The story
Ted Lasso, a relentlessly cheerful American college football coach who knows next to nothing about soccer, is hired to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League club. The catch: owner Rebecca Welton secretly wants him to fail, to spite her ex-husband. Armed with folksy optimism and kindness, Ted sets about winning over a sceptical dressing room, staff and fanbase.
Why it matters
Ted Lasso became the most-watched series on the young Apple TV (then Apple TV+) and a fixture of awards season. Its first season earned 20 Emmy nominations, then a record for a first-season comedy, and it won Outstanding Comedy Series two years running, with Jason Sudeikis taking the lead actor Emmy and Golden Globe both times.
Notable facts
- The character began in 2013 commercials Jason Sudeikis made for NBC Sports' Premier League coverage. (source)
- Its first season's 20 Emmy nominations made it the most nominated first-season comedy in Emmy history at the time. (source)
- Apple reached a licensing deal with the Premier League to use the league's logos, kits and trophy from the third season. (source)
- In season four Ted returns to Richmond to coach the club's women's team. (source)