For those of you who don’t know (IYDKYDK), one of the greatest shows of all time can be found streaming on Apple TV. Ted Lasso is a 3-season series that had its incredible run from 2020 through 2023. Before we get too far away from the airing of the brilliant finale, it seems a good idea to reminisce a moment and reflect on the takeaways. The beautiful life reminders that Ted and his crew gave us with every single episode.
Ted Lasso (the character) is a constant reminder to be who we are, to state our beliefs kindly, to appreciate humor, to find the puns, to forgive, and to never be ashamed of our own opinions. Ted also reminds us to move forward in life with positive intention and with genuine kindness at all times.
Ted didn’t like the carbonated water served everywhere in England…and although he couldn’t help but spew it out in disgust, with spit and water landing all over Rebecca, she never held that against him. How could she? He was just so incredibly kind. It was Ted, after all, who said, “If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”
Ted reminded us to take care of ourselves, “Your body is like day-old rice. If it ain’t warmed up properly, something real bad could happen.”
He reminded us to embrace those who surround us, “I promise you there is something worse out there than being sad, and that’s being alone and being sad. Ain’t no one in this room alone.”
One of the greatest scenes (in a list of literally dozens and dozens of great scenes) happens in the pub, when Ted reminds us to “Be curious, not judgmental.” Rebecca’s ex-husband has just embarrassed her in front of everyone, and Ted was not having any part of it. He challenges Rupert (the ex) to a game of darts, during which he calmly, craftily strips Rupert of his overly prodigious ego, one dart throw at a time. Unbeknownst to Rupert, you see, Ted grew up playing darts with his dad, and by the end of the game Ted has ensured that Rupert will never again enter the owner’s box during a match to bother his boss and friend, Rebecca.
Brilliant.
One of the most impactful realizations when watching Ted Lasso comes at that poignant moment when you fully recognize the depth and intensity of Ted’s own quiet, internal anguish. His own stories of suffering, pain, anger, and loss. You recognize that these formidable experiences are somehow the very same cornerstone upon which Ted’s neverending belief in humanity and his selfless ability to forgive were built.
When a team therapist becomes a part of the show and Ted musters the courage to work with her, he reveals incredible pain within. He tells Dr. Sharon:
“I knew right then and there that nobody was ever going to get by me without understanding they might be hurting inside.”
I encourage you to read that line again and really let it resonate somewhere deep inside of your soul.
The important mental health themes that fill Ted Lasso with such messages to foster self-improvement did not go unnoticed, by the way. The entire cast was invited to the White House in the spring of 2023 to discuss the state of mental health in today’s world and the importance of addressing it with greater empathy and purpose. Even Trent Crimm (The Independent) was among the press at the briefing that followed a meeting with the Bidens.
“While football is life (credit to Dani Rojas), so is the importance of taking care of yourself.”
Ted, Rebecca, Keeley F’ing Jones, Jamie Tartt, Roy Kent…all of Richmond AFC…they remind us to lean into vulnerability. They teach us to inspire confidence in those around us. Ted Lasso conveys the constant message that doing the right thing is never wrong.
Ted Lasso also baked an unparalleled biscuit, bringing it to his boss every day without fail, all the while understanding that her own inner turmoil was taking her down a path that didn’t necessarily highlight the best characteristics she possessed.
Those traits certainly find their way to the surface as the episodes progress.
“Just listen to your gut, and on the way down to your gut, check in with your heart. Between those two things, they’ll let you know what’s what.”
Click here for the Ted Lasso Biscuit recipe, and bake it with some love. Best served in a little pink box.
Hillary Danaher 