Apple TV+ Series Ted Lasso Shines a Light on Vulnerability and Masculinity in Professional Soccer

The Themes of Loss, Masculinity, and Father-Son Relationships in Ted Lasso

The Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso has been a massive hit since its debut in 2020, winning multiple Emmy awards and capturing audiences with its unique perspective on professional sports. The show follows an American football coach who moves to the UK to coach soccer, taking on themes of loss, masculinity, and relationships between fathers and sons. Brett Goldstein, one of the show’s writers and actors, plays Roy Kent, a retired footballer turned assistant coach struggling with toxic masculinity and vulnerability.

In an interview with Variety, Goldstein explained how soccer provides a space for men like Roy to access their emotions. He also noted that his new Apple TV+ series Shrinking focuses on the therapist-patient relationship while incorporating both comedy and sadness since it reflects how life really is.

Apple’s Investment in Soccer Through MLS Season Pass and the Influence of Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso’s portrayal of professional soccer has not only captured the hearts of audiences but also influenced soccer’s popularity in the US. Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach Beard in the show, is an avid soccer fan and believes that others can become fans too.

Apple’s recent 10-year global broadcast deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) worth $2.5 billion includes MLS Season Pass as a one-stop-shop for all things MLS. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, insists that the success of “Ted Lasso” wasn’t a factor in the company’s decision to invest in soccer but acknowledges that it doesn’t hurt. Apple’s broadcast deal will cover the 2026 and 2028 seasons when the men’s World Cup and the summer Olympics will both be held in the US.

Although soccer remains overshadowed by major European leagues, Americans’ love for winning is a challenge for MLS to win over fans. The success of Ted Lasso has marginally helped with the game’s popularity in the US. While the show may have made viewers more aware of soccer, the game itself will turn them into fans.

Brett Goldstein’s Portrayal of Roy Kent and Representation of Vulnerability in Sports

Brett Goldstein’s portrayal of Roy Kent, a gruff yet lovable retired footballer turned assistant coach, has won him two Emmy awards. Goldstein’s exceptional portrayal shows all elements of soccer, from training to high-intensity matches, as well as a wide range of emotions.

Roy Kent grew up in a toxic masculine environment, struggling with vulnerability and emotional expression. Goldstein explains how sports play a crucial role in the emotional aspect of men and how it helps them become vulnerable. Roy Kent is an angry man who takes everything to heart, matching his character to his playing style on the soccer pitch.

Ted Lasso provides a deeper understanding of all the emotions associated with professional soccer players. Fans have likened Roy Kent’s character traits to former Manchester United player Roy Keane. Goldstein’s comments on the character’s representation of vulnerability in sports are eye-opening and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Ted Lasso is not just another show about professional sports. It displays vulnerability and masculinity issues present in sports and highlights their importance. Apple’s investment in soccer through MLS Season Pass reflects its involvement in the streaming sports marketplace, which is expected to hit $22.6 billion by 2027. The success of Ted Lasso has influenced soccer’s popularity in the US, increasing awareness about the sport through its unique portrayal on screen.

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