Why would I want to be like Ted Lasso?

by Gabriele R

I am still surprised by how many Lithuanians (and not only Lithuanians) haven’t seen the Ted Lasso series!

And not only because this series has won more than ten Emmy Awards, but also because the main actor of the show, Jason Sudeikis, is of Lithuanian descent. After all, we Lithuanians are always proud of our own!

Even if Sudeikis were not of Lithuanian origin, I think this series would still make it onto my list of favorites.

I rarely come across good comedies or lighter films that I truly enjoy. Most streaming platforms are overflowing with thrillers, dramas, and various kinds of fantasy, but finding something that genuinely lifts your spirits is much harder.

Ted Lasso belongs to the “feel-good” category —and it fits that description perfectly!It lifts your mood, even though the characters often find themselves in complicated, very real, and challenging situations.

Ted’s way of navigating these moments and his behavior often surprise you and make you reflect on why we, as people, so rarely choose to solve problems and see the world through slightly more colorful glasses.

Ted, an American college football coach, is unexpectedly invited to coach the English football team AFC Richmond, even though he knows nothing about this sport.

At first, he is met with skepticism, but through his optimism, humanity, and unconventional approach to leadership, Ted gradually wins over the team and the fans.

Since I’m guessing I’ve already convinced you to give the series a try, I won’t get into the details of the plot.

Instead, I want to share a few qualities the show highlights—things you can never really have too much of, and things Ted has that honestly make me want to be a better human.

An optimistic outlook. Ted’s optimism is contagious. He isn’t afraid of difficulties; he accepts them as opportunities. And there are plenty of challenges, both in his personal and professional life. Despite this, he chooses to look for solutions and see the best in people. How often do we see good qualities in those who have betrayed or hurt us? With this mindset, Ted only gains—earning the sympathy of others and reducing his own negative emotions through empathy.

Empathy and sincerity. Ted knows how to listen—and more importantly, he truly hears. He gently notices the feelings of others. He supports them and helps people feel important and understood. More than one character in the series may initially seem like a real jerk, someone who behaves beyond all acceptable norms. But Ted looks deeper. He doesn’t get angry; he finds the key to people’s inner worlds.

Leading by example. Ted is not an authoritarian manager; he is a leader who inspires—the kind of leader we all dream of. He believes in the team, listens to others’ ideas, and strives for a shared goal rather than demonstrating power. This approach encourages collaboration, creativity, and loyalty.

Humor, even in difficult moments. Life is full of challenges, but Ted shows that a smile and a bit of humor can work wonders. This isn’t about avoiding seriousness or running away from problems, but about the ability to adapt and look at a situation from a different angle.

Continuous learning and humility. Ted does not consider himself all-knowing. He asks questions, learns, and admits his mistakes, allowing himself to grow instead of getting stuck in his comfort zone.

Forgiveness and a desire to unite. Ted understands that people’s behavior can be confusing and not always explainable. He chooses unity over conflict, forgiveness over revenge. For him, it’s important to create an environment where mistakes are lessons and a person’s value is independent of a single decision.

So why would I want to be like Ted Lasso?

Because being like Ted means making the world a better place, and small, sincere actions can mean a great deal!

If each of us adopted even a little bit of his outlook—more smiles, more understanding, more courage to try—the world would become a warmer and friendlier place. I think...