Ted Lasso: A celebration of football and life

Ted Lasso is one of these shows that long after you have seen it – maybe forever.

I learned it for the first time from a university professor in 2020 or 2021. He recommended it to me and knew about my passion for football – or as you say, where Ted comes from, football.

The thing is, Ted Lasso is not really a show about football. Sure, it is disguised as one and shows loose the everyday life of a Premier League/championship team. But it is so much more than that.

There is probably not a single episode of Ted Lasso that doesn't let me shed a tear or two. Perhaps this is due to my emotional nature, and not everyone will react in the same way, but it is sometimes so touching, so real and gently with all its topics (and there is a lot) that they cannot help but long. It feels like a warm hug.

In short, for those who are not familiar with the series, Ted Lasso is a three -year -old American sports drama. The main line -up includes Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Brett Goldstein and Juno Temple. The premise: After her divorce from her unfaithful ex-husband Rupert, Rebecca Welton (Waddingham) wins the property of the AFC Richmond football club. She is looking for revenge and committed Ted Lasso (Sudeikis) -an American college football trainer without knowledge or experience in football -that his lack of specialist knowledge will lead to the fall of the team, which would deeply annoy Rupert, who would still take care of the club. However, TEDS infectious optimism and charm gradually begin to change Rebecca's intentions, and even gained those who initially doubt their suitability for the role.

Whatever I say about the show, it will never be enough to fully express my respect for it. While Ted Lasso was generally well received, it has exposed some mixed reviews, especially with regard to certain character arches and aspects of storytelling. I can understand these perspectives – I really can. However, it is difficult to stay completely objective if you love a work of art so much. What the show for me – and its greatest strength – shows that friendliness costs nothing. Despite setbacks and people who try to undermine him, Ted remains the same happy and friendly person for everyone around him, even if it goes at personal costs.

Of course, the series is not without errors (nothing really). Nevertheless, considerable recognition was obtained and 11 Emmy prices were obtained. Ted Lasso is a show that leaves a warm feeling in her chest after each episode and withdraws it for more. Despite its mostly happy and positive tone, it is not afraid of serious issues such as death, grief and loss, mental health, LGBTQ+ representation in sport, redemption and forgiveness, vulnerability and cultural differences between the characters.

TED has personal battles, including his tense relationship with his wife. The show does a remarkable job that represents how even excessively positive people can endure difficulties. His journey to discover himself, to deal with panic attacks after his divorce and finally admit that he needs help – especially through his meetings with the team psychologist Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles) – is both dark and important.

We also see characters who deal with death and loss, like the episode that focuses on the funeral of the father of Rebecca. Through the reactions of different characters, the show illustrates the many possibilities of how people experience grief and navigate so difficult times.

There is also an action with a Richmond player who comes out as a gay. I consider this to be a deeply important topic, especially in view of the ongoing homophobia in male sports such as football. The approach of the show for this action throws a light on a topic that remains important both on and outside the field.

When someone who has loved football for over a decade, I first turned to Ted Lasso and expected a carefree sports show that revolves around my favorite game. But I quickly realized that it was so much more. This is a show about life – with all its ups and downs, moments of joy and struggle. It is a story about the community, a kind of family found and above all about striving to become the best version of itself. And one of the main lessons of the show? “Be curious, not valuable.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u7eiohs6u