NBC’s cheerleading comedy pilot Stumble continues to build momentum, with Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth joining the cast in a standout role. The single-camera mockumentary, centered on the volatile world of junior college cheer, already caught the cheer world’s attention when Cheer Daily reported Monica Aldama had signed on as executive producer.
Written by comedy veterans Liz and Jeff Astrof, Stumble is set in the world of competitive JUCO cheerleading. The series follows Courteney Potter (played by Jenn Lyon), a legendary junior college cheer coach whose career implodes after a scandalous video of her partying with her team goes viral. Out of options, she lands a coaching job at a no-name school, setting the stage for redemption—or disaster.
Chenoweth plays Tammy Istiny—pronounced “Isstinny,” though most read it as “Is Tiny”—Courteney’s longtime assistant coach. Once a celebrated flyer in her prime, Tammy never left the 1980s behind. She still rocks a high ponytail, thick cheer makeup, and totes a Cherry Coke slushie like it’s game day at nationals. When Courteney is forced out, Tammy reluctantly assumes the head coach role, bringing her retro energy and unfiltered edge to a new generation of athletes.
Joining Chenoweth and Lyon are Taran Killam (SNL) as Boone E. Potter, Courteney’s high school sweetheart and the football coach at Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College; Jarrett Austin Brown as Dimarcus, the team’s penalty-prone quarterback; and Georgie Murphy as Sally, a foster-care survivor with raw potential. The ensemble also includes Ryan Pinkston, Anissa Borrego, Arianna Davis, and Taylor Dunbar.
Monica Aldama—renowned for her role in Netflix’s Cheer—brings firsthand cheerleading expertise to the production team, adding an authentic lens to the pilot’s competitive setting. Dana Honor produces through her Defining Eve Productions, alongside the Astrof siblings. Jeff Blitz, known for The Office, directs the pilot and serves as an executive producer.
The project is housed at Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
For Chenoweth, this role marks a return to the comedic spotlight. The Pushing Daisies star and Wicked alum is no stranger to character work and sharp timing. Her recent projects include a Netflix holiday film and an original musical, The Queen of Versailles, set to hit Broadway in the 2025–26 season. Now, she’ll bring her signature charm—and unmistakable vocal tone—to the role of a coach caught between generations.
If ordered to series, Stumble would add to NBC’s slate of ensemble comedies while offering a rare look into the real drama, dynamics, and athleticism behind competitive cheer at the collegiate level. With a story built around high pressure, sharp humor, and grounded performances, Stumble could become the defining cheer-centric series we’ve been waiting for.
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