Stick

HEED THIS: The article ahead may unveil SPOILERS from the first three episodes of Stick’s inaugural season. While Ted Lasso gears up for its fourth run, Apple TV+ presents a fresh dose of heartwarming sports comedy that resonates with the same narrative charm and character dynamics as Ted Lasso. First appearing on Apple TV+ in 2020, Ted Lasso quickly skyrocketed to fame for the streaming service, raking in praise from critics, attracting a massive audience, and garnering numerous accolades. With its season 3 finale in 2023, replicating Ted Lasso’s success has proven to be an arduous task not just for Apple TV+ but also for competing streamers.

Since the debut of Ted Lasso, other heartfelt sports comedies have emerged, such as Shoresy on Crave/Hulu and Chad Powers, Glen Powell’s upcoming Hulu show. However, Apple TV+ has primarily found alternatives to Ted Lasso in non-sports comedy-dramas like Bill Lawrence’s Shrinking. With the confirmation that season 4 of Ted Lasso is coming back with many original cast members, Apple TV+ has commissioned another sports comedy reminiscent of the original charm of Ted Lasso. Now, the first three episodes of this new series are available on Apple TV+, allowing the platform to revel in the continued success of Ted Lasso while enjoying a fresh sports comedy companion.

Stick Is The Next Ted Lasso For Apple TV+

Owen Wilson’s Golf Comedy Is Reminiscent Of Ted Lasso’s Heart & Humor

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been hooked on Apple TV+’s fresh take in the sports genre – the comedy-drama “Stick.” Unlike the familiar soccer pitch, this series takes us to the serene yet competitive world of golf. The narrative revolves around me, Pryce “Stick” Cahill (played by Owen Wilson), a once-promising golfer who’s seen better days. However, I find myself drawn back into the game when I meet Santi Wheeler (portrayed by Peter Dager), an incredibly gifted young amateur. Together, we embark on a journey to help Santi qualify for the prestigious US Amateur Golf Championship. There are striking similarities between our tale and the early chapters of “Ted Lasso” season 1.

Initially, both coaches find themselves in challenging positions as they begin their respective journeys. Ted, who has no prior experience in soccer coaching, particularly with struggling teams, is now taking on a role. Meanwhile, Cahill is making an attempt to regain his position in the golf world following a career-ending event at TPC Sawgrass in 2009.

Notably, they are tasked with coaching some gifted athletes who might be reluctant to accept new trainers and personalities due to their past experiences. Santi, for instance, carries emotional baggage from his father’s coaching methods in Stick. Similarly, Roy and Jamie have been resistant to Ted’s guidance because of lingering traumas and professional insecurities stemming from their families.

From a passionate moviegoer’s perspective, both shows like “Stick” and “Ted Lasso” delve deeper than just the games on the field. In the first season, I found myself deeply moved by the emotional journeys of coaches like Pryce Cahill, who’s grappling with the loss of his young son and a tumultuous divorce, mirroring Ted Lasso’s struggles with being apart from his son and ultimately ending his marriage. Remarkably, they both find solace in forming a heartwarming “found” family within their broader sports team, all while navigating complex personal issues.

Stick’s Pryce Cahill Is Very Different From Ted Lasso

Pryce Doesn’t Quite Know How To Be A Coach Yet

Though Pryce and Ted’s narratives exhibit certain touching parallels, the personalities of these characters in Apple TV+’s series are distinctly different. Ted exudes an unassuming, homespun, cheerful optimism that sometimes elicits mixed reactions from his team members, despite ultimately fostering a stronger sense of positivity, self-belief, and aspiration within them. On the other hand, Pryce is characterized by a haughty demeanor, given his lack of coaching experience prior to this role, and grapples with significant challenges in determining the right balance and approach for addressing Santi’s emotional and physical health, game strategy, and future prospects.

Pryce lacks Ted’s unwavering optimism, and this contributes to his slow progress in making a crucial career shift. Fundamentally, they are both compassionate individuals striving for the best for their loved ones, but Pryce is still honing his skills as a coach and mentor – something that Ted had already excelled at earlier. Initially, in Stick, Pryce seems equally focused on salvaging his own reputation as he is on building one for Santi. This preoccupation could lead him into more difficulties than Sudeikis’ character encountered with the AFC Richmond players in Ted Lasso.

Stick Has A Great Opportunity To Run For Even Longer Than Ted Lasso

Following One Player’s Career Opens Up More Story Potential

While “Stick” season 1 may not have garnered the same level of initial critical praise as “Ted Lasso” did (with “Stick” scoring 80% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Ted Lasso’s impressive 92%), its narrower storyline could offer advantages in terms of its potential longevity. By focusing on the characters Pryce Cahill and Santi Wheeler, “Stick” can concentrate on keeping these two figures within the golf world, ensuring a consistent, enduring narrative.

As Ted Lasso primarily centers around an entire soccer team, the scope of potential future storylines may be somewhat restricted. Given that players frequently switch teams, retire, or depart in the world of soccer, it’s unrealistic for AFC Richmond’s main cast to stay consistent over a prolonged period. Prolonging the series with the current ensemble beyond several seasons could risk diluting the narrative’s impact, which is why the initial three-season plan seemed ideal. Without a fresh start, the creative directions available after Ted Lasso season 3’s conclusion are somewhat limited.

In contrast to the team dynamics in Ted Lasso, golf, being an individual sport, doesn’t have the same storytelling constraints. For instance, the series Stick could potentially span over many seasons by focusing on Santi’s career, which is just beginning in season 1. With Pryce as his coach, Santi’s journey in Stick could unfold, chronicling his victories in major tournaments, rise to golf stardom, pursuit of The Masters title, and likely his endeavor to achieve a Career Grand Slam (winning The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship).

If Stick manages to gain popularity and critical acclaim as Apple TV+ anticipates, it will have ample opportunities for multi-season narratives since Pryce and Santi strive to set records and win golf’s prestigious awards. Even though Ted Lasso season 4 is yet to come, Stick possesses the storytelling elements to potentially last longer.

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2025-06-05 14:58