Is Ted Lasso based on a true story? The inspiration behind the Apple TV+ show before season 4 drops

Tedd Lasso an Apple TV+ show (Image via Apple TV+)
Tedd Lasso an Apple TV+ show (Image via Apple TV+)

, the show's co-creator. The answer is no for those wondering if Ted Lasso is adapted from a real story. The show is the brainchild of Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, who appear on the show as assistant coach Beard, Joe Kelly, and Bill Lawrence, who saw great promise and comedy in the Lasso character.

Ted Lasso is an Emmy award-winning show about the life of an American college football coach, played by Jason Sudeikis. He is hired to manage a fictional British football team, AFC Richmond.

Even before the sports comedy-drama series Ted Lasso became an Apple TV+ Original and made history by garnering 20 nominations for the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards, people went crazy for the series, and its fantastic ensemble cast led by Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, American Division II football coach turned professional soccer coach in England.

Lasso’s character is loved for his ever-positive attitude, lack of soccer knowledge or experience, and penchant for making social and cultural faux pas in his new British home.


Who is Ted Lasso in the Apple TV+ show?

Ted Lasso is a fictional story (Image via Apple TV+)
Ted Lasso is a fictional story (Image via Apple TV+)

Apple TV+ series’s pilot introduces us to Ted, a 'cheerful' American coach for AFC Richmond. He is overly enthusiastic about his new job despite being a football novice. As the series progresses, we see Ted as a regular guy struggling to cope with being away from his family in the States.

Ted also struggles to win over his teammates and colleagues. Over time, as the seasons change, Ted experiences anxiety and panic attacks, making him a more relatable and legitimate character.

Jason Sudeikis, the show's co-creator and star, has said that a combination of things inspired Ted. The mix of humor, wit, and mentorship was the perfect recipe for this hit TV show with the lovable character.

Ted has an infectious, genuine sense of joy and optimism that spreads through his players, loved ones, and audience. Numerous people in Jason Sudeikis' life inspire Ted's character. He is inspired by his high school basketball coach, Donnie Campbell, long-time hero Robin Williams, and aspects of himself he wishes to be.


Ted Lasso: Looking deeper into the inspiration behind the Apple TV+ show

The inspiration behind the character Ted (Image via Apple TV+)
The inspiration behind the character Ted (Image via Apple TV+)

In August 2013, NBC Sports released a humorous promotional video depicting the ridiculous misadventures of a lovable but slightly dim American football coach who mistakenly signs with the London-based soccer team Tottenham Hotspur F.C., culminating in a series of hilarious scenes.

Neither the comedy sketch nor the new Apple TV+ series is based on a real person or a true story. Ted's character, as per Jason, is based in part on Roy Kent, who is as aggressive and abrasive as most coaches. Ted touches people through compassion, kindness, and laughter.

According to Sudeikis, these are facets of his former high school basketball coach, Donnie Campbell, who used witty sayings to make people laugh. Donnie's happy-go-lucky personality inspired Ted's character. Sudeikis himself has said that Robin Williams also inspired his character.

Another inspiration comes from Sudeikis, who has said that he hopes to one day be a version of Ted, who doesn't sweat the small stuff and has an objective perspective on life and people. Ted doesn't get bogged down in the minutiae, doesn't shy away from conflict, and instead turns that conflict into some kind of agreement. He finds common ground with everyone he meets, making him the essential glue of the story.


Ted Lasso is currently available to stream on Apple TV+.

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Edited by pshmueni