‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary
The series features Kristin Chenoweth as a recurring guest star and follows elite coach Courteney, played by Jenn Lyon, who tries to lead a team of squabbling misfits toward a championship.
Plot and Tone
Late 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.”
Her pep talk is typical of underdog sports stories, though it feels somewhat out of place here, as if setting up a joke that never quite lands. The comedy's tone is uneven, shifting awkwardly between weak jokes and forced sentiment.
Overall Impression
The show tries hard and maintains an optimistic vibe, which encourages hope that it might improve in future episodes. However, the first two episodes—sent out to critics—focus heavily on establishing a simple premise and fail to find a consistent rhythm.
Challenges
- The humor and sentiment often feel unearned and poorly developed.
- It’s unclear whether the audience should laugh at the characters or with them.
- The series struggles to settle into a comfortable groove early on.
Summary
‘Stumble’ is a well-intentioned but uneven mockumentary that tries to blend comedy and heart, yet it struggles to balance tone and audience engagement in its early episodes.