A new image from season 2 of Apple TV+'s hit comedy Ted Lasso introduces viewers to the team's new sports psychologist, Sarah Niles' Sharon. First premiering in August 2020, the series centers on Jason Sudeikis' titular college football coach as he's recruited to coach an English Premier League team, despite having no experience in the field of soccer. Sudeikis leads an ensemble cast that includes Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, and Juno Temple.
Development on Ted Lasso began in October 2019 when Apple gave the project a direct-to-series order with Sudeikis starring, producing, and co-developing. The character originated in a series of commercials for NBC Sports in 2013. Upon its debut, Ted Lasso received rave reviews from critics and audiences for its uplifting tone and humor. Sudeikis also earned the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series for his work on season 1.
The new image from season 2 of Ted Lasso (via Entertainment Weekly) gives viewers a proper introduction to Niles' Sharon. Though still remaining mum on details regarding her character, Niles notes her character will "come up against some resistance" as those in the field of athletics still hold "skepticism" about the profession of psychology. The image can be viewed below:
Niles isn't wrong at all in her words about psychology and sports not going hand-in-hand, which makes her character's inclusion all the more interesting. HBO's Ballers explored elements of the the two worlds colliding, but as it was more loosely connected to the sports world, Ted Lasso should be a better launchpad into some real and timely territory. While season 1 of the series proved to be the upbeat catharsis viewers needed while stuck at home, season 2 could move away from this near-one-note territory with the arrival of Sharon.
Even if viewers are worried about Sharon's arrival causing too drastic of a shift in tone, the first trailer should assure them the creative team behind the series isn't forgetting what made it a hit in the first place. It may take some time to do so, but Sudeikis' coach is sure to win over Sharon to some degree by the end of the season. Plus, if season 2 of the show isn't enough, audiences can look forward to when Ted Lasso returns for the early-ordered season 3. Based on Apple TV+'s strong commitment to the series so far, it certainly seems like Ted Lasso could be around for many years to come.
Source: EW