Potter had it all at Sammy Davis Sr. Junior College, until she was caught on camera celebrating a little too much with her team. Her big, dopey loving husband Boone remains the football coach at SDSJC, but the best coaching position she can find is with ambiguously pronounceable Heådltston Junior College, where she also must half-heartedly teach typing.
Somehow, Potter recruits a team of misfits, including a narcoleptic, a delinquent with natural parkour skills, a former team-member who never graduated when Potter coached him sixteen years ago, and Krystal, the star cheerleader for Sammy Davis Sr., who transfers because she thinks the documentary will be all about her.
Yes, this is yet another mockumentary sitcom, but it probably shouldn’t be, because the things that really work do not lend themselves to the format. Based on the first two episodes provided for review, Stumble excels when it depicts the warmth and humor of the Potters’ marriage and her tough but compassionate approach with her team.
Frankly, this show would work better if it didn’t feel a need to constantly go for big yucks. Arguably, it ought to go more for gentler laughs, sort of like the vibe of the old Family Affair show. For now, Kristin Chenoweth lays on the shtick so thickly as Tammy Istiny, Potter’s former assistant coach turned catty rival, viewers could get toxic shock from the cringe. Several of the new cheer team members could stand for a little toning down as well.
It is too bad only two episodes were provided for review, because it seems like Stumble is the kind of series that needs a little time to fully find its footing. Yet, there is potential that shines through. Recommended for Texas football country, at least for now, Stumble airs Friday night (11/7) on NBC (and streams the next day on Peacock).
