Apple Tv “Ted Lasso” follows an American college football coach, Ted Lasso, who is hired to manage an English football team, AFC Richmond, despite having no prior experience in soccer. “Ted Lasso” is a story about an outsider who overcomes cultural differences and seemingly insurmountable challenges to inspire those around him. The show tackles topics such as mental health, relationships, teamwork, and identity, making it relevant and relatable to audiences worldwide.
Jason Sudeikis delivers a standout performance as the titular character, bringing his trademark charm and wit to the role. The supporting cast, including Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, and Juno Temple, adds depth and humor to the show, making it a joy to watch from start to finish. “Ted Lasso” is one of the best shows on television right now, and it’s no wonder why it has amassed such a devoted fan base. Its uplifting message and feel-good vibe make it the perfect show to binge-watch when you need a pick-me-up. Here are 10 best shows like Ted Lasso you’ll definitely want to watch.
1. The Last Man on Earth (2014 – 2017)
Created by Will Forte, the show follows the life of Phil Miller, played by Forte himself, who believes to be the last surviving human on earth after a virus wipes out the entire population.
At first, Phil uses his newfound freedom to indulge in all sorts of vices and hedonistic pleasures. However, as time passes, he realizes that the lack of human interaction is taking a toll on his mental health and starts searching for other survivors. Along the way, Phil meets several other characters, each with their own eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, and together they try to rebuild society and make sense of the world around them.
“The Last Man on Earth” received critical acclaim for its inventive storytelling, sharp writing, and exceptional performances. Will Forte delivers a standout performance as Phil, bringing both vulnerability and humor to the character. The supporting cast, including Kristen Schaal, January Jones, and Mel Rodriguez, are equally impressive, each contributing their own unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre.
2. Friday Night Lights (2006 – 2011)
“Friday Night Lights” is a critically acclaimed American drama television series that premiered in 2006 on NBC. The show, based on the book and film of the same name, revolves around the lives of a high school football team and their families in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas.
Like “Ted Lasso,” “Friday Night Lights” focuses on character development, diving deep into the personal struggles and triumphs of its protagonists, both on and off the field. One of the key similarities between the two shows is the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. Both “Friday Night Lights” and “Ted Lasso” emphasize the power of uniting around a common goal and how that can lead to personal growth and success. Additionally, both shows deal with themes of mentorship and leadership, as coaches and other authority figures play a significant role in guiding the characters’ development.
While “Friday Night Lights” and “Ted Lasso” may differ in terms of setting and plot, they share many thematic similarities that make them compelling and impactful dramas. Both shows offer a nuanced portrayal of human relationships, highlighting the power of support, kindness, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
3. Big Shot (2021 – 2022)
American sports comedy-drama series “Big Shot” created by David E. Kelley and Dean Lorey. Premiered on Disney+ in April 2021 and stars John Stamos as a temperamental college basketball coach who gets fired from his job and ends up coaching at an all-girls high school.
Marvyn Korn, played by Stamos, has a reputation for being difficult to work with and is struggling to find a new job after his embarrassing exit from his previous team. When the opportunity to coach at an all-girls high school arises, Marvyn initially balks at the idea but decides to take the job as a last resort.
“Big Shot” follows Marvyn as he navigates the challenges of coaching a group of teenage girls with diverse personalities and backgrounds, all while trying to rediscover his passion for the game and repair his damaged reputation. Alongside Marvyn, the show features a talented ensemble cast, including Jessalyn Gilsig, Sophia Mitri Schloss, and Monique Green.
4. A.P. Bio (2018 – 2021)
“A.P. Bio” premiered on NBC in 2018 and stars Glenn Howerton as a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor who is forced to take a job teaching A.P. Biology at a high school in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio.
Jack Griffin, played by Howerton, is bitter and resentful about his demotion from his prestigious academic position and views his new job as a meaningless and tedious waste of time. However, as the series progresses, Jack starts to develop a relationship with his students, who prove to be smarter and more capable than he initially gave them credit for.
“A.P. Bio” features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Patton Oswalt, Lyric Lewis, and Mary Sohn, who bring their comedic talents to the forefront. The show combines elements of workplace comedy with surreal humor, poking fun at both the absurdities of high school life and the pretensions of academia. With its clever writing, memorable characters, and sharp humor, the show is sure to leave viewers laughing and entertained.
5. Mythic Quest (2020 – )
Comedy television series “Mythic Quest” created by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz. The show premiered on Apple TV+ in 2020 and centers around the fictional development team behind a popular online role-playing game called “Mythic Quest.”
The series follows the eccentric and dysfunctional team as they navigate the challenges of creating and maintaining a successful video game while dealing with personal and professional conflicts. The ensemble cast includes Rob McElhenney, F. Murray Abraham, Danny Pudi, and Charlotte Nicdao.
6. Cobra Kai (2018 – 2023)
The show premiered on YouTube Red in 2018 and has since moved to Netflix. It is a continuation of the “Karate Kid” film series, taking place 34 years after the events of the first film.
“Cobra Kai” follows the lives of Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka, and Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio, as they reignite their decades-long rivalry. Johnny, now a down-on-his-luck handyman, decides to reopen the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo, while Daniel, a successful businessman, tries to maintain his own martial arts school and protect his daughter from the dangerous influence of Cobra Kai.
7. GLOW (2017 – 2019)
Comedy-drama series “GLOW” created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, premiered on Netflix in 2017 and is inspired by the real-life Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling promotion that was popular in the 1980s.
Follows a group of misfit actresses who audition for a women’s professional wrestling show called “GLOW” (short for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles in the ’80s, the show explores the personal and professional lives of the wrestlers as they navigate the challenges of their newfound fame and the complexities of their relationships both inside and outside the ring.
“GLOW” is characterized by its diverse and complex ensemble cast, featuring talented actors such as Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and Marc Maron. The show masterfully balances humor and drama, using the spectacle of wrestling to explore deeper themes of identity, empowerment, and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated industries.
8. Superstore (2015 – 2019)
“Superstore” premiered on NBC in 2015 and follows the daily lives of employees working at a fictional big-box store called Cloud 9 in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout its six-season run, “Superstore” tackles a wide range of social and political issues, including immigration, unionization, and workplace safety. The show is notable for its sharp humor and relatable characters, as well as its use of physical comedy and pop culture references.
9. Brockmire (2017 – 2020)
Created by Joel Church-Cooper, first premiered in 2017 on IFC and stars Hank Azaria as the titular character, Jim Brockmire. “Brockmire” follows the life of Jim Brockmire, a former major league baseball announcer who experienced a personal and professional downfall after a highly publicized on-air meltdown. Years later, Brockmire attempts to revitalize his career by accepting a job offer to announce minor league baseball games in a small town.
Throughout its four-season run, “Brockmire” explores themes of redemption, addiction, and the fragility of the human psyche. The show boasts a cast of talented actors, including Amanda Peet as Jules, Brockmire’s love interest, and Tyrel Jackson Williams as Charles, a young social media manager who befriends Brockmire.
With its standout performances, sharp writing, and unique perspective on the world of sports media, the show is sure to leave viewers laughing, crying, and cheering for more.
10. Ballers (2015 – 2019)
“Ballers” premiered on HBO in 2015 and follows the life of retired NFL player Spencer Strasmore, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as he navigates the high-stakes world of sports management. Throughout its five-season run, “Ballers” delves into the lives of players, managers, and agents, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of football and the people who make it happen.
“Ballers” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of professional sports and the people who shape its future. With its witty writing, strong performances, and attention to detail, the series provides a compelling and entertaining look at the business of athletics and the challenges faced by those who strive to succeed in this high-pressure world.