Parents' Guide to Ted Lasso

TV Apple TV Comedy 2020
Ted Lasso Poster: A collage of the main characters, with Ted in the center

Common Sense Media Review

Matt Cabral By Matt Cabral , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Funny, feel-good sports series has strong language.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 32 parent reviews

Parents say the show is uplifting and filled with positive messages, but a significant number of reviews express concerns about its inappropriate content for younger viewers, highlighting excessive sexual references, profanity, and complex adult themes. While some parents feel it's suitable for older teens, many believe the sexual and vulgar content overshadows its positive aspects, making it inappropriate for children under 13.

  • adult content
  • inappropriate for kids
  • positive messages
  • excessive swearing
  • suitable for teens
Summarized with AI

age 13+

Based on 43 kid reviews

Kids say this show is a delightful mix of humor and heartwarming messages, praised for its characters and storytelling, despite the frequent use of strong language and adult themes. Many reviewers recommend it as a comforting family watch for older kids and teens, emphasizing the positive role models and life lessons, while also cautioning about its mature content.

  • heartwarming humor
  • strong language
  • positive role models
  • family-friendly
  • mature themes
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

TED LASSO centers on fish-out-of-water American football coach Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), who's recruited to manage a Premier League team in England. The series explores Ted's journey, as well as his evolving relationships with his players, his co-workers, and the team's owner, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), who -- at least at the outset -- is secretly trying to sabotage his efforts. While the show can certainly be described as a "sports" comedy, most of the story unfolds off the field (or pitch), where it focuses on Ted's story and his interactions with the other characters. The initial idea for the show came from a series of NBC ads promoting the network's 2013 coverage of Premier League soccer.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 32 ):
Kids say ( 43 ):

This is a smart, funny, feel-good series that tugs at the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone in equal measure. Ted Lasso delivers quality television that consistently makes you laugh while also warming your heart. Big credit is due to Sudeikis, who plays Ted as the nicest guy ever, but not at the cost of undermining the character's wit. For example, this balance is brilliantly showcased when Lasso -- pressured by the press to prove his credentials -- describes soccer legend David Beckham as, "The fella that bends it like himself." It's a funny line that works not in spite of the character's wholesome charm, but because of it.

The show quickly establishes engaging character arcs backed by layered performances. Sudeikis steals the show as the obscenely likable Lasso, but his supporting cast -- from Nick Mohammed's eager-to-please towel boy to Waddingham's imposing team owner -- is equally excellent, bringing nuance and emotion to roles that could lack depth in less capable hands. A funny, feel-good sports series (that actually requires no knowledge of soccer or football), Ted Lasso is a comedy MVP.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Ted Lasso's coaching methods. How does he communicate with his players? How does he bring them together? How do they respond to his coaching style?

  • What are some of Ted's defining character traits? How do other characters respond to his optimism? Ted is portrayed as a very positive person, but does he also have flaws?

  • What are some of the cultural differences Ted encounters in England? How does he adapt to his new home? What does he like and dislike about England versus his home in America?

  • How do the characters demonstrate effective communication, empathy, humility, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork? Do you consider the characters role models?

TV Details

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Ted Lasso Poster: A collage of the main characters, with Ted in the center

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