NBC’s Stumble hits the network Friday night with Jenn Lyon leading a ragtag cheer squad. The new mockumentary comedy premieres Nov. 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Taran Killam co-stars as Lyon’s husband in this high-stakes cheerleading drama. The show’s inspired by the Netflix documentary Cheer and features Monica Aldama as an executive producer.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Stumble premieres Friday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC
- Jenn Lyon plays Courteney Potter, a recently fired champion coach
- Kristin Chenoweth recurs as the tiny assistant coach Tammy Istiny
- Episodes stream next-day on Peacock for subscribers
- The show was created by Liz and Jeff Astrof from Pivoting and Shining Vale
The Fired Coach Gets a Second Shot
Courteney Potter held 14 championships as a junior college cheer coach. She was tied for the winningest coach in history. Then a video scandal changed everything: She got fired from Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College for partying with her team.
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Now she lands at the much smaller Headltston State Junior College. Her new program consists of exactly one cheerleader: Madonna, who narcoleptics during performances. It’s an underdog setup that feels instantly familiar from countless sports comedies.
“When I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people want to be a part of.”
Courteney recruits DiMarcus, a showboating football player. She finds Stevie, a middle-aged former cheerleader who abandoned cheer 16 years ago. She enlists Peaches, a low-level criminal with elite parkour moves. The ragtag crew rounds out with Sally, who constantly finds herself in bizarre crises.
Why This Mockumentary Matters Right Now
Competitive cheerleading has exploded into mainstream culture thanks to Netflix’s Cheer documentary series. That show captivated millions with its high-stakes drama and genuine stakes. Stumble takes that fascination and flips it into comedy.
The timing works perfectly because viewers already understand the sport’s intensity. They know about conditioning, competition levels, and the pure athleticism required. Stumble taps into that familiarity while poking fun at the melodrama built into cheerleading culture.
For comedy fans, the cast delivers talent. Lyon brings commanding energy from her roles in Justified and English Teacher. Killam brings Saturday Night Live credibility from his six seasons there. Kristin Chenoweth‘s recurring role as the diminutive powerhouse coach offers immediate comedic friction.
Cast, Premiere Details, and Platform Access
Stumble features an ensemble that blends established actors with fresh talent. Here’s the breakdown of the main performers and their roles:
| Character | Actor | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Courteney Potter (Coach) | Jenn Lyon | Known for Justified, Claws, English Teacher |
| Boon E. Potter (Husband) | Taran Killam | SNL 2010-2016, Broadway star in Hamilton |
| Tammy Istiny (Assistant Coach) | Kristin Chenoweth | Tony and Emmy winner, Wicked star |
| DiMarcus (Recruit) | Jarrett Austin Brown | Dancer, appeared in Smile 2 |
| Krystal (Recruit) | Anissa Borrego | This Is Us alum, trained gymnast |
Stumble airs Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episodes become available on Peacock the next day for subscribers. The single-camera sitcom marks the first series order for creators Liz and Jeff Astrof, who previously worked on Pivoting and Shining Vale.
What Critics and Fans Should Expect
Early reviews describe Stumble as ambitious but occasionally uneven in its execution. The comedy mixes broad character humor with genuine underdog sentiment. Some jokes land perfectly while others feel forced or overly random.
- Expect quirky characters with specific comedic traits that repeat throughout
- Watch for earnest moments between bits of ridiculous cheerleading drama
- Prepare for The Office and Parks and Rec style mockumentary formatting
- Look forward to actual cheer routines performed by professional stunt coordinators
- There’s chemistry between Lyon and Killam that creators lean on heavily
The show takes its sports backdrop seriously while keeping humor front and center. It’ll work best for viewers who enjoyed Cheer or understand competitive cheerleading culture. Comedy fans who appreciate ensemble casts and workplace mockumentaries should find plenty to enjoy.
Should You Tune In Tonight?
The answer depends on what you want from your Friday night viewing. If you’re looking for a warm, witty comedy about underdogs and redemption, Stumble delivers that basic formula. If you want razor-sharp jokes and perfectly calibrated comedy every moment, the first two episodes might frustrate you.
Consider this: Most great sitcoms need time to find their rhythm. Parks and Recreation and The Office started rough too. Stumble shows promise with its talented cast and relevant subject matter. Will it become appointment television? That depends on whether creators can sharpen their writing and let characters grow beyond their initial archetypes.
Tune in Friday night at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC or stream Saturday on Peacock to decide for yourself.
Sources
- Hollywood Reporter – Review and cast information
- NBC Insider – Complete cast breakdown and premiere details
- Variety – Show creation and executive producer information
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.