Inside the cheer-fueled breakout performance lighting up NBC’s STUMBLE

Some performances feel practiced. Others feel lived-in. Anissa Borrego’s turn as Krystal on NBC’s new comedy STUMBLE lands squarely in the latter—because it is.

Poised, magnetic, and unapologetically extra, Krystal is a bona fide “cheerlebrity,” the kind of personality who commands a gym the way a pop star commands a stage. Borrego doesn’t just play that energy—she knows it. With a real background in gymnastics and cheerleading, she brings a level of authenticity rarely seen in scripted comedy, grounding the show’s humor in discipline, muscle memory, and lived experience.

Premiered Friday, November 7 on NBC, STUMBLE dives into the high-stakes world of junior college cheerleading through a single-camera mockumentary lens—channeling the comedic DNA of The Office and Parks and Recreation, while exploring an athletic subculture rarely portrayed with this much heart (and bite).

Building a Cheerlebrity

To shape Krystal’s larger-than-life persona, Borrego studied the real thing—starting with cheer icon Gabi Butler—and pulled inspiration from working alongside pro cheerleaders on set. But Krystal isn’t an impression; she’s an evolution.

“You don’t become Krystal without discipline,” Borrego says. “That discipline came rushing back when I booked the role. But there’s also a fun, playful, slightly sassy energy that comes with cheer—everything has a little extra flavor.”

That balance—precision paired with personality—defines Krystal. She shines unapologetically, but beneath the sparkle is resilience. It’s the trait Borrego was most protective of while building the character: the quiet strength that keeps Krystal standing tall, no matter what she’s carrying.

Comedy With Muscle Memory

STUMBLE surrounds Borrego with a formidable comedic ensemble, including Jenn Lyon, Taran Killam, and Kristin Chenoweth—a lineup that could intimidate even the most confident performer.

Instead, Borrego saw it as a masterclass.

“Jenn’s work ethic is unbelievable,” she says. “Taran fills a room with laughter—bold, confident, always committed. Kristin goes full send every time. Watching them trust their choices and go all in taught me so much.”

That trust extends to the show’s physicality. With choreography by Dahlston Delgado, the series blends performance and athletics, supported by elite cheer doubles for the most intense stunts. For Borrego, the thrill isn’t just in the moves—it’s in the team.

“Becoming and bonding as a squad felt the closest to the real thing,” she says. “We lift each other up, laugh constantly, and genuinely love being together. It feels like a real team—and that shows onscreen.”

From Drama to Pixar—and Back Again

Borrego’s breakout moment didn’t come out of nowhere. Her résumé spans drama and comedy alike, with credits including This Is Us, the Netflix film Incoming, and HBO Max’s A Hollywood Christmas. Most recently, she stepped into the world of animation with a starring voice role in Pixar’s ELIO.

Surprisingly, the leap from mic to mat wasn’t as drastic as it sounds.

“I always start by embodying the character,” Borrego explains. “Whether it’s on camera or in a voice booth, it’s about truth. The biggest difference on STUMBLE is reacting in real time—feeding off the energy in the room.”

Why Krystal Matters

At its core, STUMBLE isn’t just about competition—it’s about resilience, joy, and the courage to shine. Borrego hopes young athletes, especially cheerleaders, see themselves in Krystal’s journey.

“Just keep swimming,” she says, quoting her favorite mantra. “When it’s not easy. When obstacles show up. Don’t give up.”

As the series debuts, Borrego finds herself exactly where her younger self once dreamed of being. “I used to say I wanted to be a ‘gymnactress,’” she laughs. “This is that dream—coming true.”

With STUMBLE, Anissa Borrego isn’t just sticking the landing. She’s redefining what a breakout looks like—one fearless, high-flying moment at a time.

Credits:
Photography: Emily Malan
Hair: Dom Forletta
Make up: Kirin Bhatty 
Styling: Marissa Pelly