Apple has released a holiday surprise for Ted Lasso fans -- a stop-motion animated short starring everyone's favorite jolly midwesterner.
The Christmas-themed short expands on the stop-motion version of the series' opening credits that appeared in the Season 2 episode "Carol of the Bells." The video, which runs about four minutes long, follows the main Ted Lasso cast of characters as they try to find something precious of Ted's that has mysteriously gone missing: his signature mustache.
Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis as the titular Ted, a small-time American college football coach hired to lead a professional English soccer team. Even though he has no experience, Ted works to win over the team with his enthusiasm and winning attitude. The series is often praised for its wholesome yet realistic approach to themes like mental health and interpersonal relationships. The lead character was originally created for a series of 2013 NBC Sports commercials promoting the network's overseas soccer coverage.
One of Apple's most acclaimed original programs thus far, Ted Lasso has been honored by several awards ceremonies since its 2020 debut. Notably, the series won Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Comedy Series at the 2021 Critics' Choice Television Awards. The show also picked up 2021 Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jason Sudeikis), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Brett Goldstein) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Hannah Waddingham). Season 1 of Ted Lasso holds a 92% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Season 2 currently sits at 97%.
Ted Lasso was renewed for a third season in October 2020, which is expected to hit the streaming service in 2022. The series' arc was originally intended to last just three seasons, but series co-executive producer Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Cougar Town) told EW in June that there's hope Ted Lasso will continue after its Season 3 wrap-up. "The initial story Jason had in his head is a three-season arc, [but] I'm hopeful there's more Ted Lasso stories to tell after three seasons," Lawrence said. "Hey, in my head, I'm like, Ted Lasso moves home and he should coach the professional team that's a block away from Jason's home in real life." Sudeikis also commented on the potential for more Ted Lasso, saying, "The story that's being told -- that three-season arc -- is one that I see, know, and understood. I'm glad that [Apple is] willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don't know."
Seasons 1 and 2 of Ted Lasso are currently available to stream on Apple TV+.
Source: Apple