Entertainment
Americans can come across as rather obnoxious. And as someone who doesn’t resonate with the mainstream U.S. vibe, I can say that obnoxious might be a gentle way to put it. To the rest of the world, we can seem quite entitled, foolish, and frankly overwhelming. There’s no better illustration of this than the show Ted Lasso.
Finding Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ was a delightful accident for me. I usually gravitate towards true crime shows like Dateline or films that delve into historical fiction. However, my journey into the world of Ted Lasso was entirely worthwhile. I’m not a soccer enthusiast—yes, the football in question is indeed soccer, not the American version where people intentionally tackle each other (sorry, American football fans, but I’ll never quite get it).
Who is Ted Lasso?
Ted Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis) is an overly optimistic American football coach who unexpectedly ends up coaching soccer in the U.K. Here’s your spoiler alert. I’ll try to keep the spoilers to a minimum but can’t guarantee anything. You’ve had ample time to catch up on season one—so get on it! The British are known for their disdain for American behavior, making it all the more amusing. The team is skeptical of him, the fans enjoy hating him, and the current owner (the ex-wife of the previous owner) relishes the chaos.
Yet, Lasso’s relentless positivity offers a refreshing dose of laughter. He’s a football coach with no clue about soccer, tasked with leading a struggling Premier League team. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to lift their spirits.
The show features various subplots that cater to diverse interests. There are two star athletes on the same team clashing over differing methods, a love triangle involving those players, and, of course, a stream of hilarious one-liners from Lasso and his partner, Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt). One of my favorite moments comes from Lasso’s coffee-related quip: “I always thought that tea was just gonna taste like hot brown water. And you know what? I was right. It’s horrible. No, thank you.”
Come for the Laughs, Stay for the Heart
While Lasso’s laid-back attitude allows him to brush off his team’s subtle jabs, there’s depth to his character that unfolds throughout the season. Midway through, we discover that beneath his cheerful façade, Ted grapples with personal struggles, including a crumbling marriage. His portrayal of a panic attack is significant; it highlights the reality of “smiling depression.” It’s a powerful representation of something many people experience, and it’s a topic that deserves attention.
Watching a team unite despite numerous challenges provides a much-needed uplift in today’s world. The show features spontaneous roasts from the water boy turned co-coach, heartfelt bathroom pep talks, and countless laughs. Everything sounds better in a British accent, doesn’t it?
Season 2 is Streaming Now
Season 1 didn’t conclude with a cliffhanger, but it left several storylines open. With Season 2 currently available and Season 3 already confirmed, I highly recommend diving into this witty, heartwarming series.
Forget about the awards Ted Lasso has garnered (and continues to win). Who can overlook Sudeikis’s Golden Globe speech? His tie-dye hoodie vibe is something we can all relate to after the past year. Honestly, I probably wore something similar while binge-watching the series!
So, what are you waiting for? Step away from doomscrolling and give yourself a reprieve from the grim news cycle. You’ve only missed the first two episodes of this season, with the third episode set to drop this Friday.
I understand that soccer might not be everyone’s favorite sport (see what I did there?), but don’t overlook Ted Lasso. It’s a show that’s not only laugh-out-loud funny but also filled with heart. We could all use a little more of that these days. For more on related topics, check out this other blog post.
Summary
Ted Lasso is a must-see series that blends humor with emotional depth. With its charming characters and engaging storylines, it offers a refreshing perspective on teamwork and personal struggles. The show is perfect for those seeking a light-hearted escape filled with laughs and heartfelt moments.