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Five JU Dolphins, two UNF Ospreys seniors are close to completing their college careers

• Jacksonville University and University of North Florida baseball coaches commend senior athletes who remained committed to their programs.

Loyalty still trumps money for some college student-athletes. 

But for how long? 

Even in college baseball, where NIL opportunities are much more modest compared to football and basketball, it’s getting more difficult for mid-major conferences to keep their best players.

That’s been especially true at ASUN programs Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida, which have lost some of their biggest stars of the past several years to programs in the SEC, ACC and Big 12. 

“It’s turning into travel ball,” said Ospreys senior pitcher Clayton Boroski. “If they don’t like the coach they just up and leave and try to find a better opportunity.”

That’s why the JU and UNF coaches appreciate a handful of seniors who stayed at those respective schools for their entire college careers. 

“When they stay, they’re staying because they love this place and they know this is the right place for them,” said Dolphins coach Chris Hayes. “It’s not about the money for them, it’s about the right fit, the right environment, the right experience.” 

UNF coach Joe Mercadante said the transfer portal trend in college sports reflects a larger picture. 

“It’s just today’s society and where the game is right now,” he said. “Guys are constantly moving around, trying to find the opportunity that best fits them, instead of staying somewhere and learning through some adversity.” 

JU right fielder Blake DeLamielleure has been through as much of that adversity as anyone, playing on one conference championship team, on others with losing records and missing all but two games of the 2024 season with a hip injury. 

He had almost an entire season to consider going elsewhere. DeLamielleure also watched former high school and college teammate Justin Nadeau transfer to Florida and five JU pitchers go elsewhere, with Evan Chrest and Payton Prescott landing at Florida State — where his cousin Brody DeLamielleure plays. 

Blake DeLamielleure had every reason to transfer. 

He rejected them all and will go out wearing the same uniform he was issued as a freshman. 

“This is my home,” he said.  

JU, UNF celebrate loyal seniors 

Jacksonville has six seniors who have played for the Dolphins their entire college careers: DeLameilleure, pitchers Richard Long (a Clay graduate), Layton Perry and Blake Barquin, catcher/first baseman Josh Steidl and outfielder Clayton Hodges (Episcopal). 

North Florida has two, outfielder Drew Leinenbach and Boroski. 

In almost every case, their decision to stay is justified, from a personal and a team standpoint. 

Jacksonville (29-16, 15-6) is second in the ASUN’s Graphite Division behind Stetson and has the third-best conference mark and third-best overall record, behind Stetson and Gold Division leader Austin Peay. The Dolphins have already clinched a spot in the ASUN Tournament and are on an eight-game ASUN winning streak entering this weekend’s series at Queens. 

North Florida (22-22, 10-11) has already won more games than last season and is one more victory away from matching its total of conference victories in 2024. 

After a slow start, DeLamielleure is batting .278 with five homers and team-high totals of 45 RBI and 11 doubles. He’s also just as daring on the basepaths as he ever was, despite the season-ending injury last season when he was trying to go from first to third on a hit, and has stolen 20 bases in 22 attempts. 

Long is in the conversation for a second ASUN Pitcher of the Year award and is 7-3 with a 2.88 ERA, two complete games and an opponent batting average of .183. 

Steidl is hitting .306 with six homers and 30 RBI, Hodges, who has been injured and missed 12 games, is batting .131, Barquin is 3-3 on the mound and Perry is 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA in nine appearances. 

Leinenbach is batting .268 for the Ospreys with three homers and 21 RBI and Boroski is 1-0 with a 3.98 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 15 games. 

“Those guys who stayed with us bleed green and gold,” Hayes said. “It’s easy for me to root for those guys. They’ve earned every opportunity they’re getting .” 

Mercadante had similar feelings about Leinenbach and Boroski. 

“Those two guys stayed here, bought into it and have worked extremely hard,” he said. “They’re giving us everything they’ve got.” 

Blake DeLamielleure, Richard Long part of a ‘brotherhood’ 

Blake DeLamielleure didn’t hold any pity parties when he missed almost all of the 2024 season, a year after he led the Dolphins in hitting (.302), doubles (15), stolen bases (14 of 16) and added six homers and 40 RBI. 

Instead, he completed his degree in finance, rehabbed and left no doubt he’d return. 

“Not at all, when DeLamielleure was asked if it was a difficult decision. “This school always wanted me, and this is the place I wanted to be since I was a freshman in high school. I love Chris and I love this program.” 

DeLamielleure said he’s not going to second-guess the decision his former teammates made in transferring but isn’t going to deny he wasn’t dismayed at their departure. 

“Ultimately, it’s up to them,” he said. “You’re disappointed but yeah, it’s definitely their decision.” 

Long said he had some inner turmoil about so many players on the pitching staff transferring. But he said his faith sustained him as he decided to return to JU. 

“I battled that for a while,” he said. “I’m a big faith-based guy and I viewed it as more than baseball. The brothers I had here, the community, the education I’ve gotten … I couldn’t put a price value on leaving here.” 

Long’s father Richard said some teams put out feelers for his son but in the end, the family viewed his senior season as a chance to finish a stellar career with the Dolphins. 

“It’s a brotherhood on this team with the guys who stayed,” Long said. “They’re very high on faith and believe if you work hard and you can accomplish anything.” 

A UNF family and small-town values 

Clayton Boroski didn’t have difficulty maintaining his allegiance to UNF. His older sister graduated from the university and leaving school might have been the same as leaving his family. 

Boroski, who is from St. Cloud, also said he made a commitment in high school to come to to UNF and never once considered not seeing that through

“I feel like if you made a decision out of high school to go to a program and play for four years, you should honor that,” he said.

Leinenbach is from Dunnellon and said the values he learned then kept him at UNF. 

“I’m from a small town and I was taught to finish what you start,” he said. 

Boroski and Leinenbach also faced a difficult situation after their sophomore seasons. Their coach, Tim Parenton, died of cancer. Other teammates such as Lodise (FSU), Aidan Sweatt (Liberty) and Austin Brinling (South Carolina) departed but both gave Mercadante a chance to sell his vision. 

“Really it took just one phone call,” Leinenbach said. “He told me we were going to win the ASUN. I could tell in his voice that he truly believed it. He said he was going to get the guys in here to win it, so I believed it.” 

Leinenbach admitted he almost entered the portal after Parenton died. But as with Boroski, he gave Mercadante a chance. 

“Once they got here, they made me believe in them,” he said. 

Clayton Boroski: ‘a dying breed’ 

Hardly anyone thinks the stream of mid-major players going to the SEC or ACC when they become stars will dwindle to a trickle anytime soon.

“We’re going to be a dying breed, for sure,” Boroski said of players who play all four years at the same mid-major school.

And what of the coaches? Hayes, Mercadante and other mid-major coaches didn’t sign up to develop talent for Florida or Florida State. There is chatter that future NIL agreements might require a major college to kick back a development fee of some kind to a player’s former school or, as Albany basketball coach Dwayne Killings has suggested, a model patterned after the NBA G League.

But for now it’s still the Wild, Wild West and mid-major coaches are spending time recruiting and developing players who may leave as soon as they show more skills. 

Neither Hayes nor Mercadante are showing outward signs of being frustrated. Hayes said he builds loyalty by recruiting players as young as freshmen in high school and will develop them to the best of his and his staff’s ability and using the same guidelines. 

“I hope guys continue to see and understand how special this environment is,” he said. “This is a relationship-based environment that believes in development, and every single guy that comes into this program gets better. And they get better because of the investment they have in them, physically, spiritually, emotionally. We’re going to earn [loyalty] and I’m not going to change how we’re going to do things.” 

Mercadante said he’s not going to start recruiting players on the assumption he’s only getting a year or two out of them. 

“I can’t get caught up too much thinking about the future,” he said. “We’re going to coach each team the best we can and make them understand why they came to UNF, that they’re cared about and we’re going to work for them every single day. You may need to have some tough conversations later [about players transferring] but I can’t coach thinking about that.” 

In the meantime, the players say they will enjoy every moment they have left. Each team has nine conference games remaining and the ASUN Tournament will be May 20-25 in DeLand. 

“It was worth staying,” Long said. “The brotherhood we have is inseparable and the relationships I’ve built at JU will last forever. That’s the most important thing to me.” 

“We have a ton of baseball left,” said Leinenbach. “Three weeks, and maybe more. I’m not worried about anything except winning.” 

How are JU, UNF transfers faring at new schools?

2025 statistics are for games played through May 1

• Alex Lodise (UNF): Leading Florida State in most offensive categories and starting at shortstop. Lodise, a Bartram Trail graduate, is hitting .440 with 14 homers and 53 RBI.
• Justin Nadeau (JU): Has played second base and outfield for the Florida Gators, hitting .293 with three homers and 18 RBI.
• Peyton Prescott (JU): 3-0 record and 6.31 ERA in 18 games for Florida State.
• Evan Chrest (JU): 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in eight games for Florida State.
• Isaac Williams (JU): 0-1 with an 8.00 ERA in 12 games for UCF.
• Aidan Sweatt (UNF): Hit .274 with five homers and 39 RBI in 61 games for Liberty in 2024.
• Austin Brinling (UNF): Hit .303 in 33 games for South Carolina in 2024.

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Mike Molieri, a Menlo-Atherton High School teacher and varsity basketball coach, has taken legal action against the Sequoia Union High School District claiming retaliation and discrimination. Since being placed on administrative leave in August 2024, Molieri has been absent from the classroom and basketball courts while the district investigation continues.

The school district is now involved in at least five lawsuits alleging school administrators engaged in antisemetic practices, wrongful termination and discrimination. 

According to the claim, Molieri believes he was “unlawfully placed on administrative leave in violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act”  after bringing up his concerns about the district’s treatment of students. It also alleges that Molieri was discriminated against for his Latin heritage and his support for students of color.

Molieri worked at M-A as a special education teacher for 21 years and as the boys varsity basketball coach for 12 years. He’s led the basketball team to multiple championship games. 

When his absence was noticed at the start of the school year, students and parents confronted the Board of Trustees during school board meetings asking why he was on leave and when he would return. According to some students, Molieri was known for providing youth with a safe space on campus and acted as a mentor to many students. 

The last basketball season passed without the direction of Molieri who has yet to be interviewed as part of the district administration’s investigation into allegations made against him, according to the claim. Mike Molieri with Menlo-Atherton student Jalen William during the 2023 CCS championship for boys basketball. Courtesy Dan Molieri.The district alleges he violated policies including: failure to notify the district of students he believed needed changes to their special education plan; disclosure of confidential student information to non-district employees; making false statements about students to staff and administrators; and soliciting parents, students and staff to engage in professional services of his brother Dan Molieri, a private investigator for the Law Offices of John Burris. Burris is representing the case involving the arrested M-A student in 2023.

The claim states that Mike Molieri “denies all allegations and denies that any such actions violated any applicable administrative polices or procedures.” It adds that these allegations only arose after he reported his belief that the district was involved in legal violations.

Dan Molieri believes said violations were in relation to sensitive information about the arrest of the M-A student, who was one of Mike Molieri’s students. The student, referred to as K.C. in lawsuits, allegedly had his confidential student records released to the police by an undisclosed person at M-A. 

The claim states that Molieri heard of “an audio tape being shared with people that contained confidential information” regarding K.C. 

According to the suit, Molieri communicated to administrators about his concerns for the student, confidentiality issues and concerns that he was being targeted due to his relationship with his brother and his advocacy for disadvantaged students of color. 

“It was discussed that members of the administration were sharing confidential information that was portraying a minor student in a negative manner and doing so broke the rules of confidentiality as it relates to the Independent Education Program,” said the claim. 

Molieri had intended to file a complaint alleging the district had violated federal policies through this breach of privacy, it added. 

Leading up to his placement on leave, Molieri was involved in other incidents that date back to 2022 involving false accusations against his colleagues and difficulties with the district administrators 

“We strongly believe that this is a case of ongoing harassment, discrimination and most importantly retaliation,” said Molieri’s attorney Harry Stern. 

The claim is asking for more than $70,000 for damages including loss of income, emotional distress and damage to reputation. Molieri is currently seeking treatment for anxiety and stress as a result of being placed on leave, the complaint adds. 

The district was served papers on April 29 and will now have the opportunity to evaluate the claim and decide whether to reject or accept it. If rejected, attorneys will have six months to file a lawsuit against the district.

“My hope is the district will do the right thing and accept responsibility, but we are planning on moving forward with a lawsuit if that is not the case,” Stern said. 

The district did not immediately respond to this news organization about Mike Molieri’s investigation.  

John Fanta

College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter

The quality of play in college basketball has grown tremendously in recent years. One reason for that is NIL (name, image and likeness) dollars and the impact it has had in keeping some potential pros around for another season. Those players can make more money in college and gain more for their profile than a potential trip to the G League to continue development. 

The flip side is the chaotic climate within the sport, an open market that has increased to dollar figures that seemed unfathomable even two-to-three years ago. But, that’s the reality of where things stand: Roster continuity with talent is like buried treasure in this sport, while having the great white whale, a top-shelf donor who can lead the bankrolling efforts for a roster, is the invaluable asset you need to compete with the best sharks during portal season. As one coach told me, “It’s challenging, but this is still an amazing sport. I hate when coaches complain because we chose this life.” 

And look at it this way: While changes are needed, the free agency aspect has created buzz around college hoops in late April and into May that we had not seen before. Over 2,500 players entering the portal, though? Well, that could use shifting, and I offer some possible solutions below: 

As for what has happened in the offseason, it’s fascinating when looking at the top of my rankings, because the top-two teams embody the two ways to stay ahead in this day and age: keeping a bevy of talent or outdoing everybody else in the portal.

Purdue has done an outstanding job with roster continuity, bringing back the preseason national player of the year front-runner in Braden Smith, who was this past year’s Bob Cousy Award winner and the Big Ten Player of the Year. Smith had 15 assists against Houston in the Sweet 16, which was the latest testament to his leadership, playmaking ability and poise against any defense. This past season, he became the second player in NCAA history to record at least 550 points, 300 assists and 150 rebounds in a season, joining Murray State’s Ja Morant as the only other player that can say that. But the fact Smith has Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG) as a backcourt mate is scary for everybody else, not to mention a veteran stud in Trey Kaufman-Renn, a high-impact transfer in Oscar Cluff, and an intriguing big man in Daniel Jacobsen, who is set to return from a season-ending leg injury that cut his freshman campaign short. There’s a lot to like about Matt Painter’s team, provided the Boilermakers get enough complementary shooting.

If the Boilers are the continuity champs, the transfer portal championship should be handed out on Utopia Parkway in Queens. Rick Pitino and St. John’s, the reigning Big East regular-season and tournament champions, have the No. 1-ranked portal class in the nation, according to 247 Sports. The Johnnies reeled in an All-Big East First Team forward in Bryce Hopkins to make a big early splash. They acquired a rising sophomore who looks the part of a future NBA first-round pick in North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson, and they added another sophomore guard with elite upside in former five-star recruit Joson Sanon. 

Perimeter shooting was the priority for this St. John’s team, and Pitino and his staff addressed those areas, but they weren’t done there, also adding senior guard Oziyah Sellers from Stanford, who averaged 14 points per game in the ACC this past year. Then there’s a stalwart defender and supreme athlete in Dillon Mitchell, and the Big Sky Most Valuable Player, Dylan Darling. And oh, by the way, in the world of “sometimes the best gets are the ones you already have,” All-American candidate Zuby Ejiofor returns for his senior season, looking to lead the Johnnies on a deeper NCAA Tournament run. 

The biggest portal winners after St. John’s were Kentucky, Louisville and Iowa. Do not sleep on Ben McCollum in Year 1 at the helm in Iowa City after he brought in one of the most dynamic scorers in the country in Bennett Stirtz, along with a sharpshooter in Brendan Hausen and Horizon League Player of the Year Alvaro Folgueiras. They’re the first team out of my top 25. In terms of portal losers, Memphis losing PJ Haggerty was a big blow to the Tigers, while Arizona saw six players enter the portal and Alabama saw Mouhamed Dioubate and Jarin Stevenson leave. 

With that, here is a look at my updated way-too-early rankings:

Can I lend you one more Braden Smith statistic? He broke the Big Ten record for assists in conference play this past season, dishing out 175 of them, which smashed the previous record set by Michigan State’s Cassius Winston (157). And yes, he could break his own record in the upcoming year. 

St. John’s rise to the top is happening because of Pitino and the school’s lead donor, Mike Repole, whose horse “Grande” will be in this weekend’s Kentucky Derby. The founder of Vitamin Water has been invaluable to St. John’s, but his money begins and ends with his faith in the Hall of Famer. Pitino has made the Johnnies matter again nationally and Madison Square Garden has once again turned into one of the toughest home-court environments. 

Emanuel Sharp and JoJo Tugler are back from a Final Four team and, while we await the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline of May 28 for star Milos Uzan, Houston has the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class, according to 247 Sports, headlined by Link Academy product Chris Cenac Jr. With Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs coming in to help their offense, the Cougars will have a go-to bucket-getting guard, who, when healthy, is very hard to stop. 

Alex Karaban is coming back for another shot at a third national championship. Solo Ball is back for his junior season and poised for a big campaign. Tarris Reed returns and now has a year in Storrs under his belt, while Dan Hurley and his staff made a transfer splash with former Georgia guard Silas Demary. Another transfer in Malachi Smith from Dayton should help with ball-handling duties, while the Huskies welcome in a great freshman class. If you don’t know the name Braylon Mullins, you soon will, and I’m intrigued to see what 7-footer Eric Reibe brings to the table. 

Having All-American JT Toppin back in the fold in Lubbock instantly means the Red Raiders can reach the Final Four, especially when considering what’s around him. While we are uncertain about what’s next for Darrion Williams, who’s testing the draft waters and is in the portal, sophomore Christian Anderson is poised for a big year and LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and Donovan Atwell (UNCG) headline a top-25 portal class. 

Dusty May is building something special in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines reeled in one of the biggest fish in the portal with UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg, who is testing the NBA Draft waters and could be a first-round pick. If he returns to school, he will make Michigan one of the nation’s best teams. Last year, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 18-11-4 per game. Getting Morez Johnson from Illinois helps the frontline, while Elliot Cadeau still has his best basketball ahead of him after things didn’t go as planned at North Carolina. With Nimari Burnett and Roddy Gayle back, Michigan has good continuity as well. 

Pat Kelsey laid the foundation for the Cardinals. Now, the pieces are aligning for him to take this program on an NCAA Tournament run. Kelsey ushers in the nation’s No. 3 transfer portal class with all-conference players Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) on the way, while five-star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. enters with high expectations. To get J’Vonne Hadley and a healthy Kasean Pryor back is huge for continuity and the frontcourt. Louisville is the front-runner in the ACC. 

Not to be outdone, Mark Pope, and what sources tell FOX Sports is a bankroll of over $20 million, has led to a star-studded Wildcats roster. Kentucky has the nation’s fourth-ranked transfer class, according to 247 Sports. If Otega Oweh returns for his senior season, he’ll be right in the mix for SEC Player of the Year. When you combine that with a guy who averaged 17 PPG in Jaland Lowe, a national champion in Denzel Aberdeen out of Florida, a big man with a ton of upside in Jayden Quaintance and intriguing talents Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) and Kam Williams (Tulane), there’s a lot to like about this team. And don’t forget about top-20 freshman Jasper Johnson, who is a blur in transition and a guy who is wired to score. Now, the pressure is on Pope in Year 2 to make it all come together after a Sweet 16 season. 

The Blue Devils will go from the Cooper Flagg Show to the Cameron-and-Cayden Boozer Show in the upcoming year. Cameron is among the best prospects in the sport, a 6-9 forward who is polished and strong with an inside-out game, a willingness to defend and the versatility to flourish. Jon Scheyer knows continuity is big in this sport. That’s why guys like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans coming back helps. Washington State transfer Cedric Coward (17.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG) was an excellent addition to bolster the perimeter with proven talent. 

Look out for John Calipari and the Razorbacks. Coming off a magical ride to the Sweet 16, the Hogs are slated to get D.J. Wagner, Trevon Brazile, Billy Richmond and Karter Knox back, while a pair of five-star freshmen guards in Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas will bolster the offense. The two are prototypical Calipari one-and-done guys who can come in and change the game with their skills. Acuff is a dynamic ball-handler who has a variety of ways to make plays for his teammates and drive the lane, while Thomas is the toughest shotmaker in the national freshman class. Throw in Malique Ewin from Florida State and Nick Pringle from South Carolina and Calipari addressed his interior needs with experience via the portal.

John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Follow him at @John_Fanta.

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Apple TV+ has taken a quality-over-quantity approach since its inception, and May 2025 is a showcase of that philosophy in action. This month’s lineup is refreshingly diverse—blending cerebral science fiction, adrenaline-pumping adventure, poignant documentaries, charming family tales, and immersive music experiences. Whether you’re into character-driven drama or quirky animated specials, there’s something worth watching.

Long Way Home (May 9)

Genre: Travel Docuseries
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman
The beloved duo returns for their fourth adventure, this time journeying through 17 European countries on vintage motorcycles. Starting in Scotland and wrapping in England, Long Way Home builds on the legacy of Long Way Round, Down, and Up with even more raw, scenic footage, unexpected roadblocks, and cultural encounters. For newcomers, the entire saga is available to stream on Apple TV+, making May a perfect time to binge the full journey.

Murderbot (May 16)

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller/Comedy
Star: Alexander Skarsgård
Based on Martha Wells’ award-winning novels, Murderbot introduces a rogue security android that’s hacked its own governor module to gain autonomy—only to find itself reluctantly drawn into protecting a group of humans. Skarsgård brings both gravitas and wry humor to the role, while the show explores big questions about AI, agency, and what it means to be human—all with a side of soap opera obsession. Episodes will drop weekly on Fridays following a two-episode premiere.

Deaf President Now! (May 16)

Genre: Historical Documentary
This powerful documentary revisits the 1988 Gallaudet University protests, where students demanded the appointment of a Deaf university president. Told from a Deaf perspective, it’s not just a history lesson—it’s a stirring chronicle of activism and representation that still resonates in today’s broader push for inclusivity and equal access. Expect raw archival footage, interviews with student leaders, and a spotlight on a defining civil rights moment.

Fountain of Youth (May 23)

Genre: Action-Adventure Film
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Stanley Tucci
Guy Ritchie directs this globetrotting adventure that follows estranged siblings as they unravel clues to the mythical Fountain of Youth. The film balances sleek action set pieces with humor and emotional beats, leaning into a Da Vinci Code-meets-National Treasure tone. With a cast this stacked and Ritchie’s kinetic visual style, it’s positioned to be one of Apple TV+’s biggest original films of the year.

Bono: Stories of Surrender (May 30)

Genre: Music Documentary
Shot in immersive 180-degree video, this one-man show blends stories from Bono’s memoir with live renditions of U2’s most iconic songs. The film captures performances from his 2023 tour and gives a deeply personal look at the life, activism, and philosophy of the legendary frontman. The immersive version is also available on Apple Vision Pro, pushing the boundaries of traditional concert films.

Lulu Is a Rhinoceros (May 30)

Genre: Animated Family Special
Voice Talent: Auli’i Cravalho
Adapted from the children’s book by Jason and Allison Flom, this animated tale of identity and acceptance features Lulu, a bulldog who believes she’s a rhinoceros. Filled with vibrant animation, original songs, and a message about self-expression, it’s ideal for family movie night. Cravalho’s warm narration adds charm and sincerity to this uplifting special.

New Episodes of Ongoing Favorites

• Your Friends & Neighbors (Drama) – Continues Fridays through May 30
• The Studio (Workplace Comedy) – Episodes 8–10 air on May 7, 14, and 21
• Government Cheese (Surrealist Comedy) – Weekly on Wednesdays; finale on May 28
• Carême (French-language Historical Drama) – New episodes every Wednesday, exploring espionage through the eyes of a culinary genius in Napoleon-era France

What’s Coming Next

Stick (June 4)

Genre: Sports Comedy
Star: Owen Wilson
Looking ahead to early June, Stick lands with Owen Wilson taking on the golf world in a comedic role that blends sports antics with midlife crisis drama. Apple TV+ is clearly betting on Wilson’s charisma and a fresh setting to deliver their next breakout comedy hit.

Key Takeaways

• Apple TV+ is releasing several new shows in March 2025 including “The Studio,” “Dope Thief,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
• Critical favorites like “Severance” and “Mythic Quest” continue to be standout offerings on the streaming platform.
• The service is expanding with diverse content ranging from sports documentaries to drama series to appeal to a broader audience.

New and Upcoming Shows on Apple TV+

May 2025 is a stellar month for Apple TV+ as it flexes its muscles across every genre—from bold sci-fi experiments to emotional documentaries and star-studded adventures. The platform continues to distinguish itself with carefully crafted content rather than content overload, giving each title room to breathe—and more importantly, room to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, think, or escape, Apple TV+ has your next binge covered.

Apple TV+ continues to expand its catalog with exciting new series and the return of fan favorites in 2025. The streaming service is investing heavily in diverse content spanning multiple genres while bringing back some of its most acclaimed shows.

Anticipated Debuts

“Your Friends & Neighbors” is among the most anticipated new shows coming to Apple TV+ this spring. This quirky new series will premiere on April 16, offering subscribers a fresh comedy experience. Another newcomer, “Government Cheese,” follows an ex-con looking to turn over a new leaf while making history.

“The Studio” and “Carême” are also joining the lineup, bringing new storytelling perspectives to the platform. Sports fans will be particularly excited about “F1,” a series that explores the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.

“The Gorge” and “Number One on the Call Sheet” represent Apple’s continued investment in both genre-bending content and documentaries that explore important cultural topics.

Returning Favorites

The biggest news for returning shows is that “Ted Lasso” will come back for a fourth season. This announcement from March 14, 2025, thrilled fans who thought the beloved soccer comedy had ended with season three.

“Severance,” one of Apple’s most critically acclaimed series, is also returning with new episodes that continue its mind-bending workplace drama. “Silo” fans can look forward to more dystopian storytelling in its next season.

“The Morning Show” and “For All Mankind” continue to be flagship series for the platform. “Foundation,” based on Isaac Asimov’s classic sci-fi series, is preparing another visually stunning season that expands on its complex universe.

Expanding Genres and Formats

Apple TV+ is diversifying its content with shows like “Dope Thief,” which blends crime drama with dark comedy. The platform is also branching into more limited series formats that tell complete stories in a single season.

“Bad Sisters” and “Shrinking” showcase Apple’s strength in creating shows that balance humor with deeper emotional themes. “Pachinko,” the beautiful multi-generational drama, continues to demonstrate Apple’s commitment to international storytelling and diverse perspectives.

“Mythic Quest,” the workplace comedy set in a video game company, remains a strong performer in Apple’s comedy lineup. “Slow Horses,” the spy thriller starring Gary Oldman, continues to build its fanbase with each new season.

“Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” highlights Apple’s growing interest in sports documentaries and event coverage.

Apple TV+ Advancements and Collaborations

Apple TV+ continues to expand its influence in the streaming world through strategic partnerships and technological innovations. The platform has secured deals with major industry players while implementing new features to enhance viewer experience.

High-Profile Partnerships

Apple TV+ has forged impressive collaborations with renowned filmmakers and actors. Martin Scorsese has joined forces with the streaming service for exclusive content development, bringing his legendary storytelling expertise to the platform.

David Oyelowo is set to star in “Number One on the Call Sheet,” a documentary series exploring the challenges and triumphs of Black actors in Hollywood. This project highlights Apple’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

The platform has also secured rights to “F1,” a highly anticipated racing series that will compete directly with Netflix’s popular motorsport content. This move signals Apple’s strategy to attract sports enthusiasts.

Other upcoming shows include “The Studio,” “Government Cheese,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors,” reflecting Apple’s investment in varied content genres to broaden its subscriber base.

Innovations in Streaming

Apple TV+ has enhanced its content measurement and audience research tools to better understand viewer preferences. These improvements allow for more targeted content development based on actual watching habits.

The service has implemented advanced security measures to protect user IP addresses while still gathering essential data for personalized advertising. This balances privacy concerns with revenue generation needs.

Subscription options have become more flexible, with new tiers being introduced to compete with other streaming services. The platform now offers both ad-supported and ad-free options at different price points.

Apple’s services development team has created a more intuitive interface for browsing the growing library of Apple Original shows and movies. New releases are now organized in ways that make discovery easier for subscribers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple TV+ has expanded its lineup with several new shows and seasons in 2025. These frequently asked questions cover the latest releases, popular series, and critically acclaimed content available on the streaming platform.

What are the latest original series released on Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ recently released “The Crossing,” a sci-fi thriller starring Emmy winner Regina King. The show explores time travel consequences in a near-future world.

“Legends of Tomorrow” debuted in February 2025, bringing a fresh historical fiction angle to the platform. Each episode features a different legendary figure reimagined for modern audiences.

“The Circuit,” a Formula 1 documentary series, launched in early March 2025 with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to drivers and teams.

Which new shows on Apple TV+ are gaining popularity this year?

“Homestead,” a frontier drama set in Montana, has become one of Apple TV+’s most-watched new series. Its authentic portrayal of rural life has resonated with viewers seeking something different.

“The Algorithm,” a tech thriller about artificial intelligence gone wrong, has generated significant buzz on social media. The show stars Michael Fassbender and Sandra Oh.

“Culinary Masters” has gained a devoted following with its unique competition format that pairs amateur cooks with world-renowned chefs.

What are the top critically acclaimed series on Apple TV+ currently?

“Severance” Season 2 has received universal praise from critics, with many calling it even better than its groundbreaking first season. The psychological thriller continues to explore workplace dystopia.

“Pachinko” continues its critical success with its third season, maintaining a 98% rating on review aggregators. The multi-generational Korean family saga has expanded its storytelling scope.

“Slow Horses” remains a critical darling in its fifth season. The spy drama starring Gary Oldman consistently receives nominations for major television awards.

What are the new Apple TV+ shows available for streaming now?

“The Ambassador,” a political drama set in Washington DC and various global embassies, released its complete first season in January 2025. All eight episodes are available for streaming.

“Boundless,” an adventure reality competition filmed across remote locations worldwide, drops new episodes weekly on Fridays.

“Last Light,” a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence, premiered its first three episodes on March 15, with remaining episodes releasing weekly.

Can you list the latest Apple TV+ series adaptations from books?

“The Silent Patient,” based on Alex Michaelides’ bestselling psychological thriller, premiered in February 2025. The adaptation stars Zendaya in the lead role.

“Project Hail Mary,” adapted from Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel, launched in January 2025. Ryan Gosling leads this space adventure about humanity’s last hope against extinction.

“The Lincoln Highway,” based on Amor Towles’ novel, debuted its eight-episode season in March 2025. The period drama follows four young men on a cross-country journey in 1954.

What is the current lineup of Apple TV+ shows for this season?

“Ted Lasso” is returning for a surprise fourth season in April 2025 after a two-year hiatus. The beloved comedy continues following AFC Richmond’s journey.

“Foundation” Season 3 continues the epic sci-fi saga with new episodes releasing weekly. The adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic series has expanded its scope.

“The Morning Show” will release its fifth and final season in May 2025. The media drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon will conclude its award-winning run.