How "Ted Lasso" became a television phenomenon
Jason Sudeikis and the cast and crew of "Ted Lasso" tell Norah O'Donnell about the show's improbable rise and positive message.
"Ted Lasso," a comedy show that has become a television phenomenon, tells the story of an American football coach moving to England to coach a soccer team. Beginning as an unconventional commercial promoting soccer's English Premier League in the U.S., the show was conceived by Jason Sudeikis, an SNL veteran who invited two friends to develop it further.
The trio, including co-creators Joe Kelly and Brendan Hunt, initially cast Ted Lasso as a character with a swagger, but Bill Lawrence, a veteran television producer, urged the actors to portray a more humble Ted Lasso with curiosity instead of judgment. The show, which aired during the pandemic, defied logic and garnered critical acclaim, receiving 61 Emmy nominations over three seasons.
Its success is attributed to its portrayal of positivity, kindness, and personal growth, emphasizing that the world can be viewed through a lens of curiosity and optimism, as Ted Lasso himself embodies. The show's success also stems from its emphasis on workplace ensemble comedy, despite being set against the backdrop of soccer, making it relevant to a diverse audience.
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