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Apple TV+ Debuts “The Dink” Comedy Starring Jake Johnson

7/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Apple TV+ released the comedy “The Dink” on July 24, starring Jake Johnson as Dusty Boyd.
Dusty, a former tennis prodigy injured at the 2000 Vero Beach Classic, now plays pickleball.
Ed Harris portrays Chuck, Dusty’s father who runs the tennis club and despises pickleball.
Critics describe the film as formulaic yet charming, praising Johnson’s performance and the cast’s chemistry.

History

Historical Context

After Netflix started original series in 2011 and pledged $8 billion for content in 2018, it expanded into sports streams such as the 2024 Jake Paul-Tyson bout, illustrating how platforms leverage niche programming to attract subscribers. Apple TV+ follows this path, launching the sport-centric comedy *The Dink* on July 24, starring Jake Johnson and Ed Harris.

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Story summary

Apple TV+ released the comedy “The Dink” on July 24, starring Jake Johnson as Dusty Boyd.
Dusty, a former tennis prodigy injured at the 2000 Vero Beach Classic, now plays pickleball.
Ed Harris portrays Chuck, Dusty’s father who runs the tennis club and despises pickleball.
Critics describe the film as formulaic yet charming, praising Johnson’s performance and the cast’s chemistry.

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