NBC’s new cheer-comedy Stumble is turning into more than just a prime-time debut — it’s a moment for the industry. Behind the satire and storytelling sits a surprising level of authenticity, driven by Executive Producer Monica Aldama and the creative team’s decision to ground the show in a real world of cheer.
A task the team took seriously, which is apparent by NBC’s decision to partner with one of the most known names in cheer uniforms today, Rebel Athletic.
Rebel Athletic founder and CEO Karen Noseff Aldridge spoke with Cheer Daily about the process her team took to create the custom uniforms for both teams.
Aldridge told Cheer Daily. “Monica [Aldama] mentioned she was executive producing Stumble and asked whether Rebel would be interested in providing all the cheerleading-related wardrobe for the show, as NBC had her overseeing that aspect due to her expertise in the current cheer ‘look.’ Once she explained that Stumble was a light-hearted comedy, I didn’t hesitate to tell her we wanted to be involved… it was a natural fit and a great opportunity for Rebel.”
Aldridge says Aldama connected her directly with NBC executives, and within days, they finalized the deal. Rebel then moved into full production mode — delivering the entire wardrobe line for the cast within just three weeks.
INSIDE THE UNIFORM DESIGN PROCESS
Unlike most Hollywood productions that create cheer looks from stock pieces in wardrobe, Rebel’s work on Stumble mirrored a genuine team order.
“It really wasn’t much different from a typical team order,” Aldridge said. “Monica served as the point of contact and handled the uniform design herself. She had a clear vision for both teams on the show and worked directly with one of our corporate reps — a former Navarro athlete she knows well — which made communication seamless and allowed the artwork to come to life quickly.”
The biggest difference? Speed.
“Everything was highly expedited — we had just three weeks to produce, ship, and deliver the full order in time for shooting to begin.”
The uniforms were templated Rebel designs customized for Stumble — not couture-level builds, but fully authentic to the industry’s expected form and fit.
“They are not what the All Star world knows as ‘Rebel Couture,’” Aldridge clarified.
CAPTURING THE AESTHETIC
Rebel’s luxury positioning might seem an unexpected match for a comedy series, but Aldridge says it was exactly what NBC needed.
“The All Star and competitive cheer world is known for bold design, high sparkle, and meticulous craftsmanship. Rebel created that visual language,” she said. “When NBC wanted the show to look like real competitive cheer — not costumed, but authentic — they naturally turned to the brand that created the premium All Star aesthetic in the first place.”
That authenticity mattered to Aldama too. She told The Wrap earlier this year that she insisted the series “has to be accepted by the cheer world” and that her athletes “would be watching.”
REPRESENTING CHEER ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
For Aldridge, this partnership represents something much larger than a costume credit.
“It’s more important than ever for cheerleading to be represented authentically in media, because that’s the only way the sport will be truly understood, respected, and recognized for what it is — a sport,” she said.
When asked what it felt like to see Rebel’s designs on NBC under the leadership of another powerhouse female like Aldama, she summed it up in one word:
“Surreal.”
REBEL VS. THE CLOCK
Stepping into a network TV timeline came with challenges — but Aldridge says that’s part of Rebel’s DNA.
“Nothing at Rebel has ever been handed to us. We’ve fought for every customer, every partnership, every inch of progress, and every win,” she said. “After more than a decade of navigating major challenges, we don’t see them as obstacles anymore. We see them as opportunities to learn, improve, and create something even more spectacular.”
The result: a fully customized, high-quality look delivered under a compressed schedule — without compromising Rebel’s signature craftsmanship.
Join the conversation with the largest cheer audience online. Follow @cheerdailyig for real-time updates and be sure to catch Stumble on NBC, Friday’s at 8:30/7:30c and streaming next day on Peacock.
