Exploring the Success of ‘Ted Lasso’
‘Ted Lasso’ has become a prominent comedy series since its inception. It tells the story of an American football coach from Kansas who relocates to England to manage a professional soccer team without any prior knowledge of the sport. When the show premiered a few months into the pandemic, it quickly gained a devoted fan base and garnered critical acclaim. Over three seasons, it received 61 Emmy nominations.
The origins of ‘Ted Lasso’ trace back to a commercial. The character of Ted Lasso, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, emerged from a campaign to promote NBC Sports’ coverage of the English Premier League in the U.S. Sudeikis, known for his tenure on Saturday Night Live, was intrigued by the opportunity and involved two old friends, Joe Kelly and Brendan Hunt, in developing the character further.
Conception and Development
The intention behind the Ted Lasso character was deliberate. Sudeikis wanted to portray someone kindhearted and unaffected by negativity or sarcasm. He believed in showcasing a character full of positivity, which he considered transformative. Sudeikis likened the show’s humor to a Trojan horse, bringing warmth and wisdom during challenging times.
As a coach of the fictional AFC Richmond, Sudeikis reflects on the trait of curiosity, shared by both the character and himself. A quote, “Be curious, not judgmental,” purportedly by Walt Whitman, resonates within the show, though it never existed in Whitman’s writings.
The Unexpected Success
The transition from a commercial to a full-fledged show was unexpected, yet rewarding. Ted Lasso, initially arrogant and uncurious, evolved into a humble and curious character. The show addresses themes such as divorce and mental health, challenging traditional norms associated with masculinity.
Bill Lawrence, a seasoned television producer, played a crucial role in shaping the show’s direction. He emphasized that Ted Lasso was more about the dynamics of a workplace ensemble than a soccer show. This guiding principle helped the show find its identity and audience.
Industry Reception
When pitched in Hollywood, Ted Lasso initially lacked interest from major networks. However, Apple TV+ decided to produce it under Warner Bros. The supporting cast, including Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard and actors Toheeb Jimoh and Kola Bokinni, explore themes like toxic masculinity within the show’s setting.
Despite being based on Sudeikis’ experiences and hometown of Kansas, the show captures universal themes of belief and self-improvement. Characters and settings are often named after people significant to Sudeikis and his team.
A Show Like No Other
Brett Goldstein, originally a writer for the show, found a kindred spirit in his character Roy Kent, who grapples with emotion in a culture of strict masculinity. Hannah Waddingham, portraying team owner Rebecca Welton, describes the show as a ‘massive hug’ to viewers, particularly impactful during the pandemic.
Winning multiple awards at the 2021 Emmy Awards, the show’s success extends beyond accolades. Fans from around the world, including those visiting Richmond, attest to its impact.
Jason Sudeikis remains humble about the legacy of Ted Lasso, focusing on its continued audience engagement and humor. Season three, featuring a new all-female team, continues to evolve the story on Apple TV.