Picture this: a fired coach turning her life around by diving headfirst into the wild world of junior college cheerleading—could this be the feel-good comedy NBC needs to cheer up our screens? Get ready, because the first trailer for Jenn Lyon's new show 'Stumble' is here, and it's sparking all sorts of excitement (and maybe a few debates) about what makes a hit sitcom tick. But here's where it gets intriguing: will this mockumentary-style romp really capture the heart of family viewers, or is there more brewing under the surface?
NBC is gearing up to launch the series, which they greenlit back in May, on November 7th. The trailer kicks off with Jenn Lyon's character, Courteney Potter, getting the boot from her previous gig and stumbling into a fresh opportunity as the leader of a junior college cheer squad. There, she's on a mission to snag her 15th championship title while also lending a hand in shaping the lives of her team members along the way. For those new to the genre, a mockumentary is like a documentary spoof—think behind-the-scenes cameras capturing hilarious, over-the-top moments as if they're real events, making it easy to root for the underdogs in everyday chaos.
Crafted by seasoned comedy writers Liz and Jeff Astrof, 'Stumble' boasts a stellar cast including Taran Killam, Ryan Pinkston, Jarrett Austin Brown, Anissa Borrego, Arianna Davis, Taylor Dunbar, and Georgie Murphy. Plus, Kristin Chenoweth, who popped up in the pilot episode, will be making recurring appearances to add even more star power. And this is the part most people miss: the show pairs up with 'Happy's Place' on Fridays, fitting into NBC's double comedy lineup for the fall season. It's part of a broader strategy where Peacock's 'The Paper'—a spin-off from the beloved 'The Office'—gets its broadcast debut right after 'St. Denis Medical.' Meanwhile, another fresh comedy for the 2025-2026 season, 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' starring Tracy Morgan, is slated for a midseason launch.
Speaking of the lineup, Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios at NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, shared some insights on why 'Stumble' feels like a natural fit with 'Happy's Place.' '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,' she explained. To clarify for beginners, multi-cam comedies are filmed with multiple cameras in front of a live studio audience, creating that classic laugh-track vibe, whereas single-cam ones focus on a more cinematic, intimate feel—often with fewer takes and more location shooting. 'I think that both shows present a co-viewing opportunity for the family,' Igbokwe added, emphasizing how these comedies could bring families together for some lighthearted entertainment.
Backing the project are executive producers Liz Astrof and Jeff Astrof, alongside cheerleading expert Monica Aldama—who you might recognize from the Netflix docuseries 'Cheer'—and producer Dana Honor through her Defining Eve Productions. Universal Television serves as the studio, rounding out the team. But here's where it gets controversial: with cheerleading dramas like 'Cheer' already dominating screens, is 'Stumble' just hopping on the trend, or does it offer something fresh? Some might argue that portraying cheerleading as a comedic vehicle could trivialize the sport's intense demands and real-life pressures, while others see it as a fun way to spotlight resilience and teamwork. And what about the network's push for family-friendly viewing—does mixing single-cam and multi-cam styles truly create that perfect harmony, or could it confuse audiences expecting one consistent tone?
All in all, 'Stumble' promises a mix of laughs, heart, and a dash of inspiration, but only time will tell if it stumbles or soars. What are your thoughts—do you believe a mockumentary about cheerleading can win big in today's crowded TV landscape? Will the family co-viewing angle make it a must-watch, or are there better ways to blend comedy formats? Share your opinions in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you're team 'Stumble' or if you think NBC is cheering for the wrong squad!
