Oh, the thrill of a comeback tale that flips the script on failure! Imagine getting "asked to be fired" from your job and landing straight into the chaotic world of junior college cheerleading—now that's a storyline begging for cheers. But here's where it gets controversial: Is turning life lemons into lemonade always the best advice, or does it sometimes gloss over real struggles? Let's dive into the buzz around NBC's upcoming comedy 'Stumble,' starring Jenn Lyon as the fiery Courteney Potter, who's on a mission to scout 'tumblers and stumblers' in this fresh take on triumph and teamwork.
NBC is set to premiere this eagerly awaited series on November 7, kicking off what promises to be a season of heartfelt laughs. For those new to TV lingo, a premiere is basically the big debut episode that launches a show, much like the opening night of a Broadway play but with binge-worthy potential. The trailer kicks off with Lyon's Potter character navigating a professional setback—she's essentially told her services are no longer needed—and soon discovers a new calling: coaching a junior college cheer squad. Junior college, by the way, refers to two-year educational institutions that offer vocational training, degrees, and yes, spirited extracurriculars like cheerleading. Potter's goal? To snag her record-breaking 15th championship title while mentoring her squad and positively impacting their lives. It's a heartwarming setup that blends high-energy athleticism with personal growth, showing how sports can be a catalyst for change.
And this is the part most people miss: The show adopts a mockumentary style, which means it's presented as a documentary with behind-the-scenes interviews, shaky cameras, and a fly-on-the-wall feel. This format, popularized by shows like 'The Office' or 'Parks and Recreation,' adds a layer of humor through its faux-realism—think staged 'real' moments that poke fun at everyday absurdities. Created by seasoned comedy veterans Liz and Jeff Astrof, known for crafting witty scripts in past projects, 'Stumble' rounds out its cast with talented performers like Taran Killam (bringing his improv chops from SNL fame), Ryan Pinkston, Jarrett Austin Brown, Anissa Borrego, Arianna Davis, Taylor Dunbar, and Georgie Murphy. Plus, Kristin Chenoweth, the beloved voice of Broadway and TV hits like 'Wicked,' makes a recurring appearance after guest-starring in the pilot episode.
Positioned to air on Fridays right after 'Happy's Place,' 'Stumble' fits into NBC's lineup of comedy blocks this fall. For clarity, a comedy block is a scheduled set of humorous shows back-to-back, encouraging viewers to settle in for an evening of giggles. Alongside it, Peacock's 'The Paper'—a spin-off from the iconic 'The Office'—will get its broadcast premiere following 'St. Denis Medical.' And don't forget NBC's other newcomer for the 2025-2026 season: 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,' starring the hilarious Tracy Morgan, slated for a midseason launch.
In a thoughtful quote from Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios at NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, she highlights how 'Stumble' complements 'Happy's Place.' While 'Happy's' thrives on multi-camera setups—think live studio audiences and multiple angles for that classic sitcom vibe—'Stumble' goes single-camera, capturing more intimate, cinematic shots. But the sensibility? Spot on for family viewing. '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,' Igbokwe shares. 'I think that both shows present a co-viewing opportunity for the family.' It's an interesting point: Could this blend of styles actually redefine what family-friendly comedy looks like in today's diverse TV landscape?
Behind the scenes, Liz Astrof and Jeff Astrof are executive producing alongside Monica Aldama, a real-life cheerleading coach famous for her role in Netflix's 'Cheer' documentary series. Aldama brings authentic expertise, ensuring the stunts and routines feel genuine—imagine the difference between a movie stunt double and someone who's lived the cheer world. Producer Dana Honor, through her Defining Eve Productions, rounds out the team, while Universal Television serves as the studio powerhouse.
Now, for a bit of food for thought: In an era where TV often tackles heavy topics like mental health or social issues through humor, is 'Stumble's' approach—focusing on cheerleading as a metaphor for resilience—a clever way to inspire viewers, or does it risk trivializing real-world challenges? Some might argue it empowers underdogs, while others could see it as overly optimistic escapism. What do you think? Does this show have the potential to become a new favorite, or is the mockumentary trend starting to feel played out? Drop your opinions in the comments—do you agree with the family co-viewing angle, or disagree? Let's chat!
