Looking for your next feel-good TV obsession? Apple TV+ may have just delivered the perfect successor to the beloved Ted Lasso. The platform's latest 10-episode series, Stick, captures that same winning formula of humor, heart, and deeply human characters, making it an ideal candidate for your next weekend binge.
The show follows Pryce, a former professional golfer played with effortless charm by Owen Wilson. Haunted by a public meltdown that ended his career, Pryce is adrift until he crosses paths with Santi, a talented young golfer with raw potential and a missing father figure. Seeing a chance at redemption, Pryce takes Santi under his wing, embarking on a journey across the pro tour.
More Than Just a Sports Story
While the premise centers on golf tournaments, Stick is really about the makeshift family that forms around this unlikely duo. The road trip crew includes Santi's protective mother, Elena, Pryce's gruff best friend Mitts, and Zero, a politically sharp young woman who becomes Santi's unexpected motivator. The series thrives on the chaotic, bickering, yet ultimately loving dynamic between them all.
Each episode uses a new tournament as a backdrop to explore the characters' personal struggles. Pryce battles gambling demons and his own insecurities, while Santi grapples with his past. Mitts and Elena constantly clash, and Zero seeks a place to belong. The show masterfully balances lighthearted moments with genuine, emotional depth, revealing these layers gradually as the season progresses.
Why It Feels Like 'Ted Lasso'
Stick inherits Ted Lasso's core DNA: it's a dramedy where personal growth matters more than the final score. The stakes are emotional, not just athletic. Watching this ragtag group learn to trust and support each other provides the same warm, rewarding feeling that made Apple's earlier hit so special. It proves the platform has a knack for creating distinctive, high-quality content that resonates.
Wilson is perfectly cast, bringing a vulnerable, flawed likability to Pryce. He's a hero who makes mistakes, whose good intentions are sometimes clouded by his own pain, making him fascinating to follow. The supporting cast, including Marc Maron and Mariana Treviño, delivers stellar performances that make every interaction crackle with authenticity.
With a linear, easy-to-follow structure and episodes that seamlessly flow into the next, Stick is dangerously bingeable. You'll find yourself clicking "next episode" to see how this dysfunctional family navigates their next challenge. The good news? A second season is already in development, with stars like Judy Greer and Timothy Olyphant set to return.
If you're craving a series that mixes laughs with heartfelt moments and character-driven storytelling, look no further. Stick is a hidden gem ready to be discovered. It joins a strong slate of Apple TV+ originals that keep viewers subscribed, from the sci-fi epic Foundation to the mind-bending thriller Dark Matter. Clear your schedule and prepare to fall in love with this charming new team.
