Key Highlights
- The new NBC comedy series “Stumble” follows a junior college cheer coach trying to build a championship team.
- Jenn Lyon stars as Courteney Potter, the coach who takes on a challenging task at Heådleston State College in Oklahoma.
- Guest stars include Busy Philipps, Annaleigh Ashford, and Jeff Hiller, adding depth to the show’s cast.
- The series aims for a balance of physical gags and character humor while emphasizing the “found family” aspect of the cheer squad.
NBC’s New Mockumentary Comedy “Stumble”
NBC has debuted an intriguing new comedy, “Stumble.” This mockumentary series takes a humorous look at the world of junior college cheerleading. The show centers around Courteney Potter (played by Jenn Lyon), who is tasked with building a championship team from scratch at Heådleston State College in Oklahoma.
The Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast includes notable actors like Anissa Borrego, Taran Killam, Dascha Polanco, and Arianna Davis. These actors bring depth to their roles, adding layers of character development. Additionally, the show features guest appearances from Busy Philipps, Annaleigh Ashford, and Jeff Hiller, ensuring that there is always something new for viewers to discover.
The Show’s Plot and Humor Dynamics
“Stumble” is a blend of mockumentary-style storytelling and character-driven comedy. The series follows Courteney Potter as she navigates the challenges of coaching a diverse group of students who are eager to learn more than just cheerleading techniques. The show’s opening episode introduces us to the squad, including characters like Dimarcus (Jarrett Austin Brown), Peaches (Taylor Dunbar), and Sally (Georgie Murphy).
The humor in “Stumble” comes from both physical gags and character interactions.
For instance, Tammy Istiny’s (Kristin Chenoweth) diminutive stature provides ample opportunities for comedic moments that resonate with the audience. The show also delves into the “found family” aspect of the cheer squad, exploring themes of support and growth.
Expert Analysis: A Balanced Humor with Heart
The review from Joel Keller (@joelkeller) highlights that “Stumble” excels in maintaining a balance between physical humor and character development. While the first two episodes are strong, there is hope for further improvement as the series progresses. According to Keller, the show has a “surprising amount of heart” and offers viewers both laughter and emotional depth.
“The showrunners Liz and Jeff Astrof have a history in sitcom writing,” notes Keller, adding that their experience shines through in the performances and character arcs. The series features solid comedic performances from Taran Killam as Boone, who is described as “the highlight of the first two episodes.”
Streaming Options: Peacock Subscription Required
To access “Stumble,” viewers need a subscription to Peacock, which offers two main options: Peacock Premium ($10.99/month) and Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free for $16.99/month). Alternatively, users can opt for annual plans that provide 12 months of access for the price of 10 months, with prices at either $109.99 or $169.99.
“Stumble” offers a unique blend of humor and heart, making it an engaging addition to NBC’s lineup. With its strong cast and promising premise, the show is definitely worth watching for those interested in comedy series that mix physical gags with character-driven stories.
Our Call: STREAM IT!
