As a teacher, you are likely familiar with the power of positivity and encouragement in helping students succeed. These same principles are just as relevant to the world of coaching and sports. That’s where the hit TV show Ted Lasso comes in.
If you’re looking for a feel-good show that celebrates the transformative power of kindness and perseverance, Ted Lasso is definitely worth a watch. But as a teacher, you may find that the show has even more to offer, from lessons on leadership and teamwork to insights on how to connect with and inspire your students.
As season 3 of Ted Lasso begins this week, ThinkFives Magazine thought it helpful to offer a recap of the first two seasons as well as some interesting and fun facts about the show. Additionally, for those who are new to the show, we have information about the characters to help you get started.
Season 1
This charming and uplifting series follows the journey of a small-time American football coach who is hired to lead a struggling British soccer team, despite having no experience in the sport. Along the way, Ted Lasso uses his folksy wisdom and boundless optimism to not only transform his team’s fortunes, but also the lives of those around him.
Themes from Season 1
- Ted’s Initial Struggles: In the beginning, Ted faces resistance and hostility from the team and the media due to his lack of experience in soccer. However, through his optimistic and empathetic approach, he eventually gains the trust and respect of the team, leading to a series of victories and a more positive team dynamic.
- Rebecca’s Secret Plan: For the team: Rebecca, the owner of the team, initially hires Ted with the intention of running the team into the ground as revenge against her ex-husband. However, as she gets to know Ted and sees the positive impact he has on the team, she begins to regret her plan and starts to work with him to turn the team’s fortunes around.
- Nate’s Transformation: Nate, the team’s equipment manager, starts off as a timid and overlooked member of the team. However, through Ted’s guidance and encouragement, he gains confidence and eventually becomes a key part of the team’s success.
- Roy’s Retirement: Roy, the team’s aging star player, is initially resentful of Ted and resistant to his coaching. However, as he starts to confront the reality of his aging and impending retirement, he begins to soften and embrace Ted’s coaching philosophy.Ted’s Personal Life: Throughout the season, we see glimpses of Ted’s personal life and the difficulties he faces, including his recent divorce and his struggle to maintain a long-distance relationship with his son. However, despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and dedicated to his team, inspiring those around him to do the same.
Season 2
Ted Lasso was a huge success after its first season. The show received critical acclaim and quickly became a fan favorite, with viewers praising its heartwarming storylines, engaging characters, and uplifting message. The show’s popularity also translated into numerous award nominations and wins, including several Emmy Awards.
Themes from Season 2
- The Team’s Journey: Like in season 1, the team faces ups and downs throughout the season, with victories and losses on the field. However, through their continued growth and development as a team, they are able to overcome obstacles and achieve new levels of success.
- Ted’s Mental Health Struggles: Throughout the season, Ted continues to struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, which affect his coaching and personal life. With the help of a sports psychologist and his friends and colleagues, Ted begins to address his mental health and find new ways to cope.
- Return of Jamie: Jamie Tartt, the team’s former star player, returns to AFC Richmond after a brief stint with another team. While his return initially creates tension and uncertainty, Jamie ultimately proves himself to be a valuable asset to the team and helps them achieve success.
- Addition of Dr. Sharon Fieldstone: Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, a new sports psychologist, is brought in to help the team deal with their emotional issues. Through her guidance and support, the team members are able to confront their fears and doubts, and find new ways to work together.
- Conflict with Rupert: Rebecca’s ex-husband Rupert continues to interfere with the team’s affairs, causing tension and frustration among the team members and staff. However, the team ultimately bands together to resist his attempts to take control and protect the integrity of the team.
Main Characters
(Played by Jason Sudeikis): An American college football coach who is hired to manage a British soccer team, despite having no prior experience in soccer. Ted is known for his positive attitude and unconventional coaching methods, which often involve using humor and empathy to connect with his players.
(Played by Hannah Waddingham): The owner of AFC Richmond, the soccer team that Ted Lasso is hired to manage. Rebecca initially brings Ted in as part of a plan to sabotage the team, but she eventually becomes a supporter of Ted and the team, and develops a close relationship with Ted.
(Played by Brett Goldstein): The captain of AFC Richmond and a veteran player on the team. Roy is known for his toughness and his no-nonsense attitude, but he also has a softer side that he reveals to his niece and to the other players on the team.
(Played by Juno Temple): A model and socialite who becomes involved with AFC Richmond through her romantic relationship with one of the team’s players. Keeley develops a close friendship with Rebecca and becomes a vocal supporter of the team.
(Played by Phil Dunster): A talented but arrogant soccer player who is initially a source of tension for the team. However, through his interactions with Ted and Roy, Jamie begins to develop a more empathetic and team-oriented approach to the game.
(Played by Nick Mohammed): A shy and introverted equipment manager for AFC Richmond who develops a close relationship with Ted and becomes more confident through his interactions with the team.
Memorable lines from Ted Lasso
- “I believe in hope. I believe in believe.” – Ted Lasso (Season 1, Episode 1)
- “Do you believe in ghosts, Rebecca? I do. And I think they all look like loneliness.” – Ted Lasso (Season 1, Episode 7)
- “I think that’s what makes the world go round, the fact that not everybody’s the same.” – Ted Lasso (Season 1, Episode 4)
- “The happiest animal on earth is a goldfish. You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam.” – Ted Lasso (Season 1, Episode 9)
- “Be curious, not judgmental.” – Ted Lasso (Season 1, Episode 2)
- “We’re gonna stick together and we’re gonna figure out how to get up off the mat.” – Ted Lasso (Season 2, Episode 8)
- “The thing about kindness is, as long as you keep it going, it can be like a little spark in the night.” – Roy Kent (Season 2, Episode 3)
- “I’ve always been impressed with a person who’s able to be himself. Especially when himself is an oddball.” – Ted Lasso (Season 2, Episode 1)
Ted Lasso Quiz
If you’ve been an avid follower of Ted Lasso, how well do you think you know the TV show? Here are some questions to challenge you. The answers are below but don’t peak.
- What real-life soccer team did Ted Lasso’s character coach in a series of NBC Sports commercials before the show was created?
A) Manchester United
B) Tottenham Hotspur
C) Liverpool
D) Arsenal - What is the name of the local pub that the characters often frequent in Ted Lasso?
A) The Dog and Duck
B) The Crown and Anchor
C) The Red Lion
D) The White Horse - What is the name of the soccer league that AFC Richmond plays in?
A) The Premier League
B) The Championship
C) League One
D) League Two - Which character on the show is known for his catchphrase “Football is life”?
A) Ted Lasso
B) Roy Kent
C) Jamie Tartt
D) Nathan Shelley - What is the name of the mascot for AFC Richmond?
A) The Eagles
B) The Stags
C) The Bees
D) The Falcons - What is the name of the charity auction that Ted Lasso participates in during season 1?
A) The Richmond Raffle
B) The Diamond Dogs Auction
C) The AFC Fundraiser
D) The Rebecca Welton Foundation - Which character on the show is known for his elaborate pre-game rituals?
A) Ted Lasso
B) Roy Kent
C) Jamie Tartt
D) Sam Obisanya - What is the name of the actor who plays Roy Kent on the show?
A) Brett Goldstein
B) Jason Sudeikis
C) Nick Mohammed
D) Phil Dunster - What is the name of the episode in season 1 where Ted takes the team on a trip to visit a local school?
A) “The Diamond Dogs”
B) “Make Rebecca Great Again”
C) “The Christmas Episode”
D) “The All-Nighter” - What is the name of the TV show that Nate Shelley is a fan of on the show?
A) Doctor Who
B) Sherlock
C) Downton Abbey
D) The Great British Baking Show
What do you Link most about Ted Lasso?
Answers:
- B) Tottenham Hotspur
- A) The Dog and Duck
- A) The Premier League
- B) Roy Kent
- B) The Stags
- B) The Diamond Dogs Auction
- C) Jamie Tartt
- A) Brett Goldstein
- D) “The All-Nighter”
- C) Downton Abbey
Ok, I’ll admit I’ve never seen it, but now I want to! Adding to my list! ✅
This show…this SHOW!!! It is so fabulous there just aren’t enough words. I don’t like soccer and was reluctant to even start it, but let me tell you it has very little to do with soccer and EVERYTHING to do with life. A wonderfully written show about the true meanings of life, love, friendship, kindness, hard work, and success. Bravo Apple! 👏👏