Golf Gets a New Spin: Critics Clash Over Apple TV+'s Upcoming Sports Comedy

Apple TV+ is gearing up to launch Stick, a new sports comedy that has critics buzzing with mixed opinions. The show, set to premiere in early June 2025, is already stirring conversations, much like the platform's previous hit, Ted Lasso. This year, Apple TV+ has rolled out several original series, with some gaining widespread praise and others struggling to find their footing. The streaming service has seen its share of successes and flops in 2025. The Studio, a comedy series by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and Your Friends & Neighbors, a dark comedy crime drama starring Jon Hamm, have been standout hits. On the other hand, Prime Target, a conspiracy drama led by Leo Woodall, has failed to impress critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 45%. Despite the mixed bag, Apple TV+ has also seen critical acclaim for shows like Severance season 2, Dope Thief, and Murderbot. Stick, however, is facing an uphill battle. The Owen Wilson-led series has debuted with a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on just six reviews. This score, if it holds, could make Stick the lowest-rated new series on Apple TV+ for 2025. Critics have been harsh, with many noting that the show lacks substance and relies too heavily on familiar tropes. Nick Shager of The Daily Beast described it as a "slog" that stretches clichés too thin. Chase Hutchinson of TheWrap suggested that a 90-minute comedy might have been more enjoyable than a full TV season. The future of Stick looks uncertain, but there's still hope. The show has a strong ensemble cast and a unique focus on golf, a sport that's popular but often overlooked in film and television. With classics like Caddyshack and Happy Gilmore, and a new Happy Gilmore sequel on the way, there's potential for Stick to carve out its own niche. Golf enthusiasts and comedy lovers might just find something to enjoy in this underdog story.