Cheer's Monica Aldama provides NBC's "Stumble" with the lift its creators desired
When Jeff and Liz Astrof chose to create a comedy inspired by Netflix’s "Cheer," they realized they needed to involve Monica Aldama, the tough and talented cheer coach at the heart of the original docuseries.
NBC’s new primetime comedy "Stumble" serves as both a tribute and a playful nod to "Cheer," the documentary that thrust competitive cheerleading, with its daring stunts and intense teamwork, into mainstream culture. For the showrunners and siblings Liz and Jeff Astrof, the project celebrates the same spirit that made "Cheer" a cultural hit.
Like many fans across the country, the Astrofs became captivated by the powerhouse squad of Navarro College and their determined mentor Monica Aldama, whose leadership was spotlighted in Greg Whiteley’s two-season series that debuted in 2020. "Cheer" challenged stereotypes about the sport, highlighting its athleticism, discipline, and inclusivity — with athletes from a wide range of social, economic, and racial backgrounds.
“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 Astrof recalls during a recent video call with Liz.
The idea lingered in their minds for some time before it finally took flight, evolving from admiration into a joyful reinterpretation of a beloved series.
Author’s Summary
The Astrof siblings transformed their fascination with Netflix’s "Cheer" and its resilient coach Monica Aldama into NBC’s heartfelt comedy "Stumble," blending humor with admiration for the spirit of cheerleading.