Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, alcohol, drugs in sweet sports drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stick
What's the Story?
Years ago, Pryce Cahill, aka STICK (Owen Wilson), was a world-renowned golfer with a big future ahead of him. That was before he sunk a ball in a lake at Sawgrass, and had a meltdown so extraordinary that it became a blockbuster YouTube clip. Now he's divorced from his formerly adoring ex, Amber-Linn (Judy Greer), coaching golf hobbyists, and selling clubs disconsolately at his local course's pro shop. But when he meets the supremely talented Santi (Peter Dager) and sees his phenomenal drive, he envisions a brighter future for both of them. Now with the help of Santi's exasperated mom Elena (Mariana Treviño), Pryce plans to get Santi prepared to be a golf legend.
Is It Any Good?
With familiar lovable actors in the lead roles and an easy-to-grasp "prepping for the big game" setup, this gentle comedy about redemption is clearly built on Ted Lasso lines. Owen Wilson's Stick is a Ted Lasso type, after all: kind-hearted, an underdog, eager to make his player a success, and saddled with a tragic backstory. But Pryce's backstory involves both family and career trauma, and thus when we meet him at the beginning of Stick, he's not just underrated by those who know him, he's a figure of public disgrace. For his part, phenomenally talented teen golfer Santi has his own sad past, one that keeps him swinging his golf club with poorly disguised anger.
Even before the viewer presses "play" on Stick, they'll predict exactly the story beats they're about to witness: underdogs undertake a nearly impossible task, struggle, two steps forward one step back, and by season's end, triumph. And yet, Wilson is delightfully louche as an ambitious has-been, while Santi's simmering resentment makes him a perfect foil for his would-be mentor. As Stick's former caddy and current henchmen, Marc Maron contributes an aggrieved counterpoint to Pryce's stolid faith in Santi and hopes for the future, and Greer is, as always, perfect as a woman frustrated by both her ex-husband's failings, and by her continuing attraction to him. For Lasso fans looking for something good to watch while awaiting the next season, Stick is a sweet sports dramedy that holds few surprises but has enough warmth and charm to make that not matter.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why sports dramas are such an enduring staple in TV. What about them makes for an appealing episodic structure? Why do viewers like watching shows that offer few dramatic surprises?
Is the audience supposed to like Pryce Cahill? How can you tell? How does this show take pains to make a washed-up player and occasional con man appealing?
Reviews of Stick frequently mention Ted Lasso, a similarly themed show from the same streaming network. Was Stick inspired by Ted Lasso? What gives you clues to the answer? How are the two shows alike? How are they different?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 4, 2025
- Cast : Owen Wilson , Judy Greer , Marc Maron
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 10, 2025
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