NBC’s mock sitcom ‘Stumble’ is a good time | TV/Streaming

NBC’s “Stumble” is pretty cute. The mock sitcom follows champion coach Courteney (Jenn Lyon) as she builds a team from the ground up after being kicked out of the community college where she spent her career.

Yes, the mockumentary format is over-the-top, and where “Stumble” hits the wrong notes is because of the format chosen. We don’t need to jam the dolls because the fictional toymaker won’t give permission, nor do we need to pretend that Courteney’s college coach is refusing to participate in the show because of the ill will between them. This is just manufactured nonsense, and it reads like it.

But aside from those few point deductions, “Stumble” scores high, thanks to its resistance to easy/stupid jokes in favor of surprising and heartwarming jokes. Today, a sitcom about a cheerleading squad led by a traditionally attractive blonde woman could easily be one long, stupid women’s work. There’s none of that here. Yes, Courteney can’t always find the right words, but the show portrays her lack of eloquence as a personality quirk rather than a reflection of her intelligence.

In fact, there are no brainless blondes on “Stumble.” Instead, the series contrasts Courteney’s insight and her husband’s forgetfulness. Boone (Taran Killam) is the football coach at the same school Courteney attends. He shows up with a clip of his head injury that ended his career as a quarterback — and “Stumble” shows the clip multiple times, emphasizing its severity but also the absurdity of playing tactical football. Years later, he still has problems with basic functioning, and the show plays on this inherently masculine stupidity for laughs. It’s a bit of a gender reversal that works in part because the show is so kind to Boone and Courtney.

This central couple is undoubtedly inspired by the other famous fictional Texas football coaching couple, Tami and Eric Taylor from “Friday Night Lights.” Like their predecessors, Courteney and Boone are both responsible for shaping young minds and they have a healthy relationship, which is still rare on screen. They are two equals who affectionately call each other “coach” in bed and always support each other. Some of the warmest moments in “Stumble” take place with the two of them, gently in love and joking sweetly. In “Stumble,” Courteney plays the central role and, like Coach Taylor before her, she excels at her job. We see her “tough love” approach work and understand how she was able to win so many championships.

Along with Courtney’s role as an educator, “Stumble” also takes joy seriously. We’re talking about gymnastics’ cousin with pompoms. Obviously, doing a backhand flip is actually a spectacular feat. And although “Stumble” plays a cheerleader’s injury for laughs, it also notes that the sport is dangerous; in fact, according to some studies, cheering is the most dangerous sport for female athletes. These gymnasts are performing their routines without pads or mats, and they are suffering the consequences.

And the series isn’t afraid to tackle larger dynamics, teasing easy targets like influencer culture and taking an insider’s perspective to critique its Texas/Oklahoma setting. The acronym for Courtney’s new conference is hilarious: it illustrates the lack of opportunities for Courtney and Boone graduates. None of these student-athletes turn professional or go to the Olympics. But the goal of being the best at what they’re trying to do right now matters, even if it won’t make them famous or rich.

That said, “Stumble” doesn’t even particularly invest in the athlete’s future: we don’t spend time in their classrooms and learn little about them beyond their performances on the mat. No, this is Courtney’s story, and she’s a compelling protagonist, bringing heart and humor to her attempts to shape another roster of championship supporters.

It’s a solid setup and approach, backed by a cast who are clearly having fun with it. Lyon and Killam are both sincere and funny, capable of making people laugh and playing their most down-to-earth moments. And in the more developed sphere of adults (in the first two episodes given to critics, the young people are more gags than humans), there is also Kristin Chenoweth, who plays the assistant coach of Courtney, who has become a rival. She’s clearly having fun as the bad type of coach who runs her team to feed her own ego.

It all adds up to a good time – a chance to see good people achieve a little excellence in their little corner of the world, while laughing at the absurdity of the society around them.

The first two episodes are screened for review. The show premieres November 7 on NBC.