Ted Lasso Stumbles Offside

Apple tv+’s Ted Lasso has concluded its final episode, and good riddance. What started as an extended riff on an NBC promotional skit became a Covid-era overnight streaming sensation that’s been on directional life support ever since its breakout first season. It’s obvious now that Ted Lasso hated its protagonist — a growing suspicion confirmed just before the credits.

The show’s premise was hilarious even in Times New Roman: A Kansan college-football coach travels to England to helm a soccer club — exploring this new land with his enigmatic assistant, Coach Beard. Hijinks and kinks ensue as the foul-mouthed and libertine Brits grapple with Lasso’s generous American disposition. But Lasso’s presence in the show bearing his name steadily faded as side characters greedily took up screen time.

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

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Apple tv+’s Ted Lasso has concluded its final episode, and good riddance. What started as an extended riff on an NBC promotional skit became a Covid-era overnight streaming sensation that’s been on directional life support ever since its breakout first season. It’s obvious now that Ted Lasso hated its protagonist — a growing suspicion confirmed just before the credits.

The show’s premise was hilarious even in Times New Roman: A Kansan college-football coach travels to England to helm a soccer club — exploring this new land with his enigmatic assistant, Coach Beard. Hijinks and kinks ensue as the foul-mouthed and libertine Brits grapple with Lasso’s generous American disposition. But Lasso’s presence in the show bearing his name steadily faded as side characters greedily took up screen time.