Stumble Premieres on NBC as a Cheerleading Comedy
Stumble debuts on NBC Friday night, featuring Jenn Lyon leading an unlikely cheer squad in this new mockumentary comedy series.
Cast and Inspiration
- Jenn Lyon stars as Courteney Potter, a former junior college cheer coach with an impressive record.
- Taran Killam co-stars as Lyon’s husband in this high-stakes cheerleading drama.
- The show is inspired by the Netflix documentary Cheer and lists Monica Aldama as an executive producer.
Plot Overview
Courteney Potter once held 14 championships as the coach at Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College, tying the record for most wins in history. However, a scandal involving partying with her team led to her dismissal. Now, she starts anew at the smaller Headlston State Junior College, where her squad consists of only one cheerleader: Madonna, who struggles with narcolepsy during routines.
“When I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people want to be a part of.” – Courteney Potter
Despite the challenges, Courteney recruits a diverse and unconventional team:
- DiMarcus, a flashy football player
- Stevie, a middle-aged former cheerleader who quit 16 years ago
- Peaches, a low-level criminal with exceptional parkour skills
- Sally, who frequently faces unusual personal crises
Context and Appeal
Competitive cheerleading has gained mainstream popularity, largely due to the success of Netflix’s documentary series Cheer, which captivated audiences with its intense drama and authentic portrayal. Stumble takes this interest and transforms it into a comedy.
The show’s underdog theme and quirky characters evoke the familiar charm of classic sports comedies.
Author’s summary: Stumble turns the intense world of competitive cheerleading into a heartfelt, comedic story about a flawed coach rebuilding a team against all odds.