Believe
The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way into Our Hearts
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When Ted Lasso first aired in 2020, nobody—including those who had worked on it—knew how a show inspired by an ad, centered around soccer, filled mostly with unknown actors, and led by a wondrously mustached “nice guy” would be received. Now, eleven Emmys and one Peabody Award later, it’s safe to say that the show’s status as a pop culture phenomenon is secure. And, for the first time, New York Times television editor Jeremy Egner explores the creation, production, and potent legacy of Ted Lasso.
Drawing on dozens of interviews from key cast, creators, and more, Believe takes readers from the very first, silly NBC Premier League commercial to the pitch to Apple executives, then into the show’s writer’s room, through the brilliant international casting, and on to the unforgettable set and locations of the show itself.
Egner approaches his reporting as a journalist and as a cultural critic, but also with an affection and admiration fans will appreciate, carefully and humorously telling Ted Lasso’s story of teamwork, of hidden talent, of a group of friends looking around at the world’s increasingly nasty discourse and deciding that maybe simple decency still had the power to bring us together—a story about what happens when you dare to believe.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF with the Source Notes from the printed book.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
November 12, 2024 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780593915509
- File size: 289707 KB
- Duration: 10:03:33
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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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.
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