‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary Is Hardly a Winner

‘Stumble’ Review: NBC’s Competitive Cheerleading Mockumentary

The series features Jenn Lyon as Courteney, an elite coach trying to lead a team of squabbling misfits toward a championship, with Kristin Chenoweth appearing as a recurring guest star.

Plot and Tone

In the second episode, Courteney delivers a pep talk:

“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 intended to inspire, the speech feels like a typical underdog sports cliché, lacking originality and emotional impact. The series overall struggles with its tone, shifting between underdeveloped humor and unearned sentimentality.

Reception and Style

The comedy is inconsistent, making it unclear whether the audience should laugh at or with the characters.
The first two episodes focus heavily on establishing a straightforward premise without finding a comfortable rhythm.
The show, created by siblings Liz and Jeff Astrof, tries hard and maintains a cheerful spirit despite its flaws.

The critics only received the initial two episodes, which may contribute to the uneven reception so far.

Summary

“Stumble” attempts to blend comedy and heartfelt moments in the world of college cheerleading but struggles with inconsistent tone and familiar clichés.

Author's Note

The show’s charm lies in its earnest effort, but it still has a long way to go to find a distinctive voice and emotional depth.

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The Hollywood Reporter — 2025-11-08