NBC’s latest comedy series, Stumble, premiered on November 7, 2023, seeking to capture the spirit of college cheerleading through a mockumentary lens. The show features elite coach Courteney, played by Jenn Lyon, as she attempts to rally a mismatched team of cheerleaders at the lesser-known Heådltston State Junior College. Despite its promising premise, the series struggles to deliver consistent humor and depth.
In the second episode, Courteney delivers a standard motivational speech to her squad, highlighting their “grit, determination, and heart.” This sentiment, while familiar in sports narratives, feels flat in execution, raising questions about the show’s overall tone. The initial episodes oscillate between humor and earnestness, creating a tonal imbalance that detracts from the viewing experience.
The creators of Stumble, siblings Liz Astrof and Jeff Astrof, have previous successes with shows like Pivoting and Shining Vale, yet this new venture appears disjointed. The characters lack the distinctive traits or memorable quirks necessary to resonate with audiences. Courteney, an accomplished coach with 14 championships, faces immediate challenges, including being abruptly fired after a minor scandal.
The series introduces a cast of supporting characters, each with broad stereotypes rather than nuanced personalities. Anissa Borrego plays Krystal, Courteney’s loyal but somewhat oblivious star flyer, while Kristin Chenoweth portrays the comically named Tammy Istiny, whose diminutive stature belies her ambitious nature. These characters may provide some comedic moments, but they often feel underdeveloped.
In a bid to build her cheerleading program from the ground up, Courteney encounters a diverse group of recruits. Among them is Madonna, portrayed by Arianna Davis, whose sole characteristic is narcolepsy. Other recruits include a self-absorbed football player, a middle-aged man looking to reclaim his glory days, and a quirky athlete constantly embroiled in bizarre situations. Despite the potential for humor, the characters often fall flat, lacking the depth that could make them engaging.
As the series progresses, it attempts to balance slapstick comedy with heartfelt moments, yet often misses the mark. Recurring jokes, like Madonna’s propensity to fall asleep mid-sentence, become repetitive quickly, diminishing their initial impact. Other attempts at humor, such as a blurred-out action figure scene, leave viewers bemused rather than entertained.
Critics have noted that it is common for new sitcoms to take time to hit their stride. While Stumble has the potential to develop into a more cohesive narrative, the first two episodes raise concerns about its direction. Viewers remain hopeful that future episodes will flesh out the characters, sharpen the humor, and create the camaraderie expected from a cheerleading ensemble.
The charm of sports-themed comedies often lies in their ability to showcase the growth of characters and the bonds they form. For Stumble, the challenge remains whether it can deliver on this promise without succumbing to the pitfalls of predictable humor and lackluster character development. As it stands, the series leaves much to be desired, prompting questions about its long-term viability in the competitive landscape of television comedies.
