NBC’s latest college cheerleading mockumentary, titled “Stumble,” premiered on November 7 at 8:30 p.m. The series showcases the journey of an elite coach, Courteney, as she aims to transform an underdeveloped cheerleading program. Stumble features a mix of humor and drama but struggles to find its rhythm.
Overview of the Series
Created by siblings Liz and Jeff Astrof, Stumble tries to blend laughter with the trials of competitive cheerleading. The storyline follows Courteney, played by Jenn Lyon, who is determined to secure her fifteenth championship title. However, her new team hails from the virtually nonexistent cheer program at Heådltston State Junior College.
Key Characters
- Courteney: The ambitious coach with 14 championships, struggling to adapt to her new environment.
- Krystal: Courteney’s loyal star flyer who reacts dramatically to the coach’s problems.
- Tammy Istiny: Courteney’s assistant coach, played by Kristin Chenoweth, whose character is both tiny and devious.
- Madonna: The only cheerleader on the team before Courteney arrives, known for her narcolepsy.
- DiMarcus: A football player seeking attention, providing comic relief.
- Peaches: A low-level criminal skilled in parkour, who humorously recounts her unusual nickname.
- Steven: A middle-aged man hoping to redeem his past glory in cheerleading.
- Sally: A mediocre athlete with a knack for getting into bizarre situations.
A Struggle for Tone and Humor
The series displays a mixture of underdeveloped jokes and heartfelt moments, leading to a tonal imbalance. Critics noted the lack of clarity on whether the audience should laugh with or at the characters. Shows like “Abbott Elementary” have succeeded by balancing humor and affection for their characters, a feat that Stumble struggles to achieve.
Initial Reception
Initial reviews of Stumble describe it as a “tonal mess.” While the first two episodes attempt to establish its premise, they neither settle into a rhythm nor create memorable character impressions. The humor often relies on obvious gags and repetitive setups, resulting in a lack of genuine laughter.
Future Prospects
Though Stumble has received a lukewarm response, it’s important to note that many sitcoms evolve over time. Early episodes often miss the mark as characters and storylines develop. Viewers may see improved character arcs and sharper humor as the season progresses.
Until that improvement materializes, Stumble remains an underwhelming entry in the mockumentary genre, leaving critics and audiences unconvinced of its potential as a winner in cheerleading mockumentary competition.
