Ted Lasso is one of those shows that stays with you long after you've watched it—maybe even forever.

I first learned about it from a university professor back in 2020 or 2021. He recommended it to me, knowing about my passion for football—or, as they say, where Ted is from, soccer.

The thing is, Ted Lasso isn’t really a show about football. Sure, it’s disguised as one, and it loosely depicts the everyday life of a Premier League/Championship team. But in depth, it’s so much more than that.

There’s probably not a single episode of Ted Lasso that hasn’t made me shed a tear or two. Perhaps that's due to my emotional nature, and not everyone will react the same way, but it’s so touching at times, so real and gentle with all its topics (and there are a lot) that you can’t help but crave more. It feels like a warm hug.

Briefly, for those unfamiliar with the series, Ted Lasso is a three-season American sports drama. Its main cast includes Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Brett Goldstein, and Juno Temple. The premise: after her divorce from her unfaithful ex-husband Rupert, Rebecca Welton (Waddingham) gains ownership of the football club AFC Richmond. Seeking revenge, she hires Ted Lasso (Sudeikis)—an American college football coach with no knowledge or experience in soccer—hoping that his lack of expertise will lead to the team’s downfall, which would deeply upset Rupert, who still cares about the club. However, Ted’s infectious optimism and charm gradually begin to change Rebecca’s intentions, winning over even those who initially doubted his suitability for the role.

Whatever I say about the show, it will never be enough to fully express my respect for it. While Ted Lasso has generally been well-received, it has faced some mixed reviews, particularly concerning certain character arcs and aspects of the storytelling. I can understand these perspectives—I really can. Yet, it’s challenging to stay entirely objective when you love a piece of art so much. For me, what the show does consistently—and its biggest strength—is demonstrate that kindness costs nothing. Despite setbacks and people trying to undermine him, Ted remains the same cheerful and kind person to everyone around him, even when it comes at a personal cost.

Of course, objectively speaking, the series isn’t without its flaws (nothing truly is). That said, it has received significant recognition, winning 11 Emmy Awards. Ted Lasso is a show that leaves a warm feeling in your chest after each episode, drawing you back for more. Despite its predominantly cheerful and positive tone, it doesn’t shy away from serious topics such as death, grief and loss, mental health, LGBTQ+ representation in sports, redemption and forgiveness, vulnerability, and cultural differences among the characters.

Ted has personal struggles, including his strained relationship with his wife. The show does a remarkable job portraying how even overly positive people endure hardships. His journey of (re)discovering himself, grappling with panic attacks after his divorce, and eventually admitting he needs help—especially through his sessions with team psychologist Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles)—is both somber and important.

We also see characters dealing with death and loss, such as the episode focused on Rebecca’s father’s funeral. Through various characters’ reactions, the show illustrates the many ways people experience grief and navigate such difficult times.

Additionally, there’s a storyline involving a Richmond player who comes out as gay. I view this as a profoundly important topic, especially given the ongoing homophobia in male-dominated sports like football. The show’s approach to this storyline sheds light on an issue that remains significant both on and off the field.

As someone who has loved football for over a decade, I initially approached Ted Lasso expecting a lighthearted sports show centered around my favorite game. But I quickly realized it was about so much more. This is a show about life—with all its highs and lows, moments of joy and struggle. It’s a story about community, a kind of found family, and above all, about striving to become the best version of oneself. And one of the show’s main lessons? “Be curious, not judgmental.”