CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

TED LASSO

In August of 2020, when the world was quarantined inside consuming streaming content like never before, Apple TV+ launched Ted Lasso. In search of a hit to match the growing success of Netflix and make themselves a force in the subscription-based streaming wars, Apple took a chance on the creative powers of Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence and others. As well as faith that a promotional skit created to help NBC launch its coverage of the Premier League, that had twice gone viral, could evolve to become a sustainable and successful comedy. 

Ted Lasso became a runaway hit, launching Sudeikis even further into Hollywood superstardom. The show also brought an entirely new fan base into the world of soccer, while building a sophisticated commentary around the idea that Americans could integrate with a traditional English soccer culture, and be accepted, maybe even succesful. 

Andrés Martinez wrote an article in the LA Times detailing how the show was a match made in globalizer heaven. He joined Foundign Futbol to talk about how the show connected so many in America to the game in ways the country had never experience. Martinez also discusses how the momentum the show gave Apple TV may have carried it deeper into the soccer market. And, he outlines how Ted Lasso is a good example of the growing sportification of media.