‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary
The series, featuring Kristin Chenoweth as a recurring guest star, follows elite coach Courteney, played by Jenn Lyon, as she tries to lead a team of squabbling misfits toward a championship.
Coach’s Pep Talk
Late in the second episode, Courteney addresses her team:
“Now, when I look at this team, I see grit, determination, heart. That’s what people are going to want to be here to be part of.”
While this pep talk is typical of underdog sports stories, it feels out of place here, like the setup for a joke that isn’t one.
Tonal Challenges
Created by siblings Liz Astrof (Pivoting) and Jeff Astrof (Shining Vale), the comedy struggles with inconsistent tone, shifting awkwardly between underdeveloped jokes and unearned sentiment.
The first two episodes focus heavily on establishing a straightforward premise, making it hard for the show to find a comfortable rhythm or clarify whether the audience should laugh at or with the characters.
Critical Reception
- Only the first two episodes were provided to critics, which may explain the show’s uneven pacing.
- Despite its flaws, the series’ earnest effort and charm give hope it might improve over time.
Author’s summary: Though uneven in tone and execution, Stumble shows promise with its sincere and joyful attempt to tell an underdog sports story in a comedic mockumentary style.