Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” (created by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly) is a sports comedy-drama series that is based on an NBC skit from 2013. 

The show follows the life of a very kind and optimistic American football coach named Ted Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis), being hired as the head coach for a professional soccer team in London called AFC Richmond and the trials and tribulations he faces trying to adapt to a new team, sport, culture, and country.

The writing of this show is one of its greatest qualities (no shocker there, as it’s been nominated for four writing Emmys). The jokes hit right when they’re supposed to and the deep heartfelt dialogue lands with audiences. But, the biggest surprise is that the characters are actually written like well adjusted adults (which is something that is not seen often) and actually talk things out.

For example, there are various moments throughout the show where a character gets angry or upset and instead of blowing it out of proportion and starting an argument like it’s a soap opera or a reality show, they talk about it and seek out the help of other characters because they’re high functioning adults and that’s what they would actually do in that situation. 

All of the characters were cast perfectly, and the actors all portray their characters beautifully and really sell the role to the audience. 

But there are three characters that really stand out, those being Ted (Sudeikis), Ted’s boss Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), and Keeley Jones (Juno Temple).

Jason Sudeikis does so many great things with his portrayal of Ted, it’s no wonder he got two Emmys for it. He makes the audience laugh with his cheesy puns and sayings, but he also sells some heavy dialogue that really connects him with the audience. 

Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Rebecca Welton is multi-layered which makes it so interesting for the audience to watch and completely owns whichever room she’s in. In the beginning, it is difficult to like her because of her malicious intentions, but as the show progresses you can’t help but feel for her and everything she has gone through.

Juno Temple’s portrayal of Keeley Jones is a fan favorite for many reasons. From her kind-hearted personality that makes the audience fall in love with her to her resourcefulness and intelligence that take the audience by surprise.

The show also tackles the concept of femininity and masculinity in a way that doesn’t feel hamfisted or over-the-top. 

For instance, Rebecca shows that women with strong personalities can also be caring, compassionate, and loving. While Keeley proves that femininity does not make women weak and just because a woman is really comfortable in their own skin, doesn’t mean they’re dumb. 

For Ted however shows that masculinity doesn’t mean that you never share your feelings or judge others for not being as “manly” he is, in a way, the antithesis of toxic masculinity.

While the captain of the soccer team, Roy (Brett Goldstein, who’s also one of the writers) is a more traditional example of masculinity, strong, confident, and aggressive. But at the same time isn’t above taking jabs to his ego and keeps his more aggressive traits on the field where it is more appropriate.

There are also many clever uses of foreshadowing, as many things said throughout the show are referenced and expanded upon in later episodes, so make sure that you are closely watching.

The soundtrack of the show is also very well done with a mixture of many original pieces along with trademarked works. When Ted is feeling happy very upbeat music plays, but when he is feeling upset softer music plays. Also when a scene takes place during a game more suspenseful music plays to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

The directing style of the show is very simplistic and shot with high-quality HD cameras which makes it satisfying to the eyes. However, there are some scenes throughout the show that look like CGI because of the background blurring effect of the cameras during many of the fùtball games.

Even with all of these great qualities, some people do not believe that season three lived up to the expectations of one and two with some saying that character arcs are being ruined and that it feels too rushed. 

Jason Sudeikis has made it very clear that season three of “Ted Lasso” will be its last. Telling Esquire, “This is the end of this story that we wanted to tell, that we were hoping to tell, that we loved to tell”. The series finale of “Ted Lasso” aired on May 31. 

For those who have been wanting to watch something that is funny, heartwarming, and relatable you’ll get a kick out of “Ted Lasso”.