Jason Sudeikis: The theme of Ted Lasso is universal

Jason Sudeikis cited examples of co-creator Bill Lawrence’s other shows like Spin City and Scrubs that found a global audience despite their American setting. “Because life and death, good and evil are ubiquitous and there are themes of Ted Lasso that are more on a human level, although it is all pulled through the prism of an American eye. But yes, we took on the international challenges willfully.”

Since the show follows the ups and downs of a premier league team, their casting was as diverse as it could be. “Because the premier league is so diverse and has so many nationalities and cultures, we did (the same) with our casting with the team, recurring characters, supporting characters and the mainstays.”

Co-creator Bill Lawrence chimed in and said, “The really interesting and exciting thing about working with Apple is the very thing you just mentioned (the global reach). Having made shows for a long time, I never tried to make content solely for an American audience. One of the appealing things for me was that this is an international platform. Football is an international sport and for me, we didn’t really adjust for an international audience as much as I felt excited and challenged by it.”

Ted Lasso has been co-created by Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence.

We asked Jason Sudeikis how Ted, the eternal optimist, would have dealt with the coronavirus situation, he said, “I think he’d be wearing a mask and staying in. But I know it’d be driving him a little bit crazy, like many of us, just the whole Stockholm Syndrome feeling of it. I also think he would probably be big into connecting with friends and family over FaceTime.”

Bill Lawrence added, “Jason always instills this characteristic in Ted, which I love, that not only is he an optimist, but he’s eternally curious. I think he is a guy who would probably just believe in science and want to stay up to date on stuff. He would be one of those dudes that you’re surprised to find out how well informed he is.”

Ted Lasso starts streaming on Apple TV+ on August 14.