Stumble premieres on NBC as cheerleading comedy starring Jenn Lyon and Taran Killam

Stumble Premieres on NBC as Cheerleading Comedy

NBC’s new mockumentary-style comedy Stumble debuts Friday night, featuring Jenn Lyon as the leader of a quirky cheer squad.

Cast and Inspiration

Jenn Lyon stars as Courteney Potter, a former champion cheer coach starting anew.
Taran Killam co-stars as Lyon’s husband in this energetic cheerleading comedy.
The show draws inspiration from the Netflix documentary Cheer and lists Monica Aldama as an executive producer.

Plot Overview

Courteney Potter once led a national powerhouse cheer team with 14 championships, tying her for the most wins in junior college history. However, a scandal involving partying with her team led to her dismissal from Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College.

Now, Potter coaches at the much smaller Headltston State Junior College, where her team consists of a single cheerleader, Madonna, who struggles with narcolepsy during performances.

This underdog story mirrors classic sports comedies with a fresh comedic twist.

Team Recruits

DiMarcus: a flashy football player Courteney recruits to the squad.
Stevie: a middle-aged former cheerleader returning after 16 years away.
Peaches: a petty criminal skilled in parkour.
Sally: a team member frequently caught in unusual predicaments.

"When I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people want to be a part of." — Courteney Potter

Cultural Context

Competitive cheerleading has gained mainstream attention through Netflix’s Cheer, captivating audiences with its intense drama. Stumble takes that cultural fascination and transforms it into a comedic narrative.

Author’s summary: Stumble humorously reimagines the world of competitive cheerleading through the lens of an underdog coach rebuilding a team filled with eccentric characters and heartfelt determination.

Red94 — 2025-11-08