Stick - Apple TV+

It’s hard not to draw parallels between Stick—one of Apple TV+’s newest offerings—and the widely beloved Ted Lasso. Both are sports-centric dramedies that use their respective fields not just for laughs or competition, but as a backdrop for exploring personal growth, and second chances. But where Ted Lasso brings optimism through kindness and charm, Stick fails to reach the dramatic depth.

Owen Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill, a former pro golfer whose career and personal life have unraveled in the wake of a devastating tragedy: the loss of his son. When we meet him, Pryce is a man adrift—finalizing a divorce, living alone, and scraping together a living as a retail clerk in a golf shop while giving the occasional lesson to beginners.

Enter Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), a teenage golf prodigy with natural talent but emotional wounds of his own. Once a rising star in junior tournaments, Santi abruptly quit the game after his father walked out, and has since drifted away from competition. When Pryce and Santi cross paths, it’s not in a triumphant “coach meets athlete” moment—it’s awkward, reluctant, and understated. But something clicks, and slowly, a surrogate family bond begins to form.

Wilson may be the marquee name, and he delivers a solid performance, and charisma, but he’s supported by a strong ensemble. Dager holds his own with a performance that’s moody but never sulky, capturing the awkward intensity of teenage vulnerability without veering into cliché. Mariana Treviño adds heart as Santi’s protective mother, determined to keep her son from being exploited for his talent. Lilli Kay brings charm and edge as Zero, Santi’s love interest, and Marc Maron rounds out the cast with a quietly grounded performance as Pryce’s former caddy and confidant.

What makes Stick special isn’t just the sport or the mentorship storyline—it’s how relatable the characters feel. The show manages to be endearing and entertaining, with just the right amount of humour woven into its more emotional moments. It’s genuinely funny at times, without trying too hard, and the characters come across as real people you care about. That balance of levity and sincerity is what gives the show its charm.

Is Stick perfect? Not quite. Some story arcs feel like they reach resolution a little too quickly, missing the emotional payoff they deserve. A few plot twists are predictable, and there are moments when the writing could dig deeper into the characters and their relationships. The foundation is strong, but the show would benefit from giving its storylines—and its characters—a bit more room to breathe and grow.

Much like a well-placed chip shot, Stick doesn’t go for flash or spectacle. Instead, it aims for emotional accuracy—and lands it more often than not. For viewers who appreciated Ted Lasso’s tenderness but are looking for something a little more grounded, Stick is a quiet winner… that is until Ted returns.

The final episode of the season is set to be available for streaming this Wednesday, July 23.

What are your thoughts? Have you been watching Stick? Let me know in the comments