Football is life: A look back at the legendary Ted Lasso series

It’s been just over a year since the grand finale of Ted Lasso aired on Apple TV, but many of the show’s iconic moments still resonate with me today. In a world where countless people struggle to find happiness and success, I thought it would be worthwhile to revisit this iconic feel-good series and explain how we can use its comedic wisdom in our daily lives.

This review was inspired by my roommate’s suggestion that we watch the pilot episode over the summer to help us pass the time of our mutual boredom. We’ve watched an episode every day since then, and the role this show has played in our growing friendship is simply a testament to the immense impact it has on its audience.

To quote the character Dani Rojas, “Football is life.” For viewers, however, Ted Lasso offers a reflection of our own lives in ways we never thought possible.

The story of “Ted Lasso” begins with a seemingly absurd premise: an American college football coach is hired to manage a professional European soccer team in the English Premier League, despite knowing nothing about the sport. He must learn the proper rules of soccer – excuse me, football – while building meaningful relationships with the new people in his life and leading his team to success. Throughout the series, Ted constantly encourages his team with his humorous charisma and unceasing optimism, giving us some of life’s best advice:

“Curious non-judgmental.”

“Success is not about winning and losing. It’s about helping these young people be the best versions of themselves, on and off the field.”

“Every day is an opportunity to be better than the day before.”

And my favorite: “Do you know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. Do you know why? It has a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam.”

Likewise, the music of “Ted Lasso,” written by Marcus Mumford and Tim Howe, helps bring the show to life. Title and title song have since become iconic and instantly recognizable—I even used it as my alarm clock for an entire semester. The soundtrack is generally playful, contributing to the pervasive humor throughout the show, but occasionally it delves into more emotional depths, allowing the audience to form a stronger connection to the inner lives of the characters. Finally, the occasional use of well-known songs adds an additional level of relatability and nostalgia: classic hits from artists like the Beatles and Kenny Rogers are strategically placed to evoke specific emotions and memories. One memorable example was the introduction of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” during the season one finale, which underscored the show’s themes of solidarity and perseverance, despite the devastating setback Ted’s team has just suffered.

Overall, Ted Lasso is a testament to the power of positivity, kindness and resilience. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, an optimistic attitude and cultivating genuine connections with others can lead to extraordinary results. The series’ success lies in its ability to balance humor and heart, creating a narrative that is as uplifting as it is entertaining. With its remarkable cinematography and emotional soundtrack, Ted Lasso is far more than just a television show about football: it’s a cultural phenomenon that has touched the hearts of many and left a lasting impression with its messages of hope and humanity.