Sorry, Ted Lasso Fans, but Season 3 Doesn't Deserve Emmy Win
It was a disappointment to many viewers.
Although actors and writers are striking in Hollywood, a facade of normalcy is being maintained. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has just released a list of Primetime Emmy Awards 2023 nominees. As you might have expected, Ted Lasso made the cut.
Debuting in 2020 on the then-newly-launched Apple TV+ platform, Ted Lasso was an instant hit. The Jason Sudeikis-led sitcom won over diverse audiences worldwide with its unapologetically positive and uplifting narrative. Since then, Ted Lasso has released three seasons, with the third and final one concluding this past spring.
In addition to Ted Lasso's immense popularity with viewers, it has also received critical acclaim. The show won Emmys in the Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series categories consecutively in 2021 and 2022. This year, it has already garnered a staggering sixty-one nominations, including in the aforementioned categories, as well as in Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics and even Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling. However, this time around, it probably does not deserve a win.
Throughout its four years, Ted Lasso delivered a compelling set of stories showcasing its characters and offering relatable character development arcs. However, season 3 is sorely lacking in this regard.
It featured a series of rather confusing and, most importantly, unsatisfying arcs, such as Ted's weird obsession with his ex-wife's personal life, Keely's romantic escapades and aborted relationships with Jamie and Roy, Nate's oscillations between AFC Richmond and West Ham. And last but not least, Rebecca's journey to motherhood was largely ignored throughout the season, ending in a somewhat abrupt manner.
In addition, Sam Obisanya, who was previously in a relationship with Rebecca, barely puts in an appearance in the last season, despite having one of the most engaging story arcs: he wants to set up a football club in Nigeria, he has recently opened a restaurant, and he plays defence for Richmond.
In other words, it would be wrong if Ted Lasso got an award for disappointing fans so deeply. This season was a lemon, and it would be a shame if it were showered with Emmys. Well, we can only wait and see what the academy decides in September when the winners are announced.