In a world full of cynicism and negativity,Ted Lassobecame a beacon of hope and belief. Jason Sudeikis stars as Coach Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to coach an English soccer team, AFC Richmond. Lasso’s quirky mannerisms and upbeat attitude win over the organization as his positivity leads to success. What started as a television commercial promoting the Premier League became an Emmy-winning comedy series. Who would’ve thought? To quote Paul Rudd, “Not me.”
Ted Lassorecently aired itsseason 3 finale. It’s unknown whether that will be the end of the series. Sudeikis has said that he completed the story he wanted to tell. However, the show’s immense popularity may lead to more episodes, even without Sudeikis’ Coach Lasso present. If this is the end ofTed Lasso,then it’s time to find a new show to watch. Below are recommendations for five shows that are similar toTed Lasso.
Shrinking (2023-)
Bill Lawrence is one of the co-creators ofTed Lasso, so scouring his résumé for similar feel-good comedies is the best place to start. Look no further than his latest show for Apple TV+,Shrinking, which he co-created with Jason Segel and the actor who plays Roy Kent, Brett Goldstein. Segal stars as Jimmy Laird, a therapist struggling to grieve after the sudden death of his wife. Laird turns to alcohol, drugs, and women to cope with the pain, but forgets about his most important job, being a father to his teenage daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell).
While conducting a therapy session, Jimmy decides to be completely honest with his patient, which is borderline unethical, setting off a series of drastic changes in his life and those of the people around him.Shrinkingis a thoughtful, funny, and heartwarming depiction of grief and the importance of honesty in our lives. If that’s not a selling point, stay for the grumpy, snarky, charming performance by Harrison Ford as Segel’s boss.
StreamShrinkingonApple TV+.
Scrubs (2001-2010)
BeforeTed LassoandShrinking, Lawrence’s best-known comedy wasScrubs, the workplace sitcom set at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital. Zach Braff stars as J.D. Dorian, who arrives as an intern at Sacred Heart, a teaching hospital, along with his best friend and fellow intern, Christopher Turk (Donald Faison).
J.D. is the narrator for most of the series, as the audience hears his thoughts and monologues, and watches his internal fantasies play out on-screen. Similar to howTed Lassoemphasizes its characters over soccer,Scrubsapplies the same principles, electing to focus on relationships over the medical profession. Once you’re done with the series, listen to the watch-along podcastFake Doctors, Real Friendsto experience the delightful bromance between Braff and Faison.
WatchScrubsonHulu.
Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)
Clear eyes, full hearts, and what? Just a guess, but I’d estimate 90% of you filled in the missing phrase with “can’t lose.” That famous line was recited by Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) inFriday Night Lights, the television series inspired by the 1990 book by H. G. Bissinger and the 2004 film of the same name. Taylor is the head coach of the Dillon Panthers, a rural town in West Texas where residents eat, sleep, and breathe high school football. Taylor navigates the pressures of winning football games with the challenges of raising young men. Thankfully, he has his wife, Tami Taylor (Connie Britton), with him every step of the way.
LikeTed Lasso, the show gives several players their own storylines, including the eccentric running back Smash Williams (Gaius Charles), the beer-drinking fullback Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), and reserved quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford). Because of the likability of the players and the charm of Coach Taylor,Friday Night Lightswill turn even non-football advocates into Dillion Panthers fans.
StreamFriday Night LightsonNetflix,Peacock,Hulu, andPrime Video.
Welcome to Wrexham (2022-)
Imagine Coach Lasso was the star ofDeadpooland the creator ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Now, imagine those two men purchased a struggling English soccer team and attempted to bring it back to prominence.Welcome to Wrexhamis a real-life version ofTed Lasso. The documentary followsThe Adam Project‘s Ryan Reynoldsand Rob McElhenney, two Hollywood actors and producers who purchase Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club in the United Kingdom, in February 2021.
StreamWelcome to WrexhamonHulu.
The League (2009-2015)
Ted Lassois to soccer asThe Leagueis to American football. WhileTed Lassouses soccer as a framing device for a series about belief,The Leagueincorporates football directly into its storylines.The Leagueis a comedy for sports fans that build its episodes around NFL players and storylines. The series focuses on a competitivefantasy footballleague made up of six friends: Pete (Mark Duplass), Ruxin (Nick Kroll), Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi), Jenny (Katie Aselton), Andre (Paul Scheer), and Taco (Jon Lajoie).
All is fair in fantasy football, as the group is willing to risk their friendships over a few extra points on any given Sunday.The Leagueis catered toward football fans and features many cameos from NFL players and analysts, including Chad Johnson, Deion Sanders, Jay Cutler, Rich Eisen, Jay Glazer, and Marshawn Lynch.
