‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary
The series features Kristin Chenoweth as a recurring guest star and centers around elite coach Courteney, played by Jenn Lyon, who tries to lead a team of squabbling misfits toward a championship.
Plot 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.”
This pep talk feels clichéd, echoing countless underdog sports stories, but here it seems oddly misplaced, suggesting a joke that never arrives.
Creative Approach and Execution
The show, created by siblings Liz Astrof and Jeff Astrof, struggles with inconsistent tone, fluctuating between underdeveloped humor and unearned sentimentality. Despite this, the series shows earnest effort and a cheerful spirit that leaves some hope for improvement.
Critics’ Early Impressions
- Only the first two episodes were provided for review.
- Both episodes work hard to introduce a straightforward premise but fail to settle into a comfortable rhythm.
- It’s unclear whether viewers should laugh at the characters or with them.
Overall, the series feels like a rough draft still searching for its identity.
Author’s summary: Though earnest and occasionally endearing, "Stumble" struggles with uneven tone and lacks the sharpness expected from a sports comedy, leaving it far from a sure winner.