Unpacking the Star-Studded Guest List for NBC’s Cheerleading Mockumentary ‘Stumble’

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NBC’s highly anticipated cheerleading mockumentary, Stumble, is set to debut with an impressive lineup of guest stars, promising an exciting and hilarious first season. Fans can look forward to appearances from acclaimed actors Jeff Hiller, Ashlie Atkinson, and Dascha Polanco, who will bring their unique talents to the already vibrant cast led by Jenn Lyon and recurring guest star Kristin Chenoweth.

The world of collegiate cheerleading is about to get a whole lot more chaotic and comedic with NBC‘s new mockumentary, Stumble. As the series gears up for its premiere, anticipation is building not just for the core cast but also for the exciting roster of guest stars slated to appear in its debut season. These additions are poised to inject even more star power and unexpected twists into the high-stakes world of junior college cheer.

Stumble: Kicking Off with a Unique Premise

Stumble centers on Courteney Potter, a champion cheer coach portrayed by Jenn Lyon, whose career takes an unexpected tumble when a video of her partying with her team goes viral. Fired from her prestigious position, Courteney finds a new opportunity at Headltston State Junior College. Here, she must rebuild a cheer squad from the ground up, assembling a less-than-stellar team she hopes to transform into champions.

Courteney’s personal life is intertwined with her professional one, as she’s married to her high school sweetheart, Boon E. Potter, who happens to be the football coach at the very junior college that gave his wife a second chance.

The Core Squad: Who’s Cheering for Headltston?

The heart of Stumble lies in its newly formed cheer squad. Alongside Jenn Lyon as Courteney, the series regulars who portray the members of her diverse team at Headltston include:

  • Ryan Pinkston
  • Jarrett Austin Brown
  • Anissa Borrego
  • Arianna Davis
  • Taylor Dunbar
  • Georgie Murphy

This ensemble cast forms the foundation of the mockumentary, chronicling their journey from underdogs to hopeful contenders in the competitive cheer world.

Familiar Faces Joining the Sidelines: Recurring & Guest Stars

Beyond the core squad, Stumble is amplifying its comedic and dramatic potential with a roster of acclaimed actors in recurring and guest roles. Tony and Emmy-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth is confirmed as a recurring guest star, playing Tammy Istiny, Courteney’s former assistant coach from her previous school. Chenoweth’s comedic timing and vocal prowess are sure to be a highlight for viewers.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. As reported by AOL.com (reprinting content originally from NBC Insider), and confirmed by an exclusive report from Variety, three more notable actors are set to make guest appearances, adding depth and humor throughout the show’s 13 half-hour episodes.

A split featuring Ashlie Atkinson, Jeff Hiller, and Dascha Polanco, the first guest stars announced for Stumble.
Ashlie Atkinson, Jeff Hiller, and Dascha Polanco are among the first guest stars announced for Stumble.

Meet the First Wave of Guest Stars

The initial trio of guest stars announced brings a wealth of experience and a knack for memorable performances:

  • Jeff Hiller: An Emmy winner for his role in Somebody Somewhere, Hiller is set to play Augustus. Augustus is described as the proprietor of the Candy Button factory and Headltston’s most generous benefactor, a role that promises plenty of quirky charm.
  • Ashlie Atkinson: Known for her work in projects like The Lost Bus and The Gilded Age, Atkinson will appear as Miss Dot. Her character is an eccentric, unregistered school nurse and facilities manager who lends a hand to the cheer team with various unusual tasks.
  • Dascha Polanco: Recognized for her impactful roles in Orange is the New Black and Joy, Polanco will guest star as cheerleader Krystal’s mom. Her character is also Krystal’s manager and the CEO of Krystal Enterprises, suggesting a formidable and perhaps overbearing presence.

Why These Guest Stars Matter to Fans

For fans of character-driven comedy and mockumentaries, the inclusion of actors like Hiller, Atkinson, and Polanco is particularly exciting. Their backgrounds in both comedic and dramatic roles, often with a unique edge, make them perfectly suited for the deadpan humor and observational style characteristic of the mockumentary format. Their ability to craft distinct, memorable characters is sure to add layers of entertainment to Stumble‘s debut season.

When and Where to Catch the Cheer: Premiere Details

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated single-camera mockumentary Stumble is scheduled to premiere on Friday, November 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT exclusively on NBC. For those who prefer to stream, episodes will be available the very next day on Peacock, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the cheerleading antics.

The Buttons Cheer Team practicing on the mat in Stumble Season 1 Episode 1, showcasing their determination.
The Buttons Cheer Team in action during the first episode of Stumble.

Behind the Mockumentary: The Creative Team

Bringing this cheerleading comedy to life is a talented team of creators and producers:

  • Jeff Astrof and Liz Astrof serve as writers and executive producers, crafting the show’s distinctive voice and narrative.
  • Dana Honor and Monica Aldama also join the team as executive producers, contributing to the show’s overall vision.
  • Jeff Blitz takes on the roles of director and executive producer, guiding the mockumentary’s visual style and comedic delivery.

With a compelling premise, a dynamic main cast, and an exciting roster of guest stars, Stumble is poised to be a fresh and funny addition to NBC’s lineup. Fans are eagerly awaiting November 7 to see how Courteney Potter and her underdog team, along with these memorable guest characters, navigate the challenging and often absurd world of junior college cheer.

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