Ted Lasso, one of the most beloved TV shows in modern times, was indeed inspired by a movie classic, confirming a popular fans theory that has recently flooded the internet.Brett Goldstein, one of the stars and a prominent writer on the show, has confirmed that the show is heavily inspired byThe Wizard of Oz, the Hollywood classic of 1939. AsWicked, the musical by Jon M. Chu, inspired by the play of the same name that stemmed from the original classic, keeps people singing (and, sadly, obnoxiously taking photos of the cinema screen) in theaters, Goldstein reveals that his Apple TV+ comedy has “loads” ofThe Wizard of Ozin it. This matches a popular fan theory on the internet about the connection between the sitcom and the classic by Victor Fleming.
In the show, Ted Lasso is an American football coach who gets hired to coach a soccer team in England. Lasso knows nothing about soccer, but his uplifting spirit and attitude towards adversity inspires the team and everyone involved with it to become better people. It stars Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster, and Goldstein. Now, in an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Goldstein confirmed the connection, and the actor/writer even expanded onwhere these inspirations can be spotted:
“Oh yeah, there’s loads and loads ofThe Wizard of OzinTed Lasso. The pinball machine is the one that’s always ‘Ted has to go home. There’s no place like home.’ And then, there’s no place like Richmond F.C. Yes, that’s allWizard of Oz."
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Brett Goldstein also spoke about how the characters are heavily inspired by those inThe Wizard of Oz. It’s certainly a hot take, especially considering how well designed the characters in the show are. Per Goldstein’s remarks, Roy Kent is the Tin Man, Ted is Dorothy, Rebecca is the Lion and Jamie is the Scarecrow.
“I’m the Tin Man, Ted is Dorothy, Rebecca’s the Lion, and the Scarecrow is Jamie. I’m sure this is going to cause a lot of trouble.”
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Ted Lassowas released to critical acclaim in 2020 when the co-production between Apple TV+ and Warner Bros. Television was released on the streamer. Inspired by a character we had only seen in NBC’s ads for their coverage of the Premier League,Ted Lassoquickly became the most watched TV show on Apple TV+, and swept the Emmys the first year. Running for three seasons, the series came to a halt in 2023 as viewers were shockedwhen the coach decidedto leave AFC Richmond and return to the United States.
It’s still too early to confirm anything, but a fourth season ofTed Lassomay be coming, justnot with all its former stars. We also reported that showrunner Bill Lawrence confirmed that if the show were to return, it would be entirely Jason Sudeikis’ decision. The actor is obviously the most important player in the team, andTed Lassominus Ted is just… unnecessary. Meanwhile, Goldstein and Apple TV+ have their focus on their other comedy venture,Shrinking, which has just released its second season, and the reception has also been pretty good.
