“Ted Lasso” has become one of the decade’s most cherished comedy series. This tale follows an American football coach from Kansas who relocates to the UK to manage a soccer team, despite lacking any knowledge of the sport.
When the series premiered during the pandemic, it quickly garnered a substantial fan base and critical acclaim. Over its three seasons, it earned a remarkable 61 Emmy nominations. This is no small feat for a show that originally began as a commercial. The journey of “Ted Lasso” has significantly influenced Hollywood and the lives of its stars.
As they prepared for the third season in 2022, an opportunity arose to interview the cast, including Jason Sudeikis, the creator and the face of Ted Lasso. Sudeikis explained that the character’s emphasis on positivity and resilience was intentional.
“To play someone that was kindhearted, that didn’t swear– be like Teflon towards people’s negativity or sarcasm, 100% intentional,” Sudeikis shared.
While the show is often comedic and even profane, it carries with it wisdom and warmth. Ted Lasso, both the character and the actor, embodies curiosity. Sudeikis recounted a well-known quote, “Be curious, not judgmental.” Although misattributed to Walt Whitman, this phrase has become a cornerstone of the show’s philosophy.
The show’s success is even more remarkable considering its humble beginnings. More than a decade ago, Ted Lasso was born from an NBC Sports ad campaign to promote the English Premier League in the U.S. Sudeikis, at the time, was winding down a decade-long stint on “Saturday Night Live.”
Collaborating with long-time friends Joe Kelly and Brendan Hunt, Sudeikis transformed Ted Lasso from an arrogant figure into someone characterized by humility and curiosity. The series tackles themes of divorce and mental health, while also challenging traditional masculine norms. Bill Lawrence, a seasoned TV producer, joined to further shape the project.
“This is not a soccer show,” Lawrence emphasized during early development stages. “This is a workplace ensemble comedy.”
The series found a home on Apple TV+, managed by Warner Bros. Joe Kelly mentioned the cast felt like underdogs, mirroring the team featured on the show.
Behind the scenes, the camaraderie reflects the strong ensemble seen onscreen. The actors, including Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard), Toheeb Jimoh, and Kola Bokinni, have shared experiences that mirror the inclusive and supportive environment depicted in the series.
Jason Sudeikis, originally from Kansas just like Ted Lasso, infused the show with personal elements. The character Ted Lasso evolved into a role model not only for his team but also for its viewers.
The phrase “Believe,” a simple yet profound mantra, encapsulates much of the show’s spirit. As one of its breakout stars, Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent, initially came on board as a writer but soon found his perfect character match in Roy.
Hannah Waddingham, known for her roles in musical theater, plays team owner Rebecca Welton. She believes the show resonates deeply because of its warmth and humanity, qualities that are often understated in television.
The success of “Ted Lasso” was evident at the 2021 Emmy Awards, where Waddingham, Goldstein, and Sudeikis received recognition for their performances, and the series secured the award for outstanding comedy series.
The town of Richmond, where the show is set, draws a real connection with fans. Some visit the actual locations featured in the series, illustrating the deep bond the audience has with its characters and ethos.
“Ted Lasso” returns on Apple TV with a new dynamic—this time featuring a women’s team, highlighting the show’s continuous evolution and commitment to breaking new ground in storytelling.
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