I’ve written about it before, but Gilmore Girls is a constant in my life. I’ve seen it more than ten times all the way through—it lives in the background of workdays, meal prep, packing for trips, and everything in between. It’s predictable and comforting and nostalgic. And bonus: it doesn’t cause my heart rate to spike with any dramatic plot twists.
In the midst of the continual chaos that has become our normal, I have struggled to watch anything besides Gilmore Girls. My emotional bandwidth is spent, and I’ve found I cannot willingly subject myself to any more hurt or drama, even fictional. For me, it’s harmonious Stars Hollow vibes only.
Apple TV’s Ted Lasso is the only exception to this rule. The premise, if you haven’t seen it, is as follows: Ted Lasso, an American football coach, is hired to coach a football team…in England. Ted proclaims “you could fill two internets with what I don’t know about football,” (aka soccer), and the team and its hometown are less than thrilled with his presence. It’s a ridiculously unrealistic concept, but that’s part of why the show is so refreshing.
Like Gilmore Girls, Ted Lasso isn’t completely devoid of conflict. Its characters navigate breakups, divorce, devastating loss, career changes, and deep emotional pain throughout the two seasons. But the balance at the end of the day always tilts towards good. Friends apologize to one another when they make mistakes. The characters openly talk about what’s hurting them and feel free to yell (often expletives) when they’re angry. They show up for one another and sit in the difficult moments when there’s nothing to be said. It’s real and raw and wonderful and hilarious. And somehow both wholesome and raunchy—because British humor necessitated both.
The script is peppered with disarming, wonderfully challenging tidbits of wisdom from the objectively likeable Ted. His quick sense of humor diffuses many an argument amongst the team, as half the time they’re trying to figure out what he’s even talking about. In one of my favorite episodes, Ted debuts a trick play to help combat a particularly difficult team. The play, dubbed The Lasso Special, is completely laughable—they set up the soccer field like an American football team would begin a play. I won’t spoil the results, but that unexpected creativity and perspective sums up what makes the show so special.
I think Ted Lasso illustrates a need we all feel deeply for genuine connection, for joy, and for good people to triumph. Ted’s chipper attitude frustrates many of his colleagues, but it’s honest. He radically changes the lives of his team and those in his inner circle by being vulnerable and opening the door for them to be vulnerable in return. He doesn’t force it; he just plants the seed and encourages them to believe—in themselves, in each other, in the hope that things might actually work out in the end.
And so because of Ted Lasso I find myself, an arguably non-sporty person, saying “football is life!” enthusiastically to my dog on a Tuesday. Because I want teamwork and vulnerability to win. Because Ted reminded me to believe.
Olivia graduated from Calvin in May 2018 with a double major in business and writing. She now works as an editor in Nashville, Tennessee and is eating her way through the restaurants of her new town. She enjoys weekend trips with friends, petting other people’s dogs, and drinking coffee like a Gilmore Girl.
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Love love love Ted Lasso, and you captured its magic well! #believe
It’s the absolute best show. Thank you!!