Why Ted Lasso Stands Out Among Contemporary TV Comedies

It’s tough for TV comedies to really stand out with so many streaming options, but Apple’s feel-good show, Ted Lasso, is a truly exceptional series. It’s unusual for a great TV show to start as an advertisement, but that’s the story behind Ted Lasso. Jason Sudeikis first developed the character as a promotional tool for NBC Sports’ coverage of English soccer.

Initially conceived as just a character, Ted Lasso evolved into the show many found comforting after the COVID-19 pandemic. The series starts with an American football coach taking on a job with an English soccer team, despite knowing very little about the sport. This humorous story of someone in an unfamiliar situation ultimately offers a hopeful and thoughtful message.

Ted Lasso Is A Modern Comedy Masterpiece

Ted Lasso is a truly special comedy series. It’s funny and upbeat, but also tackles important and sensitive topics like the mental health of athletes, prejudice, and homophobia. Characters like Roy Kent are among the best on television in recent years, and the show consistently leaves you feeling good.

Why Ted Lasso Feels So Different From Other Contemporary Comedies

When Ted Lasso first appeared, many TV comedies were leaning towards irony and a distant, often cynical, tone. Shows like BoJack Horseman and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia were highly acclaimed for this style, and most networks were trying to create similar content. This trend showed up in everything from the outrageous humor of Big Mouth to the sharply critical political commentary of Veep.

However, Ted Lasso offered something completely different. Instead of the cynicism often seen in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, it brought a genuinely optimistic and heartwarming tone. It joined a trend of uplifting comedies that emerged around the same time, including Bob’s Burgers, Schitt’s Creek, and Mythic Quest. Ted Lasso really became the prime example of this more hopeful style of TV comedy.

Will Ted Lasso Season 4 Be As Good?

Despite the third season of Ted Lasso being presented as the finale, a fourth season is now planned. The season 3 ending felt complete, making a continuation a gamble. Often, bringing back shows after a satisfying conclusion doesn’t work and can damage the original ending and the growth of the characters.

Despite my concerns, I trust the people behind Ted Lasso. Jason Sudeikis clearly cares deeply about this character and his story, so he wouldn’t have returned for another season unless he had a good plan. Therefore, I’m hopeful, but still a little cautious, about season four of Ted Lasso. Let’s approach it with an open mind.

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2026-02-15 02:50