In a world often marked by cynicism and division, the arrival of Ted Lasso, a heartfelt and comedic show on Apple TV+, has been a breath of fresh air. A story about an American football coach who moves to the UK to manage a struggling English soccer team, the series became an unexpected hit, resonating with audiences worldwide. Beyond the jokes and quirky one-liners, Ted Lasso delivers profound messages about kindness, resilience, and teamwork.
This article will dive deep into the phenomenon that is Ted Lasso—how the show began, its core themes, key characters, and its impact on both viewers and the entertainment industry.
Origins: From Sketch to Series
The character of Ted Lasso first appeared in a series of NBC Sports ads in 2013, played by comedian Jason Sudeikis. These comedic promos, which were meant to promote NBC’s coverage of the English Premier League, were quick-hit sketches designed to introduce American audiences to the nuances of soccer. What started as a light-hearted ad campaign soon became the seed for a more profound narrative.
Sudeikis, along with co-creators Bill Lawrence, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt, decided to turn the ads into a full-fledged television series. They saw potential in Ted’s character—a relentlessly optimistic and kind-hearted coach navigating the unfamiliar world of British soccer. And thus, Ted Lasso the show was born, debuting on Apple TV+ in August 2020.
Despite initial skepticism (an American football coach leading a British soccer team seemed like a stretch), the show quickly garnered a dedicated fan base and became one of Apple TV+’s flagship programs.
Ted Lasso’s Character: Optimism in the Face of Adversity
At the heart of Ted Lasso is its titular character, played masterfully by Jason Sudeikis. Ted is a man whose relentless optimism borders on the absurd, but in a world filled with negativity, his unwavering belief in the power of kindness becomes his superpower.
Ted’s backstory reveals a deep well of personal struggles, including a divorce that weighs heavily on his heart. Yet, instead of allowing these experiences to harden him, Ted chooses to see the best in every situation and every person he meets. His catchphrase, “Believe,” emblazoned on a sign above the locker room door, embodies his philosophy: belief in oneself, belief in the team, and belief in the idea that things can and will get better.
While Ted’s sunny demeanor often confuses and frustrates his players, staff, and even fans, his approach to leadership—focusing on personal growth over winning at all costs—ultimately wins people over. Ted Lasso is the kind of leader we all wish we had: someone who values empathy, patience, and positivity over ego, competition, and cynicism.
Key Themes: More Than Just a Soccer Show
Though Ted Lasso is ostensibly about soccer (or football, as the Brits call it), the show transcends the sport to explore larger, more universal themes.
1. Resilience and Perseverance
Ted Lasso’s journey as a coach isn’t smooth sailing. He steps into a situation where no one believes in him or his unorthodox methods. The team he’s hired to manage, AFC Richmond, is a struggling Premier League club on the verge of relegation. The club’s owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), initially hires Ted intending to sabotage the team as a way to get back at her ex-husband. But through his sheer perseverance and refusal to quit in the face of adversity, Ted turns the tide.
His resilience is contagious, spreading to the players and even Rebecca herself. Through Ted, the show reminds us that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about how we respond to it.
2. Mental Health
A surprising and impactful theme that Ted Lasso addresses is mental health. Ted himself struggles with panic attacks throughout the series, which is a rare portrayal of a male protagonist dealing with mental health issues. Rather than glossing over these moments, the show takes a sensitive and serious approach to them.
The series also introduces Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles), a sports psychologist who helps Ted and the team deal with their mental struggles. Her character not only adds depth to the show but also sheds light on the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with mental health challenges.
This portrayal of mental health resonates deeply with audiences, especially at a time when discussions around mental health are becoming more open and destigmatized. Ted’s vulnerability makes him more relatable and human, proving that even the most optimistic individuals have their struggles.
3. Teamwork and Leadership
One of the core tenets of Ted Lasso is the value of teamwork. AFC Richmond is not just a group of individual players; they’re a team that learns to rely on one another both on and off the pitch. Ted’s unconventional leadership style—where he prioritizes team bonding, trust, and personal growth over winning—transforms the team from a disjointed group of players into a cohesive unit.
Characters like Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), the gruff and foul-mouthed veteran, and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), the young, self-absorbed star, embody the various challenges of ego, pride, and personality clashes that can occur within a team. Ted’s influence helps these characters grow, learn to set aside their egos and work toward a common goal. His belief that “success isn’t about wins and losses, it’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field” encapsulates his leadership philosophy.
4. Forgiveness and Redemption
Many of the characters in Ted Lasso undergo journeys of forgiveness and redemption. Rebecca’s character arc, in particular, is one of the most profound. At the beginning of the series, she is bitter and vengeful, intent on ruining AFC Richmond to hurt her ex-husband. But as she gets to know Ted and sees the positive impact he has on those around him, she begins to soften and eventually admits her wrongdoings.
Similarly, Jamie Tartt, who starts as an arrogant and selfish player, learns humility and begins to embrace the concept of teamwork. Even Roy Kent, whose career is winding down, finds redemption in coaching the next generation and mentoring players like Jamie.
The show constantly emphasizes that people are not defined by their worst moments. With compassion and understanding, anyone can change for the better.
Key Characters and Their Development
Ted Lasso thrives because of its ensemble cast of well-developed characters. Each character brings something unique to the story and undergoes significant growth throughout the series.
Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis)
Ted, as mentioned earlier, is the heart of the show. His growth is subtle but significant. While Ted is largely the same optimistic figure throughout the series, we begin to see cracks in his armor as he grapples with his mental health and personal issues. His relationship with Dr. Sharon helps him face his fears and challenges head-on, showing that even the most positive people need support.
Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham)
Rebecca starts as a cold and calculating character, intent on destroying AFC Richmond. However, through her interactions with Ted and the team, she slowly sheds her bitterness and becomes one of the most beloved characters on the show. Her friendship with Ted is one of the emotional cores of the series.
Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein)
Roy Kent is the archetypal grumpy veteran who, despite his foul-mouthed exterior, has a heart of gold. His journey from player to coach is one of self-discovery, as he learns that there’s life after professional football and that his value extends beyond the field.
Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster)
Jamie’s arc is one of the most significant in the show. He begins as an arrogant and selfish player, but through Ted’s guidance and his relationship with the team, he grows into a more selfless and mature individual. His journey is one of the best examples of character development in the series.
Impact: Why Ted Lasso Matters
Since its debut, Ted Lasso has had a significant impact on both audiences and the entertainment industry. In a time when dark and gritty dramas often dominate TV screens, Ted Lasso has stood out as a beacon of positivity and hope. Its message of kindness, forgiveness, and mental health awareness resonates deeply with viewers, offering a much-needed antidote to the stresses of modern life.
The show has also garnered critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including multiple Emmys. Jason Sudeikis’ portrayal of Ted has been lauded as one of the best performances in modern television.
Moreover, Ted Lasso has sparked discussions about leadership, coaching, and what it means to be a good person in a world that often rewards the opposite. It’s a show that reminds us that kindness is not a weakness, but a strength—and that, in the end, optimism and resilience can triumph over cynicism and negativity.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso is more than just a TV show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its messages of hope, kindness, and resilience have struck a chord with audiences across the globe. In a world that often feels divided and negative, Ted Lasso’s optimism serves as a reminder that there’s always room for hope and humanity.
As the series continues, its legacy will likely endure, inspiring not only future television shows but also real-world conversations about how we treat one another and how we can find success by believing in the power of kindness, teamwork, and perseverance.