Ted Lasso is a frontrunner for one of the most beloved sitcoms of the last few years. Currently airing its second season, fans are eager to see what happens next for the show's characters. What sets the series apart from its contemporaries is its relentless optimism, charm, and feel-good nature.
At first, this good cheer largely stems from the mustachioed protagonist, who wins over all of his cynical British colleagues during season one. However, on further investigation, there are many ingredients such as the warm interplay between characters and the great use of its sleepy British setting that make the feel-good show so joyous.
The Camaraderie Of Sport
Stories that center on sports and sports teams are almost always uplifting—from Adam Sandler's The Longest Yard to Friday Night Lights. This is in large part because of the camaraderie between players, something that Ted Lasso foregrounds and does so well.
Although some of the players may butt heads—for example, Jamie and Roy—there are many buoyant moments of friendship and male bonding, such as the locker room Secret Santa exchange, Isaac giving Sam one of his legendary haircuts, and of course when they each sacrifice one special object to rid Richmond of its curse.
Roy & Keeley's Romance
Roy and Keeley have the best relationship in Ted Lasso. Keeley's exuberant and mischievous spirit pairs surprisingly well with Roy's grumbling cynicism, and they are responsible for many of the show's most gratifying scenes. Keeley is also one of the only characters—if not the only one—with whom Roy is truly open and at home.
Audiences lap up sitcom—and especially workplace—relationships, from The Office's Jim and Pam to Parks & Rec's Leslie and Ben. It's easy to get caught up in the highs and lows of these on-screen romances. Because they are allowed to develop over several seasons, the writers and actors have more room to enrich the relationships than they would with an hour-and-a-half-long film.
Jamie Tartt's Character Transformation
Audiences love seeing a character learn from his mistakes and redeem himself—from Bill Murray in Groundhog Day to the Grinch. The character transformation is a trope as old as time, but that doesn't make Jamie Tartt's any less enjoyable. When the series starts, he is arrogant, misanthropic, and has a me-first mindset.
However, Ted is able to put Jamie in his place. He benches him during a match, the first in a chain of events that make Jamie realize that he not only wants to play for Richmond but wants to play as part of a team, exemplified when he passes the ball before the winning goal against Man City, deciding against taking the glory for himself. The audience knows that Jamie is a good guy under his conceited facade, and it's therefore fulfilling to see him make good choices.
The Characters All Confront Corrupt Authority Figures
Whether it's Sam Obisanya prioritizing his home country's environment and pulling out of a sponsorship deal with Dubai Air or Rebecca terminating a contract with the very same company after they try to blackmail her, the characters in Ted Lasso all have a willingness to stand up to malignant authority figures.
In the real world, unfortunately, it's often the corrupt authority figures who wield the most power. It's therefore cathartic for audiences to see these figures get their comeuppance from some of Ted Lasso's most powerful characters. Another powerful and, arguably, evil presence in the series is Rupert, Rebecca's ex-husband. When Ted trounces him in a game of pub darts, it's one of the series' most satisfying scenes.
Richmond Itself
The series is, of course, set in Richmond. The affluent West London town is portrayed as a cozy, safe universe for the characters to exist in, reminiscent of Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow. There's the local pub, The Prince's Head, where some hilarious supporting characters are found cheering or shouting at the games on TV; the Richmond Green, where amateur footballers have a kick around; and the quaint street lined with boutique shops where Ted meets Beard each morning.
Setting the show in a comfortable little world like this is conducive to feel-good vibes. It's not an intimidating city packed with strangers—rather, its small-town villagey feel calls to mind the agreeable "Main Street America" of yesteryear, apt considering this is Ted's home away from home.
Ted's Good Deeds
It may go without saying, but this is Ted's show and he's responsible for many of the feel-good moments. Even if not directly responsible, his optimism rubs off on almost everyone as the series goes on. From the baked goods he gifts his boss every morning to his treatment of underlings and adversaries to making the upsetting decision to agree to his wife's divorce request, Ted's behavior is profoundly good.
While many fans of Ted Lasso no doubt enjoy other sitcoms with flawed and even nasty characters, Ted is a welcome break from these, giving life lesson after life lesson, and touching everyone he meets with his can-do spirit and penchant for helping others.
The Understated Charm of Leslie Higgins
Leslie Higgins is an underrated character and alone deserves a point for making this show as warm and friendly as it is. As Director of Communications for the club, Higgins is exceedingly charming with his bumbling good manners. He is the angel on Rebecca's shoulder early on; he dissuades her from her plan of making the club fail, and believes in Ted's coaching abilities all along.
Higgins sets an example of chivalry, giving up his office to the players' therapist and having to work elsewhere, which has been made into a hilarious Ted Lasso fan meme. He also opens up his family home every Christmas to any players who don't have anywhere to go. Higgins' kindness and honesty are something that fellow Brits will no doubt be proud to see.
Nathan's Promotion To Assistant Coach
Nathan is one of Ted Lasso's most likable characters who in recent episodes has shown a darker side of his personality. However, his promotion from kit man to assistant coach early in the series is a feel-good highlight that is typical of the show's focus on underdog characters who get a second chance to prove themselves.
What makes the promotion so special is that Nathan didn't even expect anyone to remember his name, let alone recognize his brilliant insight into football tactics. The promotion was obviously well-deserved and sees Nathan added to the dream-team coaching crew that contains Coach Beard, Ted, and later Roy.
Roy & Phoebe's Unlikely Relationship
Roy is aggressive and steely, which is why it's so amusing and pleasing to see him regularly interact with his nine-year-old niece, Phoebe. After playing his final Richmond game, Roy goes to coach her school football team, a role he takes incredibly seriously. He'd also do anything for her—even beat up a boy at school who made fun of her bad breath. In the end, he doesn't; instead, they use words to reprimand Bernard.
Unlikely pairings of adults and children who aren't their own is a storied sitcom trope, from Charlie and Jake in Two and a Half Men to Jay and Manny in Modern Family. Audiences love to see an individualistic or aloof adult forced to care for someone and pass on wisdom—even better if they decide to spend time with them. It's a recipe for a feel-good scene every time.
The Great Music
A great soundtrack is the cherry on the top of any sitcom, and the music featured in Ted Lasso really intensifies the show's emotional depth and joyous moments. From the upbeat theme tune composed by Marcus from Mumford & Sons to the multitude of other beloved songs—Blur's "Song 2," Queen's "Tear it Up," and Lizzo's "Juice"—music plays a big part.
Music alone has the power to be overwhelmingly moving, but when paired with a heartwarming story, it can be elating. Take the karaoke scene in which Rebecca lets loose and forgets about her and her ex's wedding anniversary and instead sings "Let it Go" from Frozen, or when everyone comes together on Christmas and sings "Fairytale of New York."