‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary Misses the Mark
The series stars Jenn Lyon as Courteney, an elite coach leading a team of quarrelsome misfits in pursuit of a championship. Kristin Chenoweth also appears as a recurring guest star.
Early Impressions and Tone
In the second episode, Courteney addresses her squad:
“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.”
The pep talk comes off as familiar and clichéd, echoing countless underdog sports stories, but here it feels awkward—like a setup for a joke that never lands.
Comedy and Emotional Balance
Created by siblings Liz and Jeff Astrof, the comedy struggles with a confused tone. It shifts unevenly between underdeveloped humor and forced emotion. Despite this, the show’s earnest effort and cheerful spirit give hope it might improve over time.
Challenges in Early Episodes
- Only the first two episodes were screened for critics.
- Both episodes work hard to establish a straightforward premise.
- The series has yet to find a comfortable rhythm.
- Viewers may be unsure whether to laugh at or with the characters.
Overall, the mockumentary’s uneven tone makes it difficult to connect fully with the story or characters at this stage.
Summary: Despite its sincere effort and warm spirit, NBC’s ‘Stumble’ struggles with a confused tone and familiar clichés, leaving the comedy feeling uneven and unsure of its identity.