Monica Aldama Inspires NBC's Comedy "Stumble"
When Jeff and Liz Astrof decided to adapt Netflix's documentary Cheer into a comedy, they knew Monica Aldama, the renowned Navarro College cheer coach, had to be central to the story.
A Love Letter to Cheerleading and "Cheer"
Stumble, NBC’s new primetime comedy, serves as both a tribute to cheerleading and to the hit Netflix series Cheer. The docuseries brought the dynamic world of competitive cheerleading—complete with high-flying stunts, squad drama, and dazzling uniforms—into the cultural spotlight.
The Inspiration Behind "Stumble"
According to showrunners Liz and Jeff Astrof, like many Americans, they became captivated by the Navarro College cheerleaders and Monica Aldama, whose dedication was documented across two seasons of Greg Whiteley’s series, which premiered in 2020.
- The show changed perceptions by revealing cheerleading as a demanding sport with rigorous athleticism and fierce competition.
- It highlighted the diversity of the team, including cheerleaders of different genders, social classes, and ethnic backgrounds.
From Documentary to Comedy
Jeff Astrof, encouraged by his sister Liz, was immediately drawn to the documentary. He imagined a comedic twist:
“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.’”
The concept lingered in their minds for some time before gaining momentum and moving toward production.
Author’s Summary
The NBC comedy Stumble draws inspiration from the groundbreaking Netflix documentary Cheer, centering on coach Monica Aldama’s legacy while reimagining it with humor and heart.