“Ted Lasso,” a heartwarming blend of comedy and drama, springs from the creative minds of Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. Originating from a character Sudeikis played for NBC Sports’ English Premier League broadcasts, the show follows Ted Lasso, an American college football coach. Despite his lack of soccer coaching experience, Lasso lands the job of managing an English soccer team, AFC Richmond, much to everyone’s surprise. The team’s owner, Rebecca Welton, hires him with the hope that his inexperience will lead to the team’s downfall, a revenge plot against her ex-husband, Rupert. However, Lasso’s infectious optimism and folksy demeanor begin to make an unexpected impact.
Apple TV+ introduced audiences to “Ted Lasso” on August 14, 2020, with a first season of ten episodes. Following its success, the show returned with a second season of twelve episodes on July 23, 2021. The anticipation was palpable when the series announced its third season, premiering on March 15, 2023.
The series quickly became a critical darling, earning praise for its humor, heart, and the performances of its cast, including Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, and Juno Temple. The first season broke records with 20 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, the most for a comedy’s first season. Wins included Outstanding Comedy Series and awards for Sudeikis, Waddingham, and Goldstein. Sudeikis also snagged a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe Award for his role.
In a memorable moment on March 20, 2023, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden invited the “Ted Lasso” cast to the Oval Office, showing their support by donning AFC Richmond jerseys.
At its heart, “Ted Lasso” is the story of an underdog by design, a coach with no soccer background thrown into the deep end of English Premier League soccer. Hired by Rebecca Welton, the new owner of AFC Richmond seeking revenge on her unfaithful ex-husband, Ted’s arrival is meant to spell doom for the team. Yet, his unwavering positivity and humorous outlook begin to win over skeptics, transforming the team and its dynamics in ways no one could have anticipated.
Ted Lasso Cast
In “Ted Lasso,” you’ve got Jason Sudeikis bringing to life the titular character, Ted Lasso himself. He’s this American football coach who gets plonked into the world of English soccer, coaching AFC Richmond. Despite being laughed at for not knowing much about soccer, Ted’s all about that optimism and kindness, and it actually starts working wonders on the team and the fans.
Then you’ve got Hannah Waddingham playing Rebecca Welton, the new owner of AFC Richmond. At first, she hires Ted as part of this big plan to mess up the team, but as time goes on, she starts seeing Ted’s value and even ends up being a mentor and friend to Keeley Jones.
Jeremy Swift is Leslie Higgins, the Director of Football Operations at AFC Richmond. Despite his shy vibe, Higgins is actually pretty fun and supportive within the club.
Phil Dunster takes on Jamie Tartt, this really talented but arrogant young striker for AFC Richmond. His character arc is all about dialing down that ego and becoming a better teammate under Ted’s guidance.
Brett Goldstein nails the role of Roy Kent, a tough midfielder and the captain of AFC Richmond. Think of him as this gruff leader who evolves into a more caring type thanks to Ted’s influence.
Then there’s Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard, Ted’s trusty assistant and buddy. He’s all about that chill vibe and provides crucial support to Ted both on and off the field.
Nick Mohammed steps in as Nathan “Nate” Shelley, the former kit man turned assistant coach for AFC Richmond. His journey from being in the background to becoming a key figure reflects his love and dedication to the sport.
Juno Temple brings Keeley Jones to life, a model turned marketing and PR manager for the club. Her story revolves around finding her own path beyond the glitz and glamour and establishing herself in the world.
And let’s not forget about the recurring characters and cool cameos throughout the series. You’ve got Anthony Head as the vindictive ex-husband Rupert Mannion, Toheeb Jimoh as the talented Nigerian player Sam Obisanya, and many more, including real-life sports and entertainment stars popping up here and there, adding that extra flair to the show.
Seasons in Ted Lasso
Season 1 kicked off with 10 episodes, premiering on August 14, 2020, and wrapping up by October 2, 2020. It introduced us to Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage AFC Richmond by Rebecca Welton, who sought revenge on her cheating ex-husband. Despite Ted’s lack of soccer experience, his positivity began to win over the skeptical club.
Season 2 brought us 12 episodes, starting on July 23, 2021, and concluding on October 8, 2021. It delved deeper into the team’s dynamics and personal struggles, including Ted’s battle with his own demons and the challenges faced by other characters like Jamie Tartt and Roy Kent.
In Season 3, we were treated to another 12 episodes, beginning on March 15, 2023, and drawing to a close on May 31, 2023. This season explored themes of resilience, redemption, and personal growth, with Richmond facing new challenges and the departure of key characters.
Each episode of the series takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of life both on and off the soccer pitch, highlighting the power of teamwork, friendship, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
From Commercials to a Successful TV Series
Jason Sudeikis first stepped into the shoes of Ted Lasso for NBC Sports’ Premier League TV ads in 2013. By 2015, Olivia Wilde, Sudeikis’s then-partner, spotted a golden opportunity to deepen Lasso’s story from a simple sketch to a narrative rich with heart. They aimed to offer an uplifting alternative to the increasing division fueled by Donald Trump’s political ascent and online hostility. Becoming a father made Sudeikis keen on shaping a positive world for his child.
In October 2019, Apple TV+ said yes to the series, bringing on board Bill Lawrence from “Scrubs.” This partnership between Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television was set to explore the characters’ lives with depth and warmth.
Following its hit debut, Apple TV+ quickly renewed “Ted Lasso” for a second and later a third season, keeping the possibility for future spin-offs on the table, suggesting Ted Lasso’s world has more stories to tell.
Apple TV+ struck a deal with the Premier League in October 2021, enriching the series with authentic football culture. This move, along with a merchandise deal with Nike for AFC Richmond kits, highlighted the show’s commitment to merging fiction with reality.
The inspiration behind Ted Lasso interestingly mirrors Terry Smith’s real-life adventure—an American football coach who took up soccer coaching in England, adding an intriguing layer of realism to the series.
The show’s writing team, including contributions from cast members like Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt, brought realness and depth to the narrative. Casting director Theo Park played a crucial role in bringing together a cast that truly embodied their characters.
The production team filmed across iconic London locales and Premier League stadiums, weaving Ted Lasso’s journey into the fabric of English football. Cameos from sports and entertainment figures further blurred the lines between show and reality, enhancing the viewing experience.
The surge in “Ted Lasso” popularity led to an official merchandise line, including AFC Richmond jerseys, with Nike expanding the range in 2023, letting fans carry a piece of the series with them.
“Ted Lasso” transcends mere entertainment, sparking dialogues about positivity, empathy, and change, reflecting its impact both on-screen and in real life.
Reception Overview
Season 1 of “Ted Lasso” received a lot of love for Jason Sudeikis’s performance, hitting a 92% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 71. The series stood out for its heart and optimism more than just laughs, earning it high praise for its uplifting spirit.
Season 2 then kicked it up a notch, achieving a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 85 on Metacritic. Both critics and fans adored its heartwarming stories and the deeper dive into the lives of supporting characters.
For Season 3, although still warmly received, the show saw a bit of a dip with an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 73 Metacritic score. Some critiques mentioned the pacing and character arcs didn’t quite hit the mark, suggesting a slight shift away from what made the show a hit initially.
Jason Sudeikis, playing the eternally positive American football coach in England, won everyone over. Despite early skepticism over stereotypes and inconsistent humor, many came to see the show as a shining light of hope, particularly appreciated during tough times.
Season 2 kept up the positive momentum, showcasing the cast more and doubling down on the feel-good vibes that drew in fans.
However, Season 3 received a mix of feedback, with some pointing out the stretched episodes and a move away from the show’s original charm. Still, many thought it found its stride, even if Sudeikis’s role didn’t stand out as much compared to the collective cast.
At the Emmy Awards, the show made waves, with the first season grabbing 20 nominations and seven wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Sudeikis himself bagged multiple awards for his role.
Continuing its award streak, Season 2 nabbed 20 Emmy nominations and four wins, snagging another Outstanding Comedy Series award.
Even with mixed reviews for Season 3, it still landed 21 Emmy nominations, proving the show’s lasting appeal and impact.
“Ted Lasso” soared as Apple TV+’s most-watched series and turned into a cultural touchstone. Its debut broke platform records, and Season 2’s arrival saw viewership numbers soar even higher.
The show’s reach extended beyond the screen, with the cast spotlighting mental health awareness at the White House, showcasing “Ted Lasso”‘s influence in sparking meaningful societal conversations.
Other Media of Ted Lasso
In December 2021, Apple TV+ brought some holiday cheer to fans with a charming four-minute claymation special called “Ted Lasso: The Missing Christmas Mustache.” This adorable addition to the “Ted Lasso” universe took viewers on a festive journey with their favorite characters, spreading joy and warmth.
Then, in September 2022, there was thrilling news for gamers as AFC Richmond and Nelson Road made their digital debut in the widely popular video game FIFA 23. Fans worldwide celebrated the chance to play as their beloved team, whether online or offline. What’s more, gamers could even choose Ted Lasso himself to manage any team in the game, adding an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to their virtual soccer experience.
This integration of Ted Lasso into FIFA 23 not only expanded the show’s reach beyond TV but also solidified its impact in the gaming community. It allowed fans to dive even deeper into the world of AFC Richmond, bridging the gap between television and gaming in a truly immersive way.
