--- title: "Stick: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/stick/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/stick" critics_score: 61 critics_reviews: 9 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Stick (2025): what the critics said Critics' score 61 from 9 reviews: 4 positive, 4 mixed, 1 negative. 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 Rating 3 out of 5 stars.. 4 June 2025. The critic finds the comedy-drama pleasant and solid, with feelgood appeal. Owen Wilson’s charm is singled out as its chief strength. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/series/tv-review/2025/jun/04/all) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Angie Han Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 3 June 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/stick-review-owen-wilson-apple-tv-1236233096/) ## Radio Times — David Craig Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 30 May 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/stick-review-apple-owen-wilson/) ## Variety — Alison Herman Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2025/tv/reviews/stick-review-owen-wilson-golf-apple-1236417370/) ## IndieWire — Ben Travers Rating C. 4 June 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/stick-review-owen-wilson-series-ted-lasso-1235128929/) ## Empire — John Nugent Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 6 June 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/stick/) ## The AV Club — Brian Tallerico Rating C-. 30 May 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/stick-review-apple-tv-plus-owen-wilson-series) ## Vulture — Kathryn VanArendonk Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 5 June 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/article/stick-owen-wilson-golf-comedy-series-review.html) ## Collider — Nate Richard Rating 7/10. 30 May 2025. 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. [Read the review](https://collider.com/stick-apple-tv-review-owen-wilson/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/stick.md