Ted Lasso, the heartwarming and often hilarious Apple TV+ series, quickly captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. With its uplifting storylines, relatable characters, and positive messages about kindness and teamwork, it’s no surprise that the show earned widespread recognition at the 2021 and 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards. But what specific Emmys did Ted Lasso win, and what made it stand out in such a competitive year? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Emmy wins of Ted Lasso, explore why the show earned such accolades, and examine the impact it has had on the entertainment industry.
Ted Lasso and Its Impact on Television
When Ted Lasso premiered in August 2020, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt, the series centers around an American football coach, Ted Lasso, who is hired to coach a soccer team in the UK despite having little knowledge of the sport. The show’s light-hearted yet thoughtful approach to mental health, leadership, and emotional intelligence resonated with audiences, quickly becoming a favorite.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ted Lasso found a way to break through, becoming one of the most critically acclaimed shows of its time. The show’s success was evident in its sweep at the 2021 Emmy Awards, where it took home several prestigious trophies, including Best Comedy Series. But its impact didn’t stop there. Ted Lasso returned in 2022 with even more nominations and wins, proving that its charm and relevance continued to resonate with both audiences and industry professionals.
In this article, we will review the specific Emmy wins for Ted Lasso in 2021 and 2022, analyze why these wins were so significant, and highlight some key moments from the show that contributed to its success at the Emmys.
2021 Emmy Awards: A Historic Sweep for Ted Lasso
At the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards, which took place on September 19, 2021, Ted Lasso achieved a remarkable achievement: a historic sweep of the Comedy category. The series won a total of seven Emmys, making it one of the biggest winners of the night. These wins included some of the most prestigious awards in television.
Best Comedy Series
The first and most significant win for Ted Lasso at the 2021 Emmys was the award for Best Comedy Series. This win was a major victory for the show, as it was competing against other comedy giants like Black-ish, Cobra Kai, Emily in Paris, Hacks, The Flight Attendant, and The Kaminsky Method. Ted Lasso’s win in this category was a testament to the show’s originality, heart, and widespread appeal.
The series’s blend of humor, emotional depth, and insightful exploration of leadership and personal growth was a refreshing contrast to more traditional sitcoms. It was a bold choice for the Emmy voters, who typically reward shows that are more rooted in conventional humor or that deal with timely and serious social issues. Ted Lasso stood out because it combined humor with optimism, touching on themes of kindness, vulnerability, and mental health without becoming overly sentimental or preachy.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jason Sudeikis
One of the most anticipated wins of the night was for Jason Sudeikis, who received the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Sudeikis portrays Ted Lasso, the well-meaning but sometimes clueless coach of AFC Richmond. Sudeikis’s performance in the role is one of the show’s standout features, and his portrayal of Ted’s emotional journey and growth over the seasons resonated with viewers and critics alike.
Sudeikis’s win was widely celebrated, as he brought a depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been reduced to a caricature. His portrayal of Ted Lasso’s unwavering optimism, coupled with his vulnerability and humanity, made the character unforgettable. For many, Sudeikis’s performance is the heart of Ted Lasso and a key reason why the show became a hit.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Brett Goldstein
Brett Goldstein, who plays the foul-mouthed but lovable Roy Kent, also took home an Emmy in 2021, winning the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Roy is one of the most complex and compelling characters in the show, evolving from a gruff, aging footballer to a mentor and leader who learns the value of emotional expression and vulnerability.
Goldstein’s portrayal of Roy Kent was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. His ability to balance the character’s toughness with moments of tenderness and self-doubt was a standout element of the show. Goldstein’s win was well-deserved, as he brought significant emotional weight to the series, making Roy Kent one of the most beloved characters in modern television.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Waddingham
Hannah Waddingham won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Rebecca Welton, the team owner of AFC Richmond. Waddingham’s performance as Rebecca, a character initially introduced as an antagonist but later revealed to have much more depth and complexity, was a key part of the show’s success.
Waddingham’s portrayal of Rebecca’s journey—from a woman seeking revenge to someone who learns the value of friendship, trust, and kindness—was both powerful and heartwarming. Her chemistry with Sudeikis and Goldstein was also one of the show’s highlights. Her win at the 2021 Emmys solidified her as one of the standout performers of the series.
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
The writing team behind Ted Lasso, consisting of Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt, took home the award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. The writers of Ted Lasso succeeded in creating a show that is not only funny but emotionally resonant, which is a rare achievement in comedy television.
The show’s writing combines sharp humor with poignant moments that explore themes of leadership, personal growth, and emotional well-being. The writing team’s ability to balance humor with serious subjects such as mental health and self-esteem set Ted Lasso apart from many other shows in the comedy category. The award for Outstanding Writing was a recognition of their skill in crafting a series that resonates with viewers on both an emotional and intellectual level.
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: MJ Delaney
MJ Delaney won the award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for her work on the Ted Lasso episode “The Hope That Kills You.” Delaney’s direction of the episode, which centers on AFC Richmond’s promotion to the Premier League, perfectly captured the emotional stakes of the moment and showcased her ability to handle both the humor and drama of the show with equal skill.
Her direction brought out the nuances in the performances of the cast and helped elevate the emotional resonance of the story. Delaney’s win further cemented Ted Lasso as a show with a perfect balance of comedy, drama, and visual storytelling.
Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
Ted Lasso also won the Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series. The casting choices for the show were widely praised for bringing together a diverse group of actors who not only fit their roles perfectly but also displayed incredible chemistry on screen. From Jason Sudeikis’s portrayal of Ted to the supporting cast, including Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Juno Temple, the ensemble cast of Ted Lasso helped bring the show’s heartwarming and relatable stories to life.
2022 Emmy Awards: Ted Lasso Continues Its Success
At the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards, Ted Lasso continued to shine. The show won four more Emmys, including the highly coveted award for Best Comedy Series, solidifying its place as one of the most influential television shows of its era.
Best Comedy Series: The Legacy Continues
In 2022, Ted Lasso repeated its victory by winning Best Comedy Series once again. This win was a testament to the show’s ability to maintain its appeal and relevance, even in its second season. The continued success of Ted Lasso at the Emmys demonstrated that its message of kindness, emotional resilience, and leadership continued to resonate with audiences and critics.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jason Sudeikis (Again)
Jason Sudeikis won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Ted Lasso for the second consecutive year. His continued success in the role demonstrated how deeply the character resonated with viewers. Sudeikis’s performance in the second season of Ted Lasso, which explored Ted’s struggles with mental health and his leadership challenges, earned him even more praise.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Brett Goldstein (Again)
Brett Goldstein also took home a second Emmy for his portrayal of Roy Kent, reaffirming his place as one of the show’s key players. Goldstein’s ability to bring depth and complexity to the character helped make Roy Kent one of the most memorable and beloved figures in the series.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Waddingham (Again)
Hannah Waddingham won a second consecutive Emmy for her portrayal of Rebecca Welton. Her character’s continued evolution, from a vengeful ex-wife to a supportive leader and friend, was one of the most satisfying arcs in the series, and her win further acknowledged her stellar performance.
Conclusion
Ted Lasso made history by winning numerous Emmys in both 2021 and 2022, and it’s clear that the series has left an indelible mark on the television landscape. Its blend of humor, emotional depth, and positive messages about kindness, mental health, and personal growth made it a standout in a crowded field. The show’s success at the Emmys is a reflection of the hard work of its cast, crew, and creators, who brought to life a series that not only entertains but also inspires.
As Ted Lasso continues to captivate audiences, it remains a shining example of what television can achieve when it combines heart, humor, and authenticity. Whether you are a fan of the show or just interested in understanding its remarkable impact, it is clear that Ted Lasso’s Emmy wins are a well-deserved recognition of its excellence.
