Monica Aldama Gives NBC’s “Stumble” the Boost It Needed
When Jeff and Liz Astrof decided to turn Netflix’s “Cheer” into a comedy series, they immediately knew they had to involve Monica Aldama — the central figure and coach from the original docuseries.
NBC’s new primetime comedy “Stumble” serves as both a tribute and a playful nod to “Cheer,” the Netflix hit that brought the demanding world of competitive cheerleading, complete with aerial stunts, team drama, and dazzling routines, into mainstream culture.
From Documentary to Sitcom
Liz and Jeff Astrof admit they were captivated by the Navarro College team and their formidable leader. Monica Aldama’s disciplined coaching style and the diverse, determined athletes she led inspired the tone and energy of their new series.
“I said, ‘You know what we should do? We should do a show where Monica goes down to the worst college in America. We’ll call it ‘Stumble,’” Jeff recalled during a recent video call with his sister.
The siblings’ enthusiasm for the original series grew into a creative concept that would reimagine the high-pressure world of competitive cheer in a comedic, fictional setting. After a period of brainstorming, their idea finally took flight.
Redefining Cheerleading
“Stumble” continues to challenge stereotypes about cheerleading, emphasizing its athleticism, emotional depth, and diversity. The show’s humor pays homage to the grit and charisma that “Cheer” brought into focus.
Author’s Summary: NBC’s “Stumble,” shaped by Jeff and Liz Astrof’s fascination with Monica Aldama’s story, turns the spirit of “Cheer” into a heartfelt and humorous television tribute to modern cheerleading culture.