ed Lasso, an unrelentingly positive Apple TV+ series, is more than just admirable and enjoyable. It boasts the power to uplift and spiritually elevate the viewers in a way that is mostly under-emphasised. Written by some evidently talented comedy writers, Jane Becker, Leann Bowen, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence, Jamie Lee, Jason Sudeikis, Phoebe Walsh and Bill Wrubel, the sitcom brings both giggles and warmth.

The charming cast includes some of the writers themselves, delivering brilliant performances. Sudekis essays the role of Ted Lasso; Hunt takes the role of Coach Beard, an assistant coach; and Goldstein portrays the Richmond team captain, Rory. Then, there is Hannah Waddingham, who shines bright as Rebecca Welton and Juno Temple as the chirpy and bold Keeley Jones. Jamie Tartt, one of the players, is yet another nuanced character, played by Phil Dunster who undergoes massive character development that is truly moving to witness.

Welton, the owner of AFC Richmond, hires Lasso knowing that he has no experience in the field merely to get even with her unfaithful ex-husband Rupert Mannion who is the former owner. After a divorce settlement, he lost ownership of the struggling football club to Welton. Knowing that Lasso is destined for failure, Welton appoints him to sabotage the team that Mannion dearly loves. Initially, it is for revenge.

Lasso, an American “soccer” coach from Kansas, is an insanely optimistic individual who has been hired to manage the English Premier League team. Interestingly, he does not know a thing about the sport.

He arrives in England with his mysteriously encyclopedic and loyal friend, Coach Beard. To their surprise, the football fans do not welcome them with open arms. Instead there is a barrage of criticism after it is revealed that the outsiders know little to nothing about the sport.

The unfavoured and underachieving Richmond team also goes on to give Lasso a cold shoulder. While the man may have his flaws and is completely in the dark about the situation at hand, his unwavering positivity, moral excellence and hopefulness make the audience root for him.

Sudeikis’s comic timing is spot-on. He effortlessly prompts smiles and laughter with his unmatched delivery. He remains committed, even when the show takes a dramatic turn, particularly when Lasso must assume the role of the coach he is hired to be.

Very few people stand in Lasso’s corner. They include the locker room manager turned assistant coach, Nate (Nick Mohammed); the team’s timid financial manager, Higgins (Jeremy Swift); and the team’s publicist, Jones. While this may come across as a cliché trope, over the course of three seasons Lasso wins many hearts with his cheerful disposition, thoughtfulness and warmth. It is not just his football team that looks up to and admires him. Even his boss, Welton, begins to value his honesty, integrity and empathy. She comes clean about her initial scheme to exploit him for her personal vendetta against her ex-husband. This revelation only strengthens their friendship, making it more special than ever.

Lasso has a secret weapon in his coaching and his ties with management: kindness. He remains patient in the face of criticism; shows empathy towards foreign players struggling with homesickness; and makes an effort to resolve conflicts among star players. His perpetual optimism is symbolised by a “Believe” poster in the locker room. These personal attributes have a ripple effect, spreading not only on the soccer field but also into the homes of those watching the series. Ted Lasso shows how goodness shines in various relationships and teaches us how to embrace it in our own lives.

The creators evidently invested significant effort in building Lasso’s character, crafting him to be relatable, humorous and someone one could wholeheartedly support, all the while maintaining an inoffensive portrayal. It goes without saying that their efforts have succeeded.

Of course, he is not perfect. While struggling with a divorce and homesickness, he is also trying to be tolerant of the flaws of others. His personality holds the power to change the way our minds work, shape our future and put the brakes on negativity — well, at least while binge-watching the series.

Ted Lasso is an exceptionally well-written and beautifully performed feel-good series, epitomising the sort of compassion and optimism one would love to see prevailing in a world that is growing more bleak every moment. While the comedy genre often leans on shock and vulgarity, Ted Lasso charts its own course, focusing on character development and heartfelt authenticity.

Ted Lasso is a must-watch. The series is like a warm cup of coffee on a cold day, making you feel cosy and in good spirits.

The author is a freelance contributor