Believe

October 15, 2024
Behind the scenes of the soccer-themed TV show that became a surprise pandemic-era sensation. When it debuted in August 2020, Ted Lasso might have easily been missed in the ocean of streaming content--a dramedy about a British soccer team had little obvious appeal to American viewers. But for a nation that was housebound and weary of Covid-19 and divisive politics, the show's title hero (played by Jason Sudeikis) proved a balm. Also weary of Tony Soprano-style antiheroes, people eagerly embraced Lasso's emphasis on openheartedness, optimism, and good humor. This comprehensive but unfussy history by Egner, theNew York Times' TV editor, covers the show's entire run, from its origins in jokey promos for NBC Sports' Premier League broadcasts to its much-debated third (perhaps final) season, where Egner is among those who disliked the bloated scripts and questionable plot turns. Striving to go beyond straightforward hagiography, Egner catches up with just about every relevant figure on the show, arguing that the show's animating spirit of optimism was reflected in its leads--Sudeikis was processing a messy split with his partner, Olivia Wilde, and Hannah Waddingham (who played the team's owner) was looking for a role that would keep her in England, where her daughter was recovering from an illness. "Every time a joke would come up that was rooted in sarcasm, or cynicism, or apathy towards someone else's story, just cut it out," Sudeikis says, which proved a winning strategy as the show gathered a mountain of Emmy nominations (20 in its first season alone). But Egner emphasizes the idea that staying positive, like staying in the Premier League, requires constant practice and doesn't always turn out as planned. Solid arts reporting, and excellent fodder for Lasso fans.

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September 9, 2024
Egner, television editor at the New York Times, debuts with a loving oral history of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, in which an American football coach transforms the fortunes of a beleaguered English soccer team. Recollections from actors, producers, writers, and other personnel take readers behind the scenes. For instance, real-life English soccer manager Chris Powell discusses how he was brought in to make the actors’ gameplay look realistic, actor Hannah Waddingham recalls an emotional day filming a eulogy for her character’s father while her real-life father underwent open-heart surgery, and star Jason Sudeikis reflects on sticking by his commitment to a three-season arc for the title character even after the show became an unexpected hit. In interstitial chapters, Egner comments on the show’s influences (the second season’s father-son dynamics were deliberately modeled on those in the Star Wars franchise) and key episodes (he suggests character Nate Shelley’s redemption arc in season three’s “International Break” is a bit rushed, but representative of the show’s optimistic outlook). While Egner is willing to admit Lasso occasionally hit a bum note, the book’s tone is overall adulatory, celebrating the show’s uplifting message and rousing spirit. Fans will find plenty to cheer for. Agent: Rick Richter, Aevitas Creative Management.