Ted Lasso, the beloved American football coach portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, has been the star of Apple TV+’s streaming series since its debut in August 2020. With a unique combination of wit and heart, Ted has inspired viewers to laugh, cry and ultimately root for his underdog team as they face challenges both on and off the field. Now, fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the show came together with Ted Lasso: Behind the Scenes of Apple TV+, an exclusive documentary streaming on Apple TV+.
Who is Jason Sudeikis?
Jason Sudeikis is an American actor, writer, and comedian who has been entertaining audiences for over two decades. He rose to fame with his award-winning work on the hit sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live and has since gone on to star in a variety of films and television series. His most recent role is Ted Lasso, the lead character of the Apple TV+ comedy series of the same name.
Introduction to Ted Lasso character
The beloved character of Ted Lasso is portrayed by Jason Sudeikis in the Apple TV+ series of the same name. The show follows Ted, an American football coach, who takes on the challenge of leading a soccer team in the English Premier League despite having no experience with the sport. Despite his lack of knowledge, Ted uses his unique combination of wit and heart to inspire his players and lead his team to success. Now fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the show and character were created with the documentary Ted Lasso: Behind the Scenes of Apple TV+.
Background of Jason Sudeikis
Early life and career
Jason Sudeikis was born in Fairfax, Virginia in 1975 and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. He studied at the University of Kansas where he began performing stand-up comedy and improv. After graduating, he moved to Chicago to pursue an acting career and soon joined the Second City Mainstage Troupe. In 2003, he was hired as a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he won an Emmy Award for his writing.
Success on Saturday Night Live
During his time at Saturday Night Live, Jason Sudeikis quickly earned a reputation as one of the most popular and talented cast members. He wrote memorable sketches and impersonations, including his iconic Eddie Munster impression. He also created unique characters such as “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party” and “The Devil.” Sudeikis was also well known for his frequent collaborations with fellow cast members like Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Kristen Wiig.
Transition to film and television
Following his successful tenure at Saturday Night Live, Jason Sudeikis transitioned into film and television with roles in films such as Horrible Bosses (2011) and We’re the Millers (2013). He also starred in the FOX sitcom The Last Man on Earth (2015-2018) and provided the voice of Holt Farrier in the Disney film Dumbo (2019). In 2020, he earned critical acclaim for his work on the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso.
The creation of Ted Lasso
Origin of the character
The character of Ted Lasso was created by Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence as a promotion for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Premier League in 2013. The character’s particular brand of American optimism resonated with fans and the series quickly went viral. After the success of the initial short, Sudeikis and Lawrence developed a feature length film script, but the project was ultimately shelved.
Development of the show
In 2020, Apple TV+ revived the Ted Lasso concept with Jason Sudeikis reprising his role as the titular character. The show was created by Bill Lawrence and Sudeikis, who serve as executive producers alongside fellow producers Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly. The series follows Ted Lasso as he is hired to coach an English Premier League soccer team, despite his lack of knowledge of the sport. Throughout the series, Ted uses his unique combination of humor and heart to inspire his players and lead them to success.
Sudeikis’ involvement in the writing process
Jason Sudeikis played an integral role in the writing and development of the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. Along with co-creator Bill Lawrence, Sudeikis served as an executive producer on the show and was involved in every step of the writing process. He was directly involved with crafting the show’s tone and themes, and he also provided valuable input on storylines and dialogue. Sudeikis worked with Lawrence to ensure that Ted Lasso remained true to its original vision, while still pushing the boundaries of what it meant to be a comedy series in 2020.
The character of Ted Lasso
Personality and traits
Ted Lasso is an affable, optimistic, and energetic American football coach who finds himself thrust into the unfamiliar world of English Premier League soccer. He is quick to find humor in any situation and his enthusiasm is contagious. Despite his lack of knowledge about the sport, Ted has a natural knack for coaching and motivating his players. He also has a strong moral compass and a deep respect for the game.
Professional background
Prior to his foray into English Premier League soccer, Ted Lasso was a successful college football coach in the United States. He had been coaching for over 15 years and boasted an impressive record of wins. During his time on the college level, Ted developed a reputation as an excellent motivator and teacher who could get the most out of his players. His knowledge and experience in football made him an ideal candidate for the job at AFC Richmond.
Positive attitude and unconventional coaching methods
Ted Lasso’s positive attitude and unconventional coaching methods make him a standout in the world of English Premier League soccer. His relentless optimism and unwavering belief in his players creates an atmosphere of success, even when the odds are stacked against them. Ted is also not afraid to try new things when it comes to coaching, frequently devising creative drills and strategies to help his team reach their full potential.
Reception of the show
Critical acclaim
Ted Lasso has been met with critical acclaim since its release in August 2020. The show has been praised for its unique blend of humor and heart, as well as its strong character development and positive messages. Rotten Tomatoes gave the series an impressive 93% approval rating, while Metacritic assigned it a score of 79 out of 100. The series was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and four Emmy Awards, winning three of the latter.
Awards and nominations
Ted Lasso has been met with critical acclaim since its release in August 2020, earning numerous awards and nominations. The show was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, both in the Best Television Series categories – Musical or Comedy Series and Drama Series. Ted Lasso also received four Emmy Award nominations, winning three of them – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jason Sudeikis), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Brendan Hunt), and Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series.
Audience response and popularity
Ted Lasso has been a hit with audiences since its release, amassing a loyal fanbase that continues to grow. Fans of the show have praised its positive message and joyful spirit, as well as the strong performances by the cast. The series has also become a popular topic of discussion on social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit, with viewers discussing the show’s characters and themes. Its success has earned it a dedicated following, with many fans eagerly awaiting news of a potential second season.
Impact and legacy of Ted Lasso
Memorable quotes and catchphrases
Ted Lasso has become known for its memorable quotes and catchphrases, which capture the show’s spirit of positivity, resilience, and optimism. Some of the most popular quotes from the show include “It’s a great day to be alive!”, “Make your own luck!”, and “It’s all about the love!”. These quotes have become popular on social media platforms, inspiring fans to stay optimistic in difficult times.
Influence on sports-related TV shows
Since its release, Ted Lasso has had a significant influence on the sports-related television landscape. The show’s unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as its positive themes of resilience and optimism, have served as an inspiration to many other series in the genre. Its success has paved the way for a new wave of sports-related shows that focus on the human side of the game, as well as the relationships between players and coaches.
Jason Sudeikis’ career post-Ted Lasso
Since the success of Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis has gone on to have a successful acting and writing career. He has starred in several movies, such as Giving Voice and The Wrap Up List, and had a recurring role as an author in season 4 of the popular sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Conclusion
Jason Sudeikis’ portrayal of Ted Lasso has been widely praised since the show’s release. His performance captures the character’s relentless optimism and unwavering belief in his players, while also conveying a genuine sense of warmth and humor. Sudeikis’ comedic timing and physicality bring a lightheartedness to Ted Lasso, while still maintaining an underlying layer of sincerity.