Stumble Premieres on NBC as Cheerleading Comedy Starring Jenn Lyon and Taran Killam
NBC launches its new mockumentary comedy Stumble on Friday night, featuring Jenn Lyon as the head coach of an unlikely cheer squad. Taran Killam co-stars as her husband in this spirited sports comedy with emotional depth.
The series takes inspiration from Netflix’s documentary Cheer and lists Monica Aldama among its executive producers. At the story’s heart is Courteney Potter, once a record-setting junior college cheer coach with fourteen titles to her name. Her career crashed after a viral video scandal led to her firing from Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College.
Now, Courteney begins anew at the modest Headltston State Junior College. Her “team” consists at first of just one cheerleader, Madonna, who suffers from narcolepsy during performances. The setup defines an underdog story that echoes classic sports comedies.
“When I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people want to be a part of.”
As she rebuilds, Courteney assembles a diverse and quirky roster: DiMarcus, a flamboyant football player; Stevie, a middle-aged former cheerleader returning after sixteen years; Peaches, a small-time criminal gifted in parkour; and Sally, who always stumbles into strange crises.
The rise of competitive cheerleading into mainstream entertainment, fueled by the popularity of Cheer, plays a central role in the show’s tone. Stumble captures that obsession and turns it into sharp, affectionate satire.
Author’s Summary
Stumble on NBC humorously reimagines the world of competitive cheerleading through a misfit team led by Jenn Lyon’s determined coach seeking redemption after scandal.