Monica Aldama Inspires NBC’s Comedy "Stumble"
When Jeff and Liz Astrof decided to create a comedy series based on Netflix's Cheer, they recognized the importance of including Monica Aldama, the cheer coach featured prominently in the original docuseries.
From Documentary to Comedy
Cheer, the hit Netflix docuseries, transformed the perception of cheerleading by highlighting its athleticism, competitiveness, and cultural diversity. The series followed Navarro College’s championship-winning cheerleaders and their determined coach, Monica Aldama, capturing widespread attention since its 2020 premiere.
“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,’” recalled Jeff during a recent video call with Liz.
The Astros’ Vision for "Stumble"
For showrunners Liz and Jeff Astrof, Stumble serves as both a tribute to cheerleading and a nod to Cheer. Their idea was inspired by the captivating stories of Navarro’s cheerleaders, a group diverse in gender, race, and background, breaking the stereotype of cheerleaders as merely sidelines participants.
Development Journey
The Astros initially let the concept simmer before fully developing the show. Liz encouraged Jeff to watch the documentary, which quickly hooked him, setting the stage for the comedy’s unique premise.
"NBC’s new primetime comedy Stumble is a love letter to cheer. Or should that be ‘Cheer,’ the hit Netflix docuseries that catapulted a sport with high-flying stunts, squad drama, bedazzled uniforms and lots of makeup, into the cultural zeitgeist?"
The series celebrates the bold spirit of cheer, capturing both its drama and dedication through a fresh comedic lens.
Author's summary: The NBC comedy Stumble draws creatively from Netflix’s Cheer, with Monica Aldama at its heart, offering a witty tribute to the dynamic world of competitive cheerleading.
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