How Ted Lasso Succeeds Despite Its Terrible Premise 

Ted Lasso is the "fish out of water" story -- but in reverse. Most "fish out of water" gradually change because of the people around them. In Ted Lasso, the people around the fish out of water are the ones who change -- and for the better. Such a wonderful show.

In particular, the arcs for Roy Kent, Rebecca, Jamie Tartt, and Higgins are probably the best. Just the transition from "dopey square nobody likes" to "the host to the entire team come Christmas Time", giving Higgins real depth and a strong role as an emotional pillar of the show was Brilliant, and we love him!

I think the dart scene is one of my favorite scenes in modern tv. Somehow, even knowing how it will inevitably end, Ted’s interactions and anecdotes the entire time keep us on our toes. And his eventual triumph is so compounded. With a toss of a dart, he finally wins over Rebecca, the bar patrons, and (to an extent) even Rupert. Essentially, through vulnerability, he wins before he wins. In weakness, he is strong. It’s the upside down life we all fight against and try to ignore, but still have a sense must be true. It is the paradox of winning a dart game that builds incredible morale/trust and losing a soccer game to puts the team in relegation that brings about this existential feeling of “what really is the win?” in life. I appreciate it. Also, as a Wichita, KS native, that boy Sudeikis from Shawnee up north has me in his corner on just about everything. Having him be the former WSU *football* coach, was just the cherry on top for a kid that grew up here and knows the tragic story of that program. Be curious.

The scene where Roy hugs Jamie is one of my favorite scenes in a show or movie that I’ve seen in a very long time. It’s a comedy show, but I love that sometimes it just throws some real drama and emotions and lets it sit and marinate. That scene is so damn good, it’s tense, and besides the dad talking it’s completely silent

I love how Nate goes from a good and kind guy, to a power maniac, my favorite thing in Ted Lasso is the character development.

surprised you didn't talk about how season 2 explores inner conflict and how that creates the drama. its been fun to watch roy get back into football, ted's bombshell revelation at the end of e08, beard's frustration at the lack of success, etc. it'll be even more fun to watch whether it all comes crashing down by the end of the season.

Ted telling the story about his dad reading Johnny Tremaine was the hardest a show made me cry in a while.

Community I believe did the "found family" trope the greatest, but this show definitely masters it.

This video makes me think of season 2 as about the healing of Ted Lasso. We watched him break down over season 1, get further and further away from his family, and then tensions getting higher with his newfound family, season 2 is all about rebuilding him. This last episode, about him moving past his panic attack to be supportive of Rebecca, is good proof of that.

I love that the show did not gloss over how 'unfit' for the job Ted is, but still show how he is still an essential part of team that bind everyone together. Many things Nate said or felt can be considered true, however, the show also proof that positive reinforcement can be a power source of power.

I haven’t watched the show but based on what I’ve heard, it is a show that many need. Hope, optimism and kindness are really what the world need right now.

I really like how they work humor into this show. Obviously it’s a comedy but I would’ve expected it to be jam packed with unfunny jokes but it’s quite the opposite. There’s definitely a lot less jokes than your average comedy but unlike other comedies almost every joke lands perfectly. So you’re not only getting an incredible story with characters you care about you’re also getting a top tier comedy

They do really take a risk in season 2. It’s like: you guys got the points about optimism? Great. Now lets talk about something important here things that people is scared to brought up

This show has helped me in a lot of emotional ways, it's very refreshing to see how these characters handle the conflicts in their lives.

There's just an earnestness in the shows presentation that I honestly thought we've lost as society.

Great video! The show's conflict handling is really a breath of fresh air. Many begin as others did a million times before but it never goes the way I've come to expect. Just one of the many things I love about this great show!

During the pandemic I was separated from my family and was alone. Watching Ted Lasso really helped me feeling optimist and helpful. I knew that no matter what at the end of the episode everything was gonna be alright.

My friends told me my humor is exactly like ted lasso so i checked it out. holy shit its accurate i need to grow out a moustache now.

I'm one of the few that liked Season 2 way more than Season 1, and it really comes down to character growth. The 1st season is more of an establishing shot, getting to know the main players; Ted, Coach Beard, Nate, Roy, Rebecca, Sam, Jamie, etc. But in season 2, you see this growth of the characters. I'm going to use Nate's arc as the example, so end of season 1, he comes in, sees someone else setting out towels and gear and rightly he's like, "What the HELL?!?" when it was just a setup for him to learn he was promoted to the coaching staff and everyone was cheering for him, great end to the season. But as season 2 wore on, you see this man who is always dismissed by his father no matter what he did start to spiral as that success wasn't noticed by his father, by the end of the season, he's blaming Ted for his success, he tried making a pass at Keely and Roy casually dismisses it, and then he leaks the story about Ted's panic attack (even if Trent doesn't out Nate as the source, it's obvious that Ted and Coach Beard knew who the source was), and being this empty husk says the job should have been his all along when he wasn't even on Rupert's radar as a possible coach let alone manager, he takes a job with West Ham United and joining the Rupert's evil empire. I want to see if in season 3 they are going to give him a redemptive arc, which would be true to the series might ring a bit hollow for the character of Nate Shelly.

I work on the show Chicago Med and the camera crew always talk about Ted lasso. And they don’t really know anything about soccer. I knew Ted lasso was going to be successful but I never imagine it would be this successful. Reaching an audience that doesn’t even watch the beautiful game.

This question could be answered with 2 words. Roy Kent

The best part is that Nate now brings in internal conflict to part of the family. It's been mentioned about all season and finally has a place. Will be interesting to see if Ted immediately forgives him or it plays out as the main drama point heading into Season 3.

When I first heard of Ted Lasso I made a snap judgement that a show with such a asinine premise would not be worth my time, I believe I was in good company. But towards the end of the first run, I stumbled upon more than a few intriguing reviews and decided to be curious. Well, I was reeled in, hook, line and sinker. From what I’ve read, mine is a rather common story. I’ve watched a fair share of TV drama and comedy over my 62 years and I’ve enjoyed most of it as well crafted entertainment but with an appropriate detachment, it’s just fiction after all. It’s a truly rare event when I have concerns about the fate of fictitious characters to the extent of feeling trepidation before each new installment. And that’s nothing compared to the elation I experience when good things happen to them and the sadness when they’re down. But I’m comforted in knowing I’m not alone in being sad. I’ve loved every episode and had my share of goose bumps, lump in the throat and many tears. A certain amount of suspension of disbelief was required but that’s ok. It is possible that the present circumstances have made me more receptive to such a show, I don’t know. Regardless, I’m grateful for it’s existence. Nonetheless, I can’t help but try to understand why Ted Lasso has had such a unusual impact on myself as well as on many others. My take is that, while Seinfeld was the show about nothing, Ted Lasso is the show about everything. More to the point, it’s about life. AFC Richmond, the stadiums, the games are just background, the canvas on which the lives of the characters unfold. There is no plot, the team wll be ok. It’s about the multiple stories that crisscross one another and that we observe and get captivated and enthralled by. Lives very much like ours. Of course most of us don’t have the material comfort of those individuals but, except for Rebecca, their position is precarious. So they, as we, must navigate life without a clear roadmap. In the last episode Ted said it so well, life is about making choices. We do our best, we try, we stumble, we make mistakes, we learn, we take the good, we accept the bad, we correct, we fix, we make amends, we keep going and, hopefully, we become the better versions of ourselves. Onward, Forward. This show is not plot driven but it is message driven. It seeks to show the way but is not about the destination it’s about the journey. Each generation as an impact on the next and it’s a responsability to be taken with earnestness. Dereliction of duty can have long lasting effect. But there’s, most of all, a message of hope. Wounds can be healed, what is stuck can be freed,the lost can find the right path with a little help from our friends. It’s about how loving, caring, trusting can clear the path forward. It’s about honesty with others but mostly with ourselves. It’s about the courage to show ourselves, warts and all, without a mask of fierceness, of meekness or of happyness. It’s about the value of friendship and the strenght of solidarity. This unrelenting optimism, at once Ted’s stenght and weekness, is the reason the show is comedy and not drama. Ultimately, everything is funny and for the same reason that there are few fates worst than being sad and alone the best laughs are the ones shared with the most. I look forward to the rest of the journey. To the creators of the show and to the extremely talented cast and crew I can only say, job well done and thank you. There’s this Doctor Who quote that I like a lot and that appropriately summarizes Ted Lasso. « Hate is always foolish and love is always wise. Always try to be nice but never fail to be kind. Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind » Believe!

Ted Lasso is the wholesomeness Halmark wishes they were.

Entertain The Elk never disappoints. Amazing video as usual! Ted Lasso has become my all-time favourite comedy show, and I'm glad more people are talking about it now.

One of my favourite things about Ted Lasso is exactly what you said, how it doesn't milk it's confilcts. I also love the dichotomy between the drier English style of comedy and the up beat American style

I really loved the 1st season, it was such a breath of fresh air. This 2nd season, I wouldn't call it bad, because I've enjoyed most of the episodes, i can't quite put my finger on it t but something has just felt off this season, idk.

I have been recommending this to my friends who I know tend to get down on themselves. As someone who had rough days Ted Lasso has been helping me laugh and that is no small thing.

Good job! Great video! Ted Lasso is a special show and about the only thing on TV that my entire family will clear their schedules to watch together. Everything else in our house (entertainment-wise) revolves around the next episode. Even our teenage son will drop whatever he's doing when I tell him there's a new episode...it's nice. Lots of great life lessons in each episode without feeling preachy and it facilitates some very amazing conversations with each other afterwards. It's a helluva lot cheaper than therapy that's for damn sure.

i thought this show was gunna be garbage based off its premise but now its one of my favourites

Always a treat when a new Entertain the Elk video shows up in my feed

You explained this perfectly, Entertain the Elk. Thank you!

Such a great video. One of the best series we have ever watched. Such a strong, non corny, message, that I hope people take to heart instead of just viewing it as simple entertainment.

finished watching the video and it made me think about how so many people have this idea that stories need to involve huge conflict. Truth be told I avoid a lot of shows that people talk about in high praise for their ~realistic protrayal~ of mental illness, loneliness, relationships and contain asshole characters making bad choices mostly because for me personally it just makes me miserable to watch. (no issue if you enjoy that sort of show, just not my cup of tea) I've tended to really enjoy shows that just focus on the bonds between characters and plots revolve around placing them in unique situations rather than constantly inserting bond-breaking drama between them

I put off watching this show for ages, just immediately thought "crap." But how I was pleasantly surprised for all the reasons stated in this video. Its brilliantly uplifting thanks largely ro Ted but balanced out with that typical lockstock/snatch like sarcastic humour and the emotional turmoil the characters have. I binge watched S1 & 2 over 2 days. Truly reccomend though I think I should point out that season 2 seems to divide ppl. I found it to be a stark contrast to season 1and found myself laughing less and less over time and that's largely because while Ted is the unlikely savior figure of positivity in season 1, we see him really struggle through season 2 and uts the job of every 1 else to help him. There's some dark episodes I didn't particularly like but I can also very much imagine ppl will likely praise the fact the show focuses very hard on mental health issues.

Can’t wait till all of my Found Family members are CAUGHT UP with S2 so I can share this video with them. 😂😏 And - I love how the show lets us see that it’s okay to be broken. We can get through tough times with the right support group.

you had me at coach

Ay, you put a progress bar on for your sponsorship section, brilliant! Good on ya man, why doesn't anyone else?

Hey, thank you for this. Never heard of this show outside of the being alone clip. I think I'm gonna watch it now. Also that sponser was pretty cool and unique, and I fucking *hate* advertising. Anyway, thank you, is all.

I freaking love Ted lasso tbh

Season 1 was great and didn't think he could improve from their but honestly somehow season 2 excelled for me.While its different it goes more into each character and lets certain characters excel like Jamie and Beard Its fucking fantastic

the writing on this show has to be acknowledged plus the mixing of comedy and tragedy is very well done its very hard to balance and not to stretch it for too long and mislead the audience

I've been meaning to watch Ted Lasso for a while, think this gave me the push I needed. 👍

wow I had only watched the trailer of Ted Lasso and I guess I must've misunderstood it. Gonna have to watch it now, cause I love a good Found Family show.

Watching your video I realized the reason why I started hating Nate as Season 2 progressed. He's the only character who actually made an effort to become more and more of an asshole and chose conflict consistently instead of personal growth. It was masterfully done and I felt so betrayed by him as an audience member.

Lovely video about my absolute favourite show.

I LOVED the Christmas episode especially (I lucked out and saved watching the show until now... so the season may've provided the biasness for me). The Found Family all coming to Higgins hit me more because that's how life has been for me here, living in a different continent. Our Christmas' together have always been a huge/similar mix of people, some who don't even celebrate Christmas but still come over with a dish of their home country and we all say well wishes in our native tongue before we dig in.

Fun fact: Zach Braff directed the pilot episode

Great coverage Adam. It's nice to get a break from bleak and antihero for a change

Nice analysis.

That Emmy win was awesome 👏

5:30 "Nathan is a shell with no self-confidence." And his last name is Shelley. It really works on these levels that you don't really see when you first watch it.

That sponsorship about lord and lady titles to land explains how the Taskmaster Lord Greg Davies got his lordship does it cost 20 quid?

You should have done this video after the 2nd season ended. The conflict builds up so much

Thanks! You are someone who gets it…including the second season.

Smart writing and great characters.

The actor that plays Roy wrote the show 'Shrinking' by the way! Also a pretty good watch. Kinda like Scrubs meets Led lasso meets Modern Family. Also Harrison Ford.

Haven't watched yet. Binging tomorrow. Great video as always!

Channel is within my top 10

Great video.

Every episode of TED LASSO makes me cry. But, in a good way. ;-)

Great vid brother, love your voice and that you look slightly like Michael Keaton with more of a beard

Fantastic premise and s more like it. I genuinely don’t see how anyone in their right mind could dislike it

Wholesome vid on wholesome Ted Lasso

The show is optimistic & so much binge worthy. I completed both seasons in 2 days.

Just to help the algorythm dude xD keep it up!

A really lovely show, I’m so glad I watched it!

We all need some Ted Lasso in our lives.

Just one of my favourite shows atm, and thats the feeling for a few of the apple tv shows

I WAS WEONG as someone entering my 7th decade in London of attending Football matches. I was told about it by 2 different American Ladies on here and I, briefly, glanced ar it, without giving it a chance, and more fool me because this is a great series. Some of the subtleties will be lost on a Non-British audience like Roy Kent =Roy Keane and after losing 1/4 to Crustal Palace the programme ends with the Palace theme song "Glad All Over" and 50 other examples but it is joyous :)

Optimism, kindness and hope, just when the world needed it most, Ted Lasso came along.

I actually like season 2 even more than I did season 1.

Awesome!!

Ted's line about being alone and being sad is so fucking real its one of the many moments that make this show

Great vid!

Love the show and perhaps it was an oversight or foreshadowing? When Ted does his second spit take in the last episode in first season he blames it on the fizzy water but Rebecca is seen pouring his water from an open carafe, fizzy water would have been from a sealed bottle.

fantastic video

I only found it recently. Its not usually my kind of show. I prefer sci fi and fantasy type shows. But I found myself loving this show. Its like a long awaited hug from a good friend. Or a hot chocolate on a cold day. Its a feel good show and honestly I think sometimes we need that.

great video!

where is that one scene of all the team and may in a room together from???

1:30 I don't understand how this is all related to Lord Lasso?

Second season picks up after the Christmas episode.

i am here to let youtube know that i loved this video!

As someone from Dunfermline, Scotland. Please don’t buy land here to become a lord/lady. House prices are expensive enough as it is

I wasn’t afraid. Which was quite isolating.

hearing about your issues with your subs seeing your videos... man it really bums me out. i'm a small channel, still less than 5k, and i've always struggled with the same problem. people hopping in a video and saying "wow! forgot about your channel because I haven't seen one of your videos in 9 months." if you, with 60x the subs, have this problem then there's no chance for me. still, loving your content and keep it up!!!

Well season three should be interesting as the finale showed that there had been a darkness brewing under Ted’s nose that should create some sustained conflict next season. Having someone who appeared to be part of that found family lash out and now be conspiring with Rebecca’s great enemy to destroy Richmond and all that Ted had worked so hard for. How the writers will resolve that conflict should be very interesting and I expect to see that kind of opposition raise the stakes and push Ted and his found family in ways we haven’t yet seen. I’m anticipating that Nate will start out like a house on fire at west ham but with his toxic behavior to eventually catch up with him , cause him to lose the dressing room and to put his seemingly secure position under serious threat which would make clear to him what kind of person his new boss really is and make clear to him that he was wrong to lash out at the person who originally believed in him and gave him his opportunity to coach instead of being kit manager

I’ve really enjoyed Ted Lasso. Thanks for helping me put a finger on why

You should revisit Ted Lasso in light of the season ending last Friday night.

Great video, and show. But I canne get past how you said 'DunFirmLine' - It's DunFermLin/DunFurmLyn And soften out the sound of the word rather than it sounding like three separate ones, too. Just cos it's a sponser I thought you might have it again. 😁 Love the channel!

Its "terrible" premise was what made me want to watch it lol

this is a slice of life anime transformed into a sitcom, it's the same feeling, something that makes you feel good, and you enjoy without pression or stress

I love this show so much.

Great video

Man. this video has been hiding under a rock for a while. Still hawking Established Titles?

Its a show about football but has very little to do with actual football, I just love Roy Keane, sorry Roy Kent. Hes one of the best comic characters in the modern sit com

I h]and not loved a show this much in a very long time and I don’t think any show has ever brought me so much joy.

This makes me happy thanks

I think how conflict is so easily extinguished, as you put it, serves as a major flaw. When the whole Dubai Air thing happens, everyone does the "right" thing and there are zero consequences. Football clubs need these sponsorships, Rebecca just deciding to cut ties with them is both unrealistic (especially when it's replaced by bantr, a start-up) and begs the question as to why the conflict is there in the first place. Everyone doing the right thing all the time can get dull after a while, and means there's very little growth left for the characters. I think the last few episodes of Season 2 save the season, but for a while I was pretty fed up. Thankfully for the show, the performances and the dialogue are super top-notch, and quite funny, so it has that going for it. My last smaller point is that I wish the show had more to do with football. The cast of characters are great, but the thing that ought to consume them is what brings them together: football. Stops it from being a great sports comedy, and is instead just a sitcom with a vague sports-related background arc.

There’s plenty of conflict in S2…it’s just internal instead of external.