Monica Aldama Inspires NBC's Comedy "Stumble"
When Jeff and Liz Astrof decided to create a comedy inspired by Netflix's hit docuseries Cheer, they knew Monica Aldama, the renowned cheer coach, had to be part of it. Their new NBC primetime show, Stumble, serves as a heartfelt tribute to cheerleading and the impactful story told in Cheer.
Background on "Cheer" and Monica Aldama
Monica Aldama, the no-nonsense coach of Navarro College's champion cheerleaders, was the focal point of Greg Whiteley’s two-season documentary series that premiered in 2020. The show shattered common stereotypes, revealing cheerleading as a highly competitive and athletic sport involving diverse athletes from various social, economic, and racial backgrounds.
“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 Astrof recalled during a recent video call with his sister Liz.
Creating "Stumble"
Jeff and Liz Astrofs' fascination with the docuseries led them to envision a comedy where Monica takes on a new challenge at a struggling college. The concept stayed with them for a while, eventually coming to life as Stumble. Their admiration for Cheer and its authentic portrayal of the sport inspired the show's tone and narrative.
Cultural Impact of "Cheer"
- Cheer introduced millions to the athleticism and complexity of competitive cheerleading.
- The series highlighted the diversity of the cheerleaders, including both men and women from various backgrounds.
- It challenged outdated notions of cheerleading as simple sidelines entertainment.
Stumble aims to capture this spirit while adding a comedic twist to the high-stakes world of cheer.
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