Cheer’s Monica Aldama Inspires NBC’s “Stumble”
When Jeff and Liz Astrof set out to adapt Netflix’s “Cheer” into a comedy, they instantly knew they wanted Monica Aldama — the fearless Navarro College coach at the heart of the original docuseries. Her leadership and charisma became central to their reimagined project.
NBC’s new primetime comedy “Stumble” acts as both a parody and a heartfelt homage to the culture of cheerleading. Drawing inspiration from “Cheer,” the show captures the blend of high-stakes athleticism, emotional intensity, and community spirit that fascinated audiences back in 2020.
A Love Letter to Cheer
Liz and Jeff Astrof, much like the rest of America, were captivated by the Navarro College cheerleaders and their no-nonsense coach. The original documentary revealed that cheerleading was far more than pom-poms and sidelines—it was a sport that demanded strength, teamwork, and inclusivity.
“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 recalled during a recent video call with Liz.
The siblings let the idea roll around for some time before finally bringing it to life. With Aldama’s story and style as creative fuel, “Stumble” aims to showcase resilience, humor, and the power of determination beneath the glitter.
Author’s Summary
The comedy “Stumble,” inspired by Netflix’s “Cheer,” celebrates Monica Aldama’s coaching spirit while humorously reimagining the world of cheerleading through the Astrof siblings’ creative lens.