‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary Struggles to Score
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 quarrelsome misfits toward a championship.
Mixed Tonal Execution
Late in the second episode of NBC’s college cheerleading mockumentary Stumble, 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.”
As a pep talk, it feels clichéd—similar to countless underdog sports narratives, often expressed with more originality or emotion. Yet in this context, it comes across oddly, like the setup for a joke that never lands.
Attempts and Shortcomings
Created by siblings Liz Astrof (Pivoting) and Jeff Astrof (Shining Vale), the comedy oscillates unevenly between underdeveloped humor and unearned sentimentality. Despite its flaws, the show’s earnest effort and cheerful tone suggest a hope it might improve.
This unevenness may stem in part from critics only receiving the first two episodes, which focus intensely on establishing the straightforward premise but fail to settle into a comfortable rhythm. Right from the start, it’s unclear whether the audience is meant to laugh at the characters or empathize with them.
Summary
Stumble struggles to balance satire and sincerity, resulting in a mockumentary that tries hard but ultimately feels unsettled and uneven.
Author’s summary: The series’ uneven tone and clichéd writing undermine its potential, leaving it caught between awkward humor and heartfelt moments without fully succeeding at either.