What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedTed Lasso
Jason Sudeikis · Series · 2020
If you loved Ted Lasso, start with Eddie the Eagle (Dexter Fletcher, 2016) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Ted Lasso across media.
You loved Ted Lasso because you crave stories where unwavering optimism and unconventional leadership transform broken teams into unlikely, tight-knit families.
Books on the same thread
Lessons in Chemistry
Bonnie Garmus · Book · 2022
Shares a thread with Ted Lasso: Underdog Story.
Much like Ted Lasso, Elizabeth Zott challenges the status quo with an absurd level of self-assurance, proving that staying true to your principles can eventually win over a cynical world.
Catch-22
Joseph Heller · Book · 1961
Explores: Bureaucratic absurdity, Existential dread, The insanity of war.
If you appreciated the workplace dynamics of Ted Lasso, you will recognize the biting satirical edge used here to dismantle institutional logic and the sheer absurdity of rigid bureaucratic systems.
The Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown · Book
Explores: Perseverance, Teamwork, Great Depression era.
This narrative mirrors the heart of Ted Lasso by focusing on the power of teamwork and perseverance, showing how ordinary people overcome immense odds through shared belief and dedication.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald · Book · 2004
Explores: American Dream, Social Class, Love and Loss.
While tonally distinct from Ted Lasso, this classic explores the American outsider navigating a complex social landscape, highlighting the consequences of pursuing dreams within an unforgiving and elitist culture.
Films on the same thread
Champions
Javier Fesser · Film · 2018
Shares 2 threads with Ted Lasso: Underdog Story, Sports Comedy.
This film captures the same spirit found in Ted Lasso, featuring a flawed coach whose guidance helps an underestimated team find redemption and purpose on the path to victory.
Eddie the Eagle
Dexter Fletcher · Film · 2016
Shares 2 threads with Ted Lasso: Sports Comedy, Underdog Story.
Eddie shares the infectious, relentless positivity of Ted Lasso, proving that courage and a refusal to quit are often more important than the actual talent required for athletic success.
Hustle
Jeremiah Zagar · Film · 2022
Shares 2 threads with Ted Lasso: Underdog Story, Redemption.
This story echoes the mentorship themes of Ted Lasso, focusing on the bond between an underdog athlete and a coach who believes in potential when no one else will.
Kick-Ass
Matthew Vaughn · Film · 2010
Explores: Ordinary People as Superheroes, Deconstruction of Superhero Tropes, Vigilantism.
Fans of Ted Lasso will appreciate this subversion of tropes, where an ordinary person attempts to change the world through sheer, misguided heart and the formation of a found family.
Podcasts on the same thread
FC Bullard
Podcast
Explores: football club, grassroots football, sports commentary.
This podcast mirrors the grassroots, community-building energy of Ted Lasso, where the process of creating something from nothing relies on personality, humor, and a genuine love for the game.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz · Podcast · 2026
Explores: sports media satire, local sports culture, irreverent commentary.
If you enjoyed the irreverent sports commentary within Ted Lasso, this show provides a similarly authentic look at sports culture while maintaining a sharp, satirical perspective on the industry.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Ted Lasso about American football or soccer?
Although the protagonist is an American football coach, Ted Lasso focuses on his transition to England where he is hired to manage a soccer team. The series follows his experiences as he navigates this new sport despite having no previous professional soccer coaching experience.
What is the premise of Ted Lasso?
Ted Lasso follows an American football coach who moves to England to manage a soccer team. Despite his lack of experience, he attempts to implement the Ted Lasso Way while facing cynical players and a doubtful town that questions his ability to lead the team.
Does Ted Lasso have any experience coaching soccer?
No, Ted Lasso does not have experience coaching soccer. The premise of the series centers on the conflict and development that arise when an American football coach is hired to manage a professional soccer team in England without any prior knowledge of the sport.
How does the town react to Ted Lasso?
The town is initially doubtful of his leadership in Ted Lasso. As he attempts to implement his own coaching philosophy, he must contend with both the skepticism of the local community and the cynicism of the players he is tasked with managing during his time in England.