“Ted Lasso”: A Series That Makes the World Kinder Sometimes in life, it happens that you do not expect anything special from a project, but it somehow becomes part of your life. And it does so gradually, without any particular “wow” moment. It happens in a kind of quiet way, and then at some point you realize that you are already sitting there thinking about the characters, thinking about the life inside the series. And, most importantly, you feel this warmth and simply smile to yourself when you think about the series. I am talking about “Ted Lasso.” It is probably difficult to describe this project in just one or two words, but it is a warm and somehow homely story that, years later, is still not ready to let go and occasionally comes back to you in your memories. It is a sincere, funny, and positively spirited story about different people. It would seem that a story about an American football coach who moves to England to take charge of a club playing English football, a completely different sport that he knows nothing about, is not the most viable idea. However, after watching a few episodes, you suddenly realize that there is something special in front of you. Something that makes you want to call it “warm” and “cozy” once again. The story revolves around Ted Lasso. He is a charming, eternally positive man who, at Rebecca Welton's invitation, finds himself at the English football club Richmond. There are intrigues of its own here, but disaster is guaranteed according to the plan, because a coach who knows nothing about football, players who do not take him seriously, and management with its own hidden motives for making this appointment will all lead to a collapse. But Ted turns out to be not such a simple person. He lives with his trademark optimism and genuine concern for people. The man is ready to take on the impossible. He will have to change the club, the players, and, I think, the viewers themselves. When you first start watching this series, it is hard to believe that the show will be able to keep you in front of the screen for long. Well, I remember that these were my first thoughts. The concept seems strange, and the idea even a little silly. But after just a couple of episodes, it becomes clear that this is not the boring football sitcom you somehow expected. What you have in front of you is a well-thought-out, multilayered, and incredibly kind story. The series manages to pay attention to a whole dozen characters at once, each of whom goes through their own journey. And with every episode, these characters become closer and dearer to you. The humor here is distinctive, sometimes absurd, but always sincere. “Ted Lasso” is full of funny situations that make you literally lean toward the screen. Every scene here is genuinely full of life. And sometimes (or, more often, all the time), hidden behind it are unexpected and touching moments that make the series even more multifaceted. The characters in the series turned out great. They make this story so solid and friendly that sometimes it is hard to believe. Jason Sudeikis plays Ted Lasso in such a way that it is impossible not to love this man. Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) is a tough guy, but deep down he is a kind team captain. Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham, yes, the very same Septa Unella from “Game of Thrones” who chanted “Shame, shame”) is first a mysterious and then an incredibly charismatic club owner. Leslie Higgins (Jeremy Swift) is a kind-hearted manager devoted to the club, with funny facial expressions. Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) is a self-absorbed striker who gradually changes. Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) is a man of few words, but with a kind of quiet wisdom of his own that occasionally helps those around him. Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) is the series' incredible charm, a friend who is always ready to come to the rescue. Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed) is an assistant coach whose arc is one of the most interesting, even if at times it feels a bit “stretched to fit the globe,” but it is still memorable. Every name here represents a vivid personality, a kind of glue holding this entire, fully realized story together. There are other worthy performances too, among which I would single out Sarah Niles, Anthony Head, Billy Harris, and Cristo Fernández. The last one even became a professional footballer at the age of thirty-five. Now that is an interesting turn of fate. Football, despite all the sporting atmosphere, is not the main thing here. It serves more as a backdrop for stories, relationships, difficulties, and triumphs. The most important thing is the characters, their growth, their interactions, their incredible stories. This is a series about people, their fears, joys, ups and downs. About smiles, tears, anger. Humanity, finally. Gradually, “Ted Lasso” becomes something familiar and dear. It is difficult to describe. Every new episode brings a feeling of comfort, warmth, and kindness. This series is literally permeated with the idea of support, partnership, and faith in people. It reminds us that even in the most difficult situations, there is room for light. Looking back, I can confidently say that this multifaceted story has become one of my favorite series. Somewhere deep inside, the series warms you with the invisible warmth of its story. It leaves behind incredible emotions, characters that are impossible to forget, and faith that there is still room for kindness in the world. This is a story about love — for football, for people, for life. This is a story that gives hope. Maybe it sounds like pompous praise for yet another series, but for me, this really turned out to be a great adventure. I wish others could experience the same. 10 out of 10