“Stumble,” a fresh sitcom set to premiere on NBC this Friday, creatively blends elements from Greg Whiteley’s acclaimed docuseries “Cheer” with the humor of classics like “The Bad News Bears,” all wrapped in a mockumentary style reminiscent of “The Office.” This innovative format features characters who are aware of the camera’s presence, engaging in cutaway interviews that deliver ironic commentary on unfolding events, and breaks the fourth wall to draw viewers into the narrative. The first two episodes suggest that while this approach may feel familiar, it delivers enjoyable results brimming with slapstick comedy and whimsical antics.
The series stars Jenn Lyon as cheerleading coach Courteney Potter, who mirrors aspects of “Cheer” star Monica Aldama while adding her unique twist. Courteney is depicted as an ambitious coach with a trophy-laden history at the fictional Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College in Wichita Flats, Texas, a nod to the real-life Corsicana where “Cheer” takes place. The sitcom opens with Courteney’s unexpected dismissal following a mildly scandalous video of her drinking champagne and presenting an award for “best booty” to her team, which leads her to make the humorous announcement, “I have been asked to be fired.”
Her husband Boone, played by Taran Killam, is the football coach at SDSJC and once aspired to be a professional player. A life-altering brain injury disrupts his career, providing room for comedic asides regarding his condition, which could be viewed as insensitivity towards the brain injury community.
Determined not to give up, Courteney secures a new coaching position at Headltston, known for its Candy Button factory, and adopts the team name, the Buttons, complete with a quirky mascot. Upon her arrival, the squad is in disarray, featuring only the overly enthusiastic Madonna, whose enthusiasm is occasionally halted by narcolepsy. Courteney also recruits Dimarcus, who leaves the football team after racking up penalties, and discovers Peaches, a tough character who earned her nickname in an unusual incident involving a can of cling peaches. Other team members include Krystal, a social media-savvy “cheerlebrity,” and Sally, an endearingly scatterbrained member.
In a twist reminiscent of “Cheer,” the goal for this motley crew is to triumph at the cheerleading nationals in Daytona Beach, a feat that seems ambitious given their current state. This overarching objective helps the show maintain focus, moving beyond a casual gathering of characters to a structured narrative with aspirations. Created by siblings Jeff and Liz Astrof, “Stumble” is also set to feature Busy Philipps in an upcoming role, hinting at further developments in the storyline.
While the success of the Buttons may be uncertain, the humor, creativity, and potential emotional depth in “Stumble” present a promising addition to the sitcom landscape, offering viewers a lighthearted series to cheer for.