Owen Wilson’s new Apple TV+ series, Stick, has arrived with a splash this June, teeing off a fresh but emotionally heavy take on the sports comedy genre. The key phrase “Stick TV show” has been lighting up entertainment news, with critics and fans alike dissecting its unique blend of feel-good humor and deep-seated trauma. As the latest episodes drop, Stick is proving that beneath its breezy golf exterior lies a story unafraid to dig into the scars of its characters—and the audience is taking notice.
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Stick TV Show: A Golf Comedy with Emotional Depth
Stick TV show centers on Pryce “Stick” Cahill, played by Owen Wilson, a former golf pro whose life unraveled after a notorious meltdown at the Sawgrass tournament in 2009. Now selling overpriced golf clubs and scraping by on the fringes of the sport he once dominated, Stick’s days are filled with regret and routine. His ex-wife Amber-Linn (Judy Greer) and his friend Mitts (Marc Maron) round out a cast of characters who orbit Stick’s stagnant existence, each carrying their own burdens.
The show’s catalyst arrives in the form of Santi Wheeler, a 17-year-old golf prodigy with raw talent and simmering anger. When Stick recognizes Santi’s potential, he embarks on a road trip with Santi, Santi’s protective mother Elena, and Mitts, hoping to coach the teen to tournament glory. But as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that both Stick and Santi are wrestling with more than just their swings—they’re haunted by unresolved trauma.
The Trauma Plot: Heart of the Stick TV Show
What sets Stick TV show apart from other sports comedies is its unapologetic embrace of the “trauma plot.” Rather than glossing over the pain in its characters’ pasts, Stick leans in. Pryce’s career-ending breakdown is revealed to be more than a professional stumble; it’s intimately tied to the death of his young son, Jett. The loss shattered his marriage, derailed his ambitions, and left him emotionally adrift. The show gradually peels back these layers, using flashbacks and quiet moments to show how Pryce’s grief still shapes every decision he makes.
Santi, too, is more than just a talented golfer. His father abandoned the family after first nurturing Santi’s love for the game, then undermining his confidence with relentless criticism. Santi’s aggressive playing style is a direct response to this emotional turmoil, and Stick, recognizing a kindred spirit, becomes determined to help the teenager confront his demons.
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The trauma in Stick TV show isn’t just background noise—it’s the engine driving the plot. Each character’s journey is about more than winning tournaments; it’s about learning to live with pain, to forgive, and to find new purpose.
A Found Family on the Fairway
As the Stick TV show progresses, its central theme emerges: healing through connection. Pryce, Santi, Elena, and Mitts form an unconventional family, each finding in the others what they’ve lost or never had. Pryce gets a second shot at fatherhood, Santi finds a mentor and a positive male role model, Elena learns to trust, and Mitts faces life after his own personal loss.
The show’s emotional honesty is both its strength and, for some viewers, its challenge. Critics have noted that while the trauma plot can feel heavy-handed at times, the straightforward way Stick TV show addresses pain and recovery is refreshing. There are no convoluted mysteries or hidden agendas—just people trying to make sense of their lives and help each other along the way.
Stick TV Show: Release Schedule and What’s Next
Stick TV show premiered on Apple TV+ on June 4, 2025, with three episodes dropping at launch. Subsequent episodes are set for weekly release every Wednesday through July, giving viewers time to digest each chapter of Pryce and Santi’s journey. The episode titles—like “Daddy Issues,” “Zero Sum Game,” and “Dreams Never Remembered”—hint at the emotional terrain still to be explored.
Here’s a quick look at the release schedule:
- Pilot, Grossweiner’s Law, Daddy Issues: June 4
- Zero Sum Game: June 11
- The Birdie Machine: June 18
- RV Shangri-La: June 25
- Dreams Never Remembered: July 2
- Clark the Mark: July 9
- Showtime: July 16
- Déjà vu All Over Again: July 23
Each episode promises further revelations about Pryce’s past, Santi’s struggles, and the evolving dynamics of their found family.
Why Stick TV Show Is Resonating Now
The Stick TV show arrives at a cultural moment when audiences are craving stories that blend hope with honesty. The trauma plot, once a novelty, has become a staple of prestige television—but Stick manages to inject new life into the formula by refusing to wallow in misery. Instead, it offers redemption, laughter, and the possibility of healing, all set against the lush backdrop of the golf course.
Owen Wilson’s charm and vulnerability anchor the series, while the supporting cast brings depth and authenticity to their roles. The show’s willingness to tackle grief, regret, and forgiveness head-on is earning it both praise and debate, ensuring that Stick TV show will remain a talking point throughout its run.
Ready to dive in? Watch Stick TV show on Apple TV+ and join the conversation about how comedy, sports, and trauma can come together to create something truly moving.
Start streaming Stick TV show today and see why everyone’s talking about this bold new take on the trauma plot in sports comedy.