Critics’ reviews

Stick (2025)

9 reviews from 9 publications. Critics’ score 61: 4 positive, 4 mixed, 1 negative.

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61
Positive
4
Mixed
4
Negative
1

Most critics find Stick pleasant rather than remarkable, and the praise settles almost entirely on Owen Wilson. Review after review credits his easy charm with holding the series together, with several noting that it makes Pryce’s late shot at redemption believable even when the writing does not. Peter Dager’s Santi and his rapport with Wilson are mentioned warmly, and a handful of reviewers single out the supporting cast, Lilli Kay and Mariana Treviño among them, for finding life in thin parts.

The reservations cluster on the writing. Nearly everyone notes the debt to Ted Lasso and the familiar sports-drama beats; the difference is how much that bothers them. The kinder reviews call it comfort viewing. The harsher ones, IndieWire and The AV Club, find the characters underdeveloped and the emotional stakes thin. Vulture is the lone dissenter, arguing that a formulaic trauma plot keeps sinking the lighter golf comedy. The spread is wide for a show nobody calls a disaster.

The Guardian
4 June 2025 · 3 out of 5 stars.
78*

The critic finds the comedy-drama pleasant and solid, with feelgood appeal. Owen Wilson’s charm is singled out as its chief strength.

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The Hollywood Reporter
3 June 2025 · Angie Han
75*

Han finds the series a consistently pleasant, likable comfort watch, despite its familiar formula and timid approach to golf. She particularly praises the lively chemistry of the cast and Peter Dager’s performance as Santi.

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Radio Times
30 May 2025 · David Craig
70*

The review presents the series as a heartwarming comedy that is more than a Ted Lasso imitation. It singles out Owen Wilson as especially impressive.

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Variety
4 June 2025 · Alison Herman
65*

Herman finds the series bumpy but enjoyable, with Owen Wilson’s charm making it worthwhile despite thin conflict and overt golf boosterism. She especially praises Wilson’s charisma, which anchors the show and makes Pryce’s second chances feel convincing.

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IndieWire
4 June 2025 · C · Ben Travers
57

Travers finds the series a shallow, predictable imitation of Ted Lasso, with underdeveloped characters and rushed emotional turns. He praises the energetic, visually inventive golf scenes, though they eventually become monotonous.

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Empire
6 June 2025 · John Nugent
50*

The series is just about on par: familiar sports-drama beats and schmaltzy lessons hold it back, though its found-family dynamics have heart. Owen Wilson’s performance is the standout, bringing charm and emotional depth to the lead role.

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The AV Club
30 May 2025 · C- · Brian Tallerico
50

Tallerico finds the series shallow and frustratingly half-hearted, with thin writing undermining its comedy and emotional stakes. He praises Lilli Kay and Mariana Treviño for finding life in their underwritten roles.

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Vulture
5 June 2025 · Kathryn VanArendonk
35*

The critic finds the series’ upbeat golf-comedy appeal repeatedly bogged down by a formulaic trauma plot. She praises its later shift toward a more relaxed ensemble hangout, especially Marc Maron’s performance.

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Collider
30 May 2025 · 7/10 · Nate Richard
70

The review finds Stick a satisfying, heartfelt watch despite its uneven comedy and overly safe storytelling. It praises Owen Wilson’s performance and his sweet chemistry with Peter Dager, while criticizing Zero’s stereotyped characterization.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate