Stick
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Stick
“Stick (2025)” is an American sports comedy-drama series that premiered on Apple TV+ on June 4, 2025. Starring Owen Wilson as Pryce Cahill, a down-on-his-luck former professional golfer, the show centers on his journey to mentor a talented teenage prodigy named Santi Wheeler. The series blends humor with themes of redemption, family dynamics, and overcoming personal struggles, drawing comparisons to the popular “Ted Lasso” series. It explores the challenges of the professional golf world alongside the personal issues faced by its characters, including Pryce's past and Santi's coming-of-age. The show is designed to be a “feel-good dramedy” with emotional depth, focusing on character development and the pursuit of a second chance. It aims to engage audiences with witty writing and an underdog story, making the drama of golf exciting even for non-fans. The narrative delves into real-world themes through a comedic lens, offering an affirming experience as characters work to overcome internal traumas and antisocial behaviors. With a TV-MA rating, “Stick (2025)” is intended for mature audiences, likely due to its exploration of adult themes such as gambling addiction, loss, and potentially mature language or situations. While specific graphic content was not detailed in initial reviews, the rating suggests that parents should exercise caution and be aware of potentially intense emotional content and mature subject matter. The series is suitable for those seeking a character-driven sports story with a heartfelt approach to overcoming adversity.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series includes a non-binary or genderqueer character named Zero Duffy, played by Lilli Kay. No explicit details about their identity or related plot points were found beyond the character's identification as non-binary/genderqueer.
Profanity
No specific instances of frequent explicit or offensive language were detailed in the search results. Given the TV-MA rating, it is implied that "crude indecent language" may be present, aligning with content for mature audiences.
Substance Use
The main character, Pryce Cahill, is explicitly stated to be "grappling with... his struggles with gambling addiction" and "hustles the unsuspecting patrons of various bars." This strongly implies the presence of alcohol and gambling in a casual or problematic context.
Scary & Intense Content
The series is described as having "emotional depth" with "one episode in particular starts with a gut-wrenching punch that I wasn't expecting at all." This suggests emotionally intense or potentially disturbing themes related to loss and personal struggles. The main character, Pryce Cahill, is coping with "the loss of everything" including his wife and son.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Pryce Cahill is portrayed as a "wheeler dealer" who "hustles the unsuspecting patrons of various bars," suggesting morally ambiguous or defiant behavior. Santi Wheeler also has "daddy issues" and struggles with composure, indicating potential for rebellious attitudes.
Violence
No specific instances of graphic violence, brutal murders, or dismemberment were found in the available information. The show is described as a "warm sports comedy" and likened to "Ted Lasso", which typically does not feature high levels of graphic violence. However, the TV-MA rating indicates the potential for graphic violence.
Romance and Sexual Content
No explicit sexual acts, graphic nudity, or scenes depicting sexual violence were found in the search results. The series focuses on sports, redemption, and family themes. The TV-MA rating, however, implies that explicit sexual content may be present.
Witchcraft & Occult
No mentions of witchcraft, magic rituals, summoning spirits, demons, curses, or occult symbols were found in any search results for "Stick (2025)". The show's genre is described as a sports comedy-drama.
Anti-Christian Themes
No explicit or implied anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious acts were found in any search results for "Stick (2025)". The show focuses on sports, personal redemption, and family.
“Stick (2025)” appears to present a narrative rich with themes that can be both aligned and in tension with biblical values. The core message of redemption, as Pryce Cahill seeks a “new lease on life” and works through past failures including gambling addiction and loss, resonates deeply with Christian concepts of grace and second chances. The mentor-mentee relationship between Pryce and Santi also highlights themes of guidance and discipleship, echoing the importance of wise counsel and positive influence. The portrayal of family dynamics, particularly Santi's "daddy issues" and the emphasis on the bond between him and Pryce evolving into a father-figure relationship, speaks to the biblical value of strong family ties and the impact of parental figures, whether biological or spiritual. However, the depiction of Pryce as a “wheeler dealer” who “hustles” and struggles with addiction suggests a world where moral compromises are present. While the show's “kind TV” conventions aim for an “affirming gratification” where “antisocial behaviours are positioned as affable quirks,” a Christian worldview would emphasize genuine repentance and transformation over merely overcoming trauma as a means to “self-actualisation.” The inclusion of a non-binary character, Zero Duffy, presents a point of divergence from traditional Christian views on gender and identity, which typically adhere to a binary understanding of male and female as created by God. This element may require discussion for Christian parents on how media portrays evolving societal norms versus biblical teachings. Overall, the worldview presented seems to lean towards a relativistic view, focusing on individual journeys of overcoming personal trauma and finding affirmation within a secular context. While themes of forgiveness and grace are implied through redemption, they are likely framed within a humanistic perspective rather than a transcendent one rooted in a relationship with God. Moral accountability might be present in the natural consequences of actions (e.g., gambling addiction), but whether characters are explicitly rewarded for virtue or vice in a way that aligns with biblical justice would depend on the nuanced resolutions of their storylines. Faith representation is absent, indicating that spiritual solutions or explicit Christian values are not central to the narrative.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. The rating is due to mature themes, including gambling addiction, loss, and the presence of a non-binary character.
Good to Know
The TV-MA rating indicates that the series is intended for adult audiences and may contain content unsuitable for viewers under 17. While specific graphic details for violence, sexual content, and profanity were not found in reviews, the rating itself implies the potential for such elements. Parents should be aware of the mature themes, including gambling addiction and emotional intensity.
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