Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson Join NBC’s Upcoming Comedy ‘Stumble’
NBC’s new mockumentary-style comedy ‘Stumble’ has added a fresh wave of talent ahead of its premiere. Actors Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson are joining the lineup as guest stars, bringing even more energy to a series that’s already shaping up to be a standout in the network’s 2025 slate.
‘Stumble’ is set to debut on NBC on November 7, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET/PT, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock (source).
What the Show Is About
The series takes a mockumentary approach to the high-stakes, over-the-top world of junior college cheerleading. It centers around Courteney Potter, a once-celebrated coach who faces a scandal that sends her career spiraling. Forced to start over at a struggling junior college in Texas, she must rebuild a team of misfits into something remotely resembling champions.
According to NBC’s official description (NBC Insider), the show will follow her chaotic comeback, with equal parts heart, humor, and pom-poms. The format and tone are being compared to ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’, but with a small-town sports twist.
The Cast and Guest Stars
Jenn Lyon stars as Courteney Potter, leading the ragtag cheer squad. Taran Killam (best known from Saturday Night Live) plays her supportive yet equally overwhelmed husband, Boon E. Potter. Rounding out the main cast are Ryan Pinkston, Jarrett Austin Brown, Anissa Borrego, Arianna Davis, Taylor Dunbar, and Georgie Murphy.
Broadway and TV favorite Kristin Chenoweth will also appear in a recurring role as Tammy Istiny, the coach who replaced Courteney after her fall from grace.
The latest additions—Jeff Hiller, Dascha Polanco, and Ashlie Atkinson—will each bring distinct characters to the mix:
- Hiller plays Augustus, the quirky owner of the Candy Button factory and the town’s biggest benefactor.
- Polanco portrays Krystal’s mother, who also happens to be the manager and CEO of Krystal Enterprises.
- Atkinson steps in as Miss Dot, the eccentric unregistered school nurse and facilities manager, who ends up helping the cheer team with every odd job imaginable.
Each actor brings impressive credentials: Hiller recently won an Emmy for his role in HBO’s Somebody Somewhere; Polanco gained fame on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black and starred in In the Heights; and Atkinson currently appears in HBO’s The Gilded Age.
The Creative Team
Behind the scenes, Jeff Astrof and Liz Astrof are steering the project as writers and executive producers. They’re joined by Dana Honor of Defining Eve Productions and Monica Aldama, the real-life cheerleading coach from Netflix’s Cheer, who’s serving as an executive producer to lend authenticity.
The pilot episode was directed and executive-produced by Jeff Blitz, with Universal Television handling production.
What to Expect
The first trailer teases a mix of chaotic energy, heartfelt underdog spirit, and plenty of awkward humor.
Coach Potter introduces her mismatched team—ranging from a sleep-prone tumbler to an overconfident football player—with the line: “Are they perfect? No. Are they good? I wouldn’t say so. I’m just trying to make sure nobody dies.”
With its stellar ensemble, mockumentary tone, and Monica Aldama’s real-world expertise, Stumble looks ready to take viewers on a hilarious tumble through small-town cheer culture.
Mark your calendars for November 7—because this comedy might just be the next big thing to root for.
