The Stumble Cast on Combining Comedy with Cheerleading, Cast Friendships, and Making a Mockumentary
I stepped onto the set of Stumble — a new NBC mockumentary centered on the competitive junior college cheerleading scene — and it was definitely a rush. The production built a full-size replica of a junior college gym on a Brooklyn soundstage.
Creative Team
- Words: Lauren O’Neill
- Photography and Creative Direction: Lewis Vorn
- Videographer: Marie Koury
- Makeup: Anissa, Arianna - Mikey Clifton, Georgie, Taylor - Erin Acker
- Hair: Taylor - Michael Zambrano; Anissa and Georgie - Beth Rolon; Arianna - Gayette Williams
- Styling: Georgie solos - Zoe Gofman; Arianna solos - Venetia Kidd; Anissa solos - Marissa Pelly; Cheer costumes - Leah Katznelson and Angel Peart
The Rise of Cheerleading Culture
In 2025, a show like Stumble was overdue. Over recent years, the spotlight on competitive and professional cheerleading has intensified. Since 2020, when Netflix’s Cheer premiered and became a global sensation, audiences were inspired by the athleticism and spirit of cheerleaders.
“Cheer’s first season... convinced everyone watching that actually, it was possible to execute a back handspring in their living rooms.”
Following Cheer's massive impact, Netflix released another hit documentary, America’s Sweethearts, about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Both series humanized cheerleaders beyond the stereotypical "bitchy high school" image, revealing the real people behind the glitter and pom-poms.
“Both programmes revealed the real people behind the sheen, tapping into the cheerleader as a figure beyond the bitchy high school archetype.”
Stumble blends comedy with this authentic portrayal, offering a fresh take on the world of cheerleading while showcasing the strong friendships among the cast.
Author’s summary: Stumble captures the energy and camaraderie of junior college cheerleading through a unique comedic lens, reflecting the growing mainstream fascination with cheer culture.