Life Notes #25: Ted Lasso – 2

Here is what others have said about Ted Lasso.

Claude lists the reasons for the show’s popularity and success:

  • Positive tone: The show’s optimistic and heartwarming approach provides a refreshing contrast to many darker, more cynical TV series.
  • Likable characters: Ted Lasso himself is exceptionally kind and upbeat, and the supporting cast is well-developed and relatable.
  • Character growth: The show portrays realistic personal development for its characters, making them more complex and interesting over time.
  • Humor: It balances witty dialogue with slapstick comedy, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
  • Emotional depth: Despite its comedic nature, the series tackles serious topics like mental health, relationships, and personal struggles.
  • Cultural commentary: It offers insights into American and British cultural differences in an entertaining way.
  • Underdog story: The plot follows a classic underdog narrative that resonates with many viewers.
  • Timing: The show’s release during the COVID-19 pandemic provided much-needed positivity and escapism.
  • Sports angle: While focused on soccer (football), the series appeals to both sports fans and non-fans alike.
  • Strong writing and performances: The show features excellent scriptwriting and acting, particularly from Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso.

Alan Smithee: “The one factor that hooked me in the first place was the show’s authenticity. It’s very realistic in terms of the life of a new-comer in a city with an entirely different culture and lifestyle. From Ted Lasso’s initial struggles to understand British culture and soccer terminologies to the team’s skepticism and resistance towards him, everything felt genuine. The characters were not portrayed as perfect individuals but rather as flawed and complex human beings, which made them relatable and endearing… Having the story shift from Ted to others’ stories just shows how powerful a single person’s impact can make a big impact on many people even though this person is dealing with his own struggles.”

Jenny Lim: “You don’t need to like football to enjoy the show. It’s a culture-clash comedy with the kind and relentlessly optimistic Ted grappling with British sarcasm and skepticism. It’s a heartfelt drama about friendship, relationships, and teamwork too – themes everyone can relate to. I love how the show balances laughs with the emotion of serious drama. The show isn’t just about Ted. It’s an ensemble of likable characters who you grow to care about.”

BeSoccer: “Ted Lasso is a fictional character, but one that nearly everyone would want to meet. A truly positive, empathetic and optimistic person who comes into the lives of somewhat grumpy players of a club that is generally underperforming. He is the embodiment of goodness and kindness. He has goodwill, he sees everything from its positive side and he has a good fit solution to every problem, even if this is not too obvious in the first place… It is cheerful and enjoyable, while at the same time it has a lot to tell about human relationships, friendship, family and work-life balance. It is one of a kind… Ted Lasso is one of a kind.”

Here are some memorable quotes from the series.

“Be curious, not judgmental.”

“I think things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. If anything, sell yourself tall and get it altered later.”

“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.”

“Living in the moment, it’s a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”

“I think that you might be so sure a person is one thing, that sometimes you completely miss who they really are.”

“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.”

“You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.”

“I think that if you care about someone and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”

“Believe.”

Published by

Rajesh Jain

An Entrepreneur based in Mumbai, India.