The Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso was one of the best shows for the streaming platform. However, the third season faced some criticism regarding the storyline involving the main cast. Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character, shared his strong opinions against the backlash, especially in response to Jeremy Aigner’s new book Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way Into Our Hearts.
According to Deadline, the actor responded to Edgar’s comment that “a small but hostile group of dissenters complained” that the main cast was scattered throughout the story. Feedback also emphasized that Keely and Nate’s respective characters felt too “unfocused”.
In defense of the show, Sudeikis explained that the change in narrative was due to the creators’ intention to make the audience feel like an active participant. “Some people want to do it, some people don’t. Some people want to be judgmental – they don’t want to be curious,” he said, contrasting Ted Lasso’s beliefs with Walt Whitman’s quote, “Be curious, not judgmental.”
The actor further hit out at the haters, saying that they will never understand why people say derogatory things about something they don’t understand. “And God bless them for it; It’s not their fault. They don’t have imaginations and they’re not ready to experience what imagination feels like,” he quipped sarcastically.
As far as the characters and story, Sudeikis believes they have evolved for the better over the three seasons and are more powerful than where they started. “Like a good Boy or Girl Scout at a campsite, we left it better than we found it. And if you don’t see that on that show, I don’t know what show you’re watching,” he said.
Amidst the ongoing controversies, the Emmy-winning show has not yet been renewed for a fourth season. However, according to a report from Deadline, the decision is moving in a positive direction. The sitcom revolves around Sudeikis’ character, Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who moves to London to manage AFC Richmond, an English Premier League football team struggling for excellence.
