NBC is gearing up to launch its latest comedic offering, Stumble, a mockumentary diving into the competitive world of junior college cheerleading. The highly anticipated series, set to premiere on November 7, 2025, has already packed its roster with an exciting lineup of guest stars, including Emmy-winner Jeff Hiller, the acclaimed Dascha Polanco, and versatile actress Ashlie Atkinson, ensuring a star-studded debut season.
The world of competitive cheerleading is about to get a comedic, mockumentary makeover with Stumble, NBC’s newest series promising a blend of humor and high-stakes drama. Slated for a fall 2025 release, the show is already generating significant buzz, not least due to its impressive roster of talent, both in recurring and guest roles. Fans eager for new comedic gems will find a comprehensive guide to what makes Stumble a must-watch.
What is Stumble About? The Journey from Fired Coach to Junior College Glory
Stumble follows the story of Courteney Potter, portrayed by the talented Jenn Lyon, a once-champion cheer coach whose career takes an unexpected tumble. After a video of her partying with her team goes viral, Courteney finds herself fired from her elite school. Undeterred, she lands a new gig at Headltston State Junior College, where she’s tasked with building a cheer squad from scratch. Her mission: to lead a ragtag, less-than-stellar team to championship glory. It’s a classic underdog tale, told through the lens of a mockumentary, promising awkward interviews, relatable struggles, and plenty of laughs.
Courteney’s personal life also intertwines with her professional challenges, as she is married to Boon E. Potter (played by Taran Killam), the football coach for the very junior college that previously canned his wife. This setup provides fertile ground for comedic friction and heartwarming moments.
Premiere Date and How to Watch Stumble
Mark your calendars! Stumble is set to make its highly anticipated debut on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on NBC. For those who prefer streaming, episodes will be available to watch the very next day on Peacock, ensuring that fans won’t miss a single cheer (or stumble). This launch is part of NBC’s commitment to expanding its comedic offerings, tapping into the popular mockumentary format that has resonated with audiences for years, as reported by NBC Insider.
Meet the Star-Studded Guest Lineup
While the core cast promises strong performances, Stumble is significantly boosting its star power with a series of notable guest appearances throughout its 13 half-hour episodes. The initial announcements have delighted fans, highlighting several acclaimed actors stepping into unique roles.
Jeff Hiller: The Benevolent Benefactor
- Role: Augustus, the owner of the Candy Button factory and Headltston’s biggest benefactor. His character promises to be a pivotal figure in the town, likely offering both support and perhaps a few eccentricities to the cheer team.
- Background: Jeff Hiller is a familiar face to comedy fans, recently winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his nuanced performance in HBO’s Somebody Somewhere. His extensive television credits also include appearances in beloved shows like 30 Rock, Community, Broad City, and Evil. Hiller’s involvement adds significant comedic weight and critical acclaim to Stumble, as Variety exclusively reported.
Dascha Polanco: The Manager and CEO Mom
- Role: The mother of cheerleader Krystal (played by series regular Anissa Borrego), who also doubles as Krystal’s manager and the CEO of Krystal Enterprises. This role suggests a dynamic character, deeply invested in her daughter’s cheerleading career and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Background: Dascha Polanco is widely recognized for her breakout role as Daya Diaz in Netflix’s acclaimed series Orange Is the New Black, where she starred for all seven seasons. Her subsequent work includes powerful performances in When They See Us, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Russian Doll, and films such as Joy and In the Heights. Polanco brings a blend of dramatic depth and comedic timing to her role.
Ashlie Atkinson: The Eccentric School Nurse
- Role: Miss Dot, an eccentric, unregistered school nurse and facilities manager. She’s tasked with assisting the cheer team with various odd jobs, implying she’ll be a source of quirky humor and unexpected solutions.
- Background: Ashlie Atkinson is currently known for her role as Mamie Fish in HBO’s popular period drama The Gilded Age, which is already preparing for its fourth season. Her diverse television career also features appearances in And Just Like That…, Mr. Robot, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Filmgoers will also recognize her from features like BlacKkKlansman and the upcoming The Lost Bus. Atkinson’s knack for distinctive characters makes her a perfect fit for Stumble’s mockumentary style.
Kristin Chenoweth Joins as Recurring Guest Star
Adding another layer of star power, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth is set to appear as a recurring guest star. She will play Tammy is Tiny, Courteney Potter’s former assistant coach from her old school. Chenoweth’s renowned vocal talents and comedic flair are sure to make Tammy is Tiny a memorable character.
The Core Squad: Series Regulars Building the Team
Beyond the guest stars, the heart of Stumble lies with its series regulars, who embody Courteney’s newly assembled cheer squad at Headltston State Junior College:
- Jenn Lyon as Courteney Potter, the determined cheer coach.
- Taran Killam as Boon E. Potter, Courteney’s husband and the football coach.
- Ryan Pinkston
- Jarrett Austin Brown
- Anissa Borrego (as Krystal)
- Arianna Davis
- Taylor Dunbar
- Georgie Murphy
These actors will bring to life the diverse personalities and challenges of a junior college cheer team striving for success against all odds.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The vision for Stumble comes from a talented creative team. Siblings Jeff Astrof and Liz Astrof serve as writers and executive producers, bringing their comedic expertise to the series. Dana Honor and cheerleading coach Monica Aldama also join as executive producers, with Aldama’s real-world experience promising an authentic touch to the cheerleading aspects. Jeff Blitz, known for his work on mockumentaries, directed and executive produced the pilot, setting the tone for the single-camera comedy. The series is produced by Universal Television, ensuring a high-quality production.
Why Stumble is Poised to Be a Fan Favorite
With its blend of seasoned comedic talent, a relatable underdog narrative, and the engaging mockumentary format, Stumble is poised to capture the hearts of viewers. The show’s ability to attract such acclaimed guest stars like Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson, alongside a celebrated recurring star like Kristin Chenoweth, speaks volumes about its potential. Fans of mockumentaries and character-driven comedies should keep a close eye on this NBC newcomer, as it promises to deliver both laughter and unexpected heart on its journey to the championships.
