NBC Shifts ‘The Paper’ Off Air, Highlights ‘Stumble’ on Monday

NBC is shifting its programming schedule as it concludes the linear run of Peacock’s “The Paper.” Beginning January 5, 2024, episodes of the new comedy “Stumble” will take the Monday 8:30 p.m. ET time slot, which was previously occupied by “The Paper” since November 10, 2023.

NBC Shifts Programming Focus

The changes come as NBC aims to enhance the visibility of “Stumble,” which has been airing new episodes on Fridays at 8:30 p.m., following “Happy’s Place.” Repeats of “Stumble,” starting with its pilot episode, will air on Mondays after “St. Denis Medical,” giving the show additional exposure.

Impact on “The Paper”

Due to this scheduling transition, “The Paper” will not complete its planned 10-episode run on Mondays. Instead, NBC plans to air its remaining three episodes on Saturday, January 3, 2024. “The Paper,” available on Peacock since September 4, 2023, has already secured a second season, set for release in 2026.

Details About “Stumble”

“Stumble,” designed by creators Jeff Astrof and Liz Astrof, navigates the competitive environment of junior college cheer squads. It features a prominent cast including:

• Jenn Lyon
• Taran Killam
• Ryan Pinkston
• Jarrett Austin Brown
• Anissa Borrego
• Arianna Davis
• Taylor Dunbar
• Georgie Murphy

Kristin Chenoweth appears as a recurring guest star, with additional guest appearances by Jeff Hiller, Ashlie Atkinson, and Dascha Polanco. The Astrofs serve as executive producers alongside Dana Honor and Monica Aldama, known for her work on Netflix’s “Cheer.” Jeff Blitz is the director and an executive producer as well.

Critical Reception

Critics have responded positively to “Stumble.” Variety TV critic Aramide Tinubu described it as “a hysterical mockumentary about the high-stakes arena of junior college cheerleading.” This light-hearted approach to the subject offers a fresh and colorful perspective on the challenges faced by the cheerleading teams.

Upcoming Programming Changes

“Stumble” will continue to air in its new Monday time slot through February 2, 2024, with a break for an NBA game on January 19. Following “Stumble,” NBC will introduce a new comedy titled “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” which will debut with an hour-long episode on February 23, 2024, before settling into the 8:30 p.m. slot starting March 2.