, a sibling duo known for their sharp comedic sensibilities. Their experience in crafting hilarious and relatable stories is a huge plus for this mockumentary format.

Adding to the authenticity and star power, Monica Aldama, the renowned cheerleading coach and star of the Netflix docuseries "Cheer," is also on board as an executive producer. Her real-world expertise in the demanding world of competitive cheer will undoubtedly lend an air of genuine insight to the show, even within its comedic framework.

Dana Honor (through Defining Eve Productions) and Jeff Blitz also serve as executive producers, with Blitz directing the pilot. Blitz is well-known for his work on hit comedies like "The Office," so his experience with the mockumentary style is a perfect match for "Stumble."

"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 Scripted

Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, even highlighted how "Stumble" is being strategically paired with "Happy's Place" on Friday nights, aiming to create a block of family-friendly comedy. This sounds like NBC is really investing in this new series, expecting it to resonate with a broad audience.

Why You Won't Want to Miss the Premiere of 'Stumble'

"Stumble" has all the ingredients for a breakout hit: a proven comedic format, a compelling underdog story, and a cast brimming with talent. The mockumentary style will allow for relatable, awkward humor, while the "high stakes" of junior college cheer ensure there's always something to root for (or laugh at). Courteney's journey, from her public disgrace to her desperate attempts to whip a ragtag group into shape, is ripe for both heartfelt moments and uproarious gags.

With Jeff Hiller's unique comedic presence, Dascha Polanco's ability to command a scene, and Ashlie Atkinson's knack for scene-stealing eccentricity, the guest stars are guaranteed to elevate the humor and dynamic of the show. Plus, the authenticity brought by Monica Aldama means that even amidst the jokes, the spirit of cheerleading will feel real. Whether you're a cheer enthusiast or just looking for your next favorite comedy, "Stumble" promises to deliver.

Mark your calendars, because this is one cheer routine you won't want to miss! Get ready to laugh, cringe, and cheer alongside this unforgettable squad.

Frequently Asked Questions About NBC's 'Stumble'

When does 'Stumble' officially premiere?

You can catch the premiere of "Stumble" on Friday, November 7th, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC!

Where can I watch 'Stumble' after it airs on TV?

If you miss it live or prefer to stream, episodes of "Stumble" will be available the very next day on Peacock.

What is the premise of 'Stumble'?

"Stumble" is a mockumentary-style comedy series that dives into the "ridiculously high stakes competitive world of junior college cheer." It follows a former champion cheer coach, Courteney Potter (Jenn Lyon), who after being fired from her prestigious job, attempts to lead a new, unconventional junior college squad to victory.

Who are the main stars of the show?

The series stars Jenn Lyon as Coach Courteney Potter and Taran Killam as Boone E. Potter. Kristin Chenoweth appears as a recurring guest star. The cast also includes Ryan Pinkston, Jarrett Austin Brown, Anissa Borrego, Arianna Davis, Taylor Dunbar, and Georgie Murphy. Additionally, Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson are confirmed as guest stars.

Sources

• Variety - Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, Ashlie Atkinson Join NBC Comedy ‘Stumble’ in Guest Roles (EXCLUSIVE)
• TVLine - Kristin Chenoweth Is a Cheer Coach in 'Stumble' Mockumentary (includes trailer details)
• Deadline - 'Stumble' Trailer: Jenn Lyon, Kristin Chenoweth & Taran Killam Lead NBC Comedy
• NBC - Stumble Official Page (referential for general show details)
• Peacock TV (referential for streaming information)