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Parents' Guide to

Ted Lasso

By Matt Cabral, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Funny, feel-good sports series has strong language.

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

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 13+

Based on 18 parent reviews

S B.
S B. Adult
May 15, 2023
age 17+

Mature Viewers-Season 3 Ramps it up

Ok, I really enjoy the show. But, you ask "should kids watch it"? Wellllllll first, agree with one of the kid reviewers: Common Sense Media--RELOOK YOUR RATING, as Seasons 2&3 diff than 1!yeah lots of swearing... "f-word" and "wanker", but also..,solid long-term monogamous relationships almost non-existent, and marriage portrayed almost completely as train wrecks in progress or past tense. . There is one regular cast member exception, Leslie, and he has a solid relationship with his wife. Strong family, not really shown romantic. One temp cast member soccer/football player who was exception, was portrayed (outside of his athletic expertise) as quite the oddball otherwise. People virtually 100% have sex on first date, casual sex is the norm. There is a FANTASTIC episode (Christmas one?) about a girl dealing with being mocked/bullied due to her bad breath. Well done! Most recent show ....... spoiler alert.......... Involved key character's nude video (not shown nudity, but discussed how it involved masturbation) and implied (haha?) that every player swapped nude videos with past romantic interests/casual sexual partners. They made it very humorous in the extreme, and had a message about how they should be deleted when relationship over ... but.., as time has progressed, my realization regarding the overall messaging about a "normal/average" relationship has really changed what age I would recommend vs at beginning of first season. Also, hallucinogens recommended by key character. And big alcohol culture. Gives the impression almost everybody drinks, celebrates with alcohol. Lots of good messages about how to treat people. I figured specifics could help you assess, reach your own conclusion. My labels below are re: kids under 16 at least Re: sex, swearing, drinking. (Hey, I get the world is not 1950's sitcom, but not really a balanced view.)
meacham
meacham Parent of 15-year-old
August 19, 2021
age 17+

The swearing!!!

I think the show is great. It's often genuinely heartwarming and old-fashioned in many ways. (For me, old-fashioned is generally a good thing.) It's very funny. But the constant f-word (and plenty of other words and crude language, none of it said by Ted Lasso himself, stops it from being what it could have been: excellent family entertainment.
See all 18 parent reviews

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 (18 ):
Kids say (29 ):

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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