NBC’s ‘Stumble’ Review: Should You Stream or Skip?

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NBC’s ‘Stumble’ Review: Should You Stream or Skip?

NBC’s latest comedy series, *Stumble*, focuses on the world of junior college cheerleading. It deftly balances humor with character development, aiming to deliver laughs and heartfelt moments.

Overview of *Stumble*

The series stars Jenn Lyon as Courteney Potter, a dedicated cheer coach. She’s documented on camera as she attempts to lead her team to a record-breaking championship season at Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College (SDSJC) in Texas.

However, her aspirations are challenged when the dean reveals footage of Courteney celebrating with her team after a previous victory. This leads her to offer her resignation, leaving her assistant, Tammy Istiny, played by Kristin Chenoweth, devastated.

Key Characters and Plot Development

  • Courteney Potter (Jenn Lyon) – Cheer coach seeking a 15th championship.
  • Tammy Istiny (Kristin Chenoweth) – Assistant coach and loyal friend.
  • Boone (Taran Killam) – Football coach and Courteney’s husband.
  • Krystal (Anissa Borrego) – Influencer and Courteney’s top flyer.
  • Madonna (Arianna Davis) – Cheerleader with narcolepsy.
  • Dimarcus (Jarrett Austin Brown) – Ex-football player recruited to cheer.
  • Peaches (Taylor Dunbar) – Cheerleader with a colorful past.
  • Sally (Georgie Murphy) – Cheerleader with a touching story.

Courteney relocates to Heådleston, Oklahoma, the “button candy capital” of the U.S., to rebuild the cheer team within a tight six-week timeframe. Her team begins with only one member and faces numerous challenges along the way.

Show Comparisons

*Stumble* draws parallels to the Netflix docuseries *Cheer*, with executive producer Monica Aldama lending her expertise. It also echoes the comedic style found in *Abbott Elementary*, focusing on personal stories within the often hilarious realm of cheerleading.

Viewer Reception and Comedy Style

The show is written by experienced showrunners Liz and Jeff Astrof, who have crafted a blend of physical humor and character-driven narratives. Critics have praised Killam’s comedic performance, highlighting his character as a memorable feature of the show.

As the plot unfolds, Courteney aims not only for victory but also to impart valuable life lessons. She faces the challenge of ensuring her team works together, demonstrating her commitment to leadership.

The Verdict: Should You Stream or Skip?

The suggestion is clear: *Stumble* is worth streaming. It combines laughter with an emotional core, setting a solid foundation for future episodes. The show is currently available on Peacock.

Viewing Options

Subscription Plan Cost
Premium (with ads) $10.99/month
Premium Plus (ad-free) $16.99/month
Annual Plan (with ads) $109.99/year
Annual Plan (ad-free) $169.99/year

In conclusion, if you enjoy comedy with heart and character depth, *Stumble* should be added to your watchlist.