Written by Chadd Clubine

Stick is a new Apple TV+ show from creator Jason Keller set to premiere on the streaming service June 4th. The series will have a total of 10 episodes with the finale premiering July 23rd. The show stars Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay, and Judy Greer. An over-the-hill ex-golfer, fired from his job, sees hope in coaching a troubled teen prodigy after his wife leaves him, staking his future on the youth’s success.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t get into sports as much as I do due to personal reasons, but that hasn’t stopped me from watching sports related movies and shows. In fact, I feel like we haven’t gotten as much of it lately. Maybe there’s only so much you can do within those genres. If you also know me, I will pretty much anything and everything Apple TV+ puts out. The shows they have been putting out have been incredible. Don’t even get me started on the intros. Fans of Ted Lasso may be looking for the next fix. With that show having a perfect ending, we don’t need a season 4. Give us more of this. This feels like the Ted Lasso fix.

I try to be careful when comparing one thing to another as my meaning may get confused with others setting the exact same expectation. What I really mean when I make comparisons like that is that is gave me the same feeling. Stick will not be a carbon copy of Ted Lasso and it shouldn’t. What I love about Apple TV+ tackling different sports is how they approach it in a healthy way that gives a little bit more hope to those who want to enter the sport, all while enjoying it for what it is.

I feel this show might only interest those who golf, but I’d encourage you to check it out if you don’t play the sport. I don’t, but something called me to it to watch it early. Owen Wilson plays a different kind of role than what Jason Sudeikis played. They both play troubled characters, but the depth to what Owen Wilson has to go to emotionally sets himself apart than the actor has ever done before. Without giving anything away, he has a legitimate reason as to why he has hit rock bottom. To be honest, I would probably be the same way if it happened to me. That’s when we see his life get better, we feel good, but then his mistakes continue to catch up with him, reminding us that he is just as flawed as the rest of us.

The series boasts an impressive and likable cast that portray characters with their own baggage. I guarantee you the guy who plays as the golfer Wilson’s character coaches, Peter Dager, will become a star shortly after this. The way he can instantly flip his emotions and stay committed is unreal. Marc Maron plays someone different than anything I have ever seen from him. Mariana Treviño is a welcome addition that keeps everyone in check. Lilly Kay has undeniable chemistry with Peter Dager. Judy Greer is effective as Wilson’s ex-wife. Everyone here is simply incredible, and it only gets better with the cast they have attached.

Based on what we get in the first half of the show, I honestly thought certainly plot lines were going to be left in the air for a second season. Nope. The show does a great job at setting up conflict and resolving it naturally. It gives Owen Wilson’s character a complete arc from start to finish, but there is still more that I want to see answered for a potential second season. The show can go to some dark & emotional places and then bring you to some high high’s with humor & heart. It’s the feel good sports story we all need this year. It’s also a great excuse to watch something that makes you feel good after you’ve been out in the sun this year.

Again, I am refraining from spoilers here, but the beginning of episode 7 is unlike I have seen from television. It will singlehandedly go down as one of the best openings of a show this year. Just when I thought the scene was going to finish, it just kept going. It eventually concludes, and I am glad that it does, because it is rather emotional and the episode still needed to add the humor.

My only real criticism is within some of the writing. The flaws feel like a given due to the tone. It can be too silly at times that are fun, but it comes at the cost of realism. There is a particular episode where everyone is in on something and the big reveal was kind of given. The journey to get there was just a bit ridiculous and unrealistic at times. Still, the cast does a great job at committing to it that makes you like these characters even more.

Overall, Stick is a guaranteed hit (pun intended) that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you feeling inspiring. Owen Wilson leads a talented cast with a performance that requires an emotional pull out of him. The show can be a bit ridiculous and unrealistic at times, but the show more than makes up for it with its humor, characterization, and overall story.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)