Although Ted Lasso has a reputation of being unwaveringly optimistic, its second season adopts a darker tone and focuses on deeper character development. Writers of the show explained that they wanted the second season to be Ted Lasso’s “Empire Strikes Back,” which takes a similar approach to developing a sequel: develop characters and build conflict. One of the most common criticisms levied against the show’s first season was its saccharine tone and lack of depth. The second season of Ted Lasso takes an interesting turn from its optimistic roots, yet it maintains the core values that made it a smash hit.
The English Premier League is the most popular soccer league in the world, but it was not as well known in the United States before NBC’s acquisition of the league’s broadcasting rights. When NBC completed their acquisition in 2013, they wanted to market the Premier League to a fresh audience of Americans, many of whom were unfamiliar with the league. That’s where Jason Sudeikis and Ted Lasso come in. During his final year at Saturday Night Live, Jason Sudeikis filmed two hilarious advertisements for NBC Sports where he played Ted Lasso, an American football coach who is appointed as manager of a Premier League club. They’re legendary ads in the American soccer fanbase: I have vivid memories of loving them as a kid, and I began watching soccer around that time.
I was, however, worried by the prospect of Ted Lasso’s return. Although the ad was funny, it relied mostly on observational humor about the disconnect between soccer and more traditionally American sports. How could a surface-level character from an advertisement be converted into a full-length comedy series?
The show answers this question with its ample supply of heart and charisma. Ted Lasso (the character) is fully fleshed out with compelling motivations that draw the viewers in. His relentless enthusiasm and kindness make him one of television’s most lovable characters. However, the show’s supporting cast make the show truly shine. From the lovability of Sam Obisanya and Higgins, the gruff charm of Roy Kent, or the mysteriousness of Coach Beard, every character contributes to the show’s unique blend of comedy and comfort. It feels as if the show handed me a mug of hot chocolate and enveloped me in the safety of a warm blanket on a blustery winter night.
The second season adds another layer of nuance and depth to the show without compromising on what makes the show special in the first place: optimism, determination, kindness, warmth, and the “found family” device. The foundations laid in the first season make its successor that much more meaningful: the payoff to its buildup is worthwhile.
Without getting into too much detail, the show delves into more complex themes such as the ethics of winning, mental health and therapy, the impact of father-son relationships, and what it means to be family, to mention a few. These new themes make the show more compelling while maintaining its unique blend of warmth and comedy. I find myself recommending and subsequently rewatching Ted Lasso with all my friends, family — anyone who’ll listen, really. In fact, many of them actively dislike soccer! Watching the show with my friends and seeing the light in their eyes as they laugh and fall in love with the characters fills me with a unique kind of joy. Ted Lasso is meant to be watched with people you can laugh along with, and I hope that you experience the same sort of enchantment that my friends and I did when we watched it together.