Jason Sudeikis finally opens about criticism to Ted Lasso Season 3

Roshini
Still from the show Ted Lasso — Season 3
Still from the show Ted Lasso — Season 3 - Credits: Apple TV+

The acclaimed show Ted Lasso has faced mixed reactions in its third season, with some fans feeling that the show has strayed from its humorous roots. Jason Sudeikis, the show’s star and co-creator, recently addressed these criticisms, standing by the creative decisions and insisting that the season’s deeper exploration of characters was a natural evolution of the story.

The plot of Ted Lasso Season 3 reads as mentioned below:

American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.

Embracing Character Depth and Complex Themes

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Jason Sudeikis acknowledged that while Season 3 might feel less like the pure comedy that won hearts in earlier seasons, this was an intentional shift.

One of the things was that the creative team comprising Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt, wanted to expand on the emotional level that was already there, hurling deeper into the difficulties of the central protagonists.

In particular, the emphasis on Nate’s ethical dilemma and Ted’s self-searching were aimed at making the story more interesting and complex, but this change was not well received by those fans, who anticipated the humor to be maintained.

Season 3 further complicates the situation as it has longer episodes which last on average about 50 minutes, making the tone of the show to be more dramatic than comedic.


Addressing Fan Expectations and the Challenges of Storytelling

Sudeikis has an understanding of warmth towards fans who have different demands. For example, some fans like the comic and charming touch associated with the earlier seasons, while others tend to enjoy the developed and different approach to storytelling in the most recent season.

He pointed out that storytelling, especially in a show as character-driven as Ted Lasso, involves risks. Without these, he believes the show might have felt repetitive, rather than authentic. The series, now in its possible final chapter, is viewed by Sudeikis as a journey that’s more rewarding when it isn’t afraid to tackle both wins and losses with emotional honesty.

The shift toward serious themes, such as Ted’s struggle with his place in the world and Nate’s transformation, drew attention, as audiences noticed a pivot from feel-good moments to more challenging, reflective content.

For some, the season’s approach to these arcs felt disconnected from the optimism they loved, while others found the depth refreshing and meaningful, signaling that Ted Lasso had grown along with its characters and viewers.


Ultimately, Jason Sudeikis is clear in his vision for Ted Lasso. Despite the divided responses, he stands by Season 3 as a significant part of the show’s journey, one that encourages fans to reflect as much as laugh.

He hopes viewers will look beyond initial expectations and appreciate the growth that this season brings to its characters and narrative.

For those still holding on to the show’s classic wit and hopeful messages, Sudeikis assures that these values remain at its core, even amid its evolving tone.

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Edited by Mudeet Arora