Yes, Project Sleep is aware of the upcoming portrayal of narcolepsy on NBC’s upcoming show “Stumble” premiering on November 7, 2025. In the trailer, a cheerleader named Madonna falls dramatically over backwards with a thud, then later says “I have narcolepsy.” Through Project Sleep’s Hollywood Initiative, we are working to get in touch with the network but haven’t spoken to anyone yet.

Watch full trailer here:

Celebrating TV Stories that Make a Difference

The contrast is stark given than last night, Project Sleep celebrated “stories that matter” alongside an incredible group of Hollywood writers, producers, and actors at the Norman Lear Awards hosted by Hollywood, Health & Society.

“Accuracy matters. Stories matter.” – Marty Kaplan, founding director of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center

It was invigorating to share the room with people (including other NBC show representatives) who understand that Hollywood’s portrayals of serious medical conditions matter, both in helping under-served populations get accurate diagnoses sooner and in helping people feel seen and validated by characters on TV.

Yet Narcolepsy Storylines Still Stumbling

This morning, I returned to work only to find more messages from community members asking about NBC’s Stumble show’s portrayal of narcolepsy. One professional in our space wrote to me, “If smart, they have involved you already!” Thank you for reaching out, I wish I had a better response by now, but all I can say is that I hear you and your concerns.

Through our Hollywood Initiative, Project Sleep has made multiple attempts to connect with the network and so far have been unable to speak with anyone about the portrayal or our offers to help support them. Project Sleep currently has a Hollywood Initiative to foster accurate and engaging storylines about sleep disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Even though the show is now in late stages, there are still many opportunities to foster awareness and work together. In 2025, it’s time to abandon the Deuce Bigalow Male Giglio version of narcolepsy (dramatically pratfalling in a way that would leave a real person with a concussion) and it’s time to work with the narcolepsy community to showcase accurate symptoms of this fascinating yet serious neurological condition.

Watch the trailer on Instagram
Learn more about Project Sleep’s Hollywood Initiative