‘Cheer’s Monica Aldama Inspires NBC’s ‘Stumble’
When Jeff and Liz Astrof decided to create a comedy series inspired by Netflix's “Cheer,” they knew Monica Aldama, the renowned cheer coach featured in the docuseries, had to be a central figure.
A Tribute to Cheerleading
NBC’s primetime comedy “Stumble” serves as a heartfelt tribute to cheerleading, or more precisely, to the Netflix docuseries “Cheer.” The original series brought attention to a sport known for its acrobatic stunts, intense squad dynamics, dazzling uniforms, and theatrical makeup, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Obsession with Navarro College Champions
Liz and Jeff Astrof, “Stumble”’s showrunners, like many Americans, became captivated by the champion cheerleaders of Navarro College and their determined coach Monica Aldama. Their story was told in Greg Whiteley’s two-season documentary that debuted in 2020.
“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 video call with Liz.
Changing Perceptions of Cheerleading
The documentary challenged stereotypes of cheerleading, showing it as a demanding athletic sport with fierce competition and diversity. The team included both male and female athletes from various social, economic, and racial backgrounds, breaking the image of cheerleaders merely waving pompoms on the sidelines.
From Idea to Launch
Jeff watched the documentary because of his sister’s insistence and was immediately drawn in. The concept for “Stumble” circulated in their minds before it finally took off.
Author’s summary: Monica Aldama’s role in “Cheer” inspired the NBC comedy “Stumble,” which honors the spirit and diversity of competitive cheerleading through a fresh, comedic lens.