‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary Struggles to Impress
The series, featuring Kristin Chenoweth as a recurring guest star, follows elite coach Courteney, played by Jenn Lyon, as she attempts to guide a team of conflicted misfits toward a championship.
Premise 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.”
Though this pep talk is typical of underdog sports stories, it feels out of place here—like the setup for a joke that never lands. The show’s tone is inconsistent, swinging between weak humor and forced emotion.
Creators and Style
Created by siblings Liz Astrof (Pivoting) and Jeff Astrof (Shining Vale), the comedy struggles to find balance. Despite its flaws, it exudes a hopeful energy that suggests it might improve with time.
Critics’ Experience
The early access reviewers received only the first two episodes, both heavy on establishing the basic premise but never settling into a natural rhythm. This leaves it uncertain whether viewers should laugh at or with the characters.
Summary
‘Stumble’ is a well-meaning but uneven cheerleading mockumentary that wrestles with its identity, delivering both awkward humor and heartfelt moments without fully succeeding.