The 15 Best 'Ted Lasso' Episodes, Ranked By Fans Who Know That Football Is Life
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Vote up the episodes that are Ted Lasso at its peak.
Picking the best Ted Lasso episodes is a lot like picking the greatest pizza toppings (in other words, they're all fantastic and worthy of inclusion on any base). For three seasons, Ted delighted fans through his words of wisdom, his "oh, shucks" antics at AFC Richmond, and his general inability to be anything less than the most lovable character on the show. That being said, there are certain episodes that hit a little bit deeper for their own specific reasons.
Whether they made us laugh, cry, or renew our withering faith in humanity, take a look at some of the greatest Ted Lasso episodes and help determine which are the best of the best.
- 19 VOTES
'Rainbow' - Season 2, Episode 5
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: Nate struggles to be assertive, so Keeley and Rebecca help him to discover his confidence. Meanwhile, Ted notices that Isaac is getting the blame for the club's form as the new captain, so he calls in a little help from Roy. Ultimately, Ted offers Roy a job as a coach at AFC Richmond, which he accepts. All of this is delivered with dozens of hilarious homages to classic rom-coms.
Why Should It Get Promoted? There are parallels between Nate and Isaac in this episode. For both men, it's an issue of confidence and believing in themselves, even if the situations differ. However, it's through the help of others that they start to have faith and respect who they are as people and what they have to offer the world. Rom-com lovers will have fun counting all the shout-outs to their favorite movies, as well.
Standout Quote: "Shut up. Just shut up. You had me at coach." - Roy
- 29 VOTES
'For The Children' - Season 1, Episode 4
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: After a fight between Roy and Jamie, Ted works to get the pair on good terms again. Meanwhile, Rebecca deals with the crisis of the annual charity ball after musician Robbie Williams cancels his performance. Rupert reveals that not only was he behind the cancellation, but he also plans to show Rebecca up by donating a large sum; Ted saves the day by bringing in a street musician who wows everyone in the crowd.
Why Should It Get Promoted? The biggest takeaway from this episode is how people are allowed to feel vulnerable and ask for help. Rupert gets a sick joy out of tormenting Rebecca since he sees what it does to her, but when she accepts help from others, she's able to overcome his nasty tricks and ignore him.
Standout Quote: "Now, listen. You two knuckleheads have split our locker room in half. And when it comes to locker rooms, I like 'em just like my mother's bathing suits: I only wanna see 'em in one piece, you hear?" - Ted
- 329 VOTES
'No Weddings and a Funeral' - Season 2, Episode 10
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: Rebecca receives the news that her father has passed away. She struggles with the conflicted nature of the loss, since she didn't have the easiest relationship with him. The AFC Richmond team rallies around Rebecca to support her; however, Ted suffers a panic attack on the way to the funeral as he remembers his own father.
Why Should It Get Promoted? It's a powerful episode about dealing with grief and loss, as well as the rollercoaster of emotions death stirs up. In addition, it manages to take Rick Astley's meme-worthy song "Never Gonna Give You Up" and add a tear-inducing poignancy to it that changes the way people will view it forever.
Standout Quote: "And I knew right then and there that I was never gonna let anyone get by me without understanding they might be hurting inside, you know. ‘Cause life, it’s hard. It’s real hard." - Ted
- 429 VOTES
'Make Rebecca Great Again' - Season 1, Episode 7
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: On the eve of AFC Richmond's big clash against Everton, Rebecca struggles with the realization it's meant to be her wedding anniversary; however, Keeley has plans to cheer her up. As the reality of Ted's impending divorce becomes more real, he starts to unravel and breaks down.
Why Should It Get Promoted? In addition to displaying Hannah Waddingham's exceptional singing voice in the karaoke scene, this episode displays Ted's vulnerability. While he might have been the happy-go-lucky coach who uplifts everyone around him, his panic attack in the street demonstrates how he also needs support.
Standout Quote: "Am I going crazy?" - Ted "No more than anyone else." - Rebecca
- 517 VOTES
'Carol of the Bells' - Season 2, Episode 4
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: Over Christmas, the players head off to Higgins's home for a celebration. At the same time, Ted feels dejected to not be with his son, Henry, on Christmas Day. To pull him out of his funk, Rebecca brings him along to hand out gifts to underprivileged children in their town.
Why Should It Get Promoted? It's a heart-warming episode that embodies the Christmas spirit and the feel-good nature of Ted Lasso. By Ted helping others, it makes him feel better in the process, too.
Standout Quote: "That sounds like Double O heaven to me!" - Ted
- 618 VOTES
'Man City' - Season 2, Episode 8
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: After Dr. Sharon Fieldstone gets hit by a car, Ted helps her. At the same time, he also opens up to her about the greatest tragedy of his life, which involves his father. AFC Richmond prepares for the big game against the mighty Manchester City, which they lose 5-0. Afterward, Jamie's father, James, berates him for the performance, which leads to Jamie punching him. As soon as Coach Beard kicks James out of the locker room, Roy gives Jamie a hug and Jamie breaks down in front of his team.
Why Should It Get Promoted? While there are many story threads and developments in "Man City," this is Jamie's episode. For much of the show, he seems to be a cocky and arrogant footballer who only cares about himself. Once his father shows up, it's clear how Jamie's walls and showboating are his way of protecting himself.
Standout Quote: "The only nice thing you can say about Richmond today is Sam Obisanya's hair looks absolutely fantastic." - Arlo White
- 723 VOTES
'Sunflowers' - Season 3, Episode 6
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: After a thumping loss in Amsterdam, Ted lets the AFC Richmond team blow off steam by cancelling their curfew. Roy and Jamie reach new levels of friendship while biking around the city, Rebecca meets a mysterious new man who brings her onto his houseboat, and Ted drinks spiked tea and sees hallucinatory visions that inspire a new strategy for his team.
Why Should It Get Promoted? This episode feels special since it takes the characters out of the familiar surroundings of Richmond, allowing them to explore both the wonders of Amsterdam and their inner selves. Plus, Ted tripping is quite the treat to behold.
Standout Quote: "Who cares? It’s a f*cking friendly. A friendly is a pretend match. This is a pretend conversation. You’re a pretend person with a pretend job. And I’m having a really hard time pretending to give a sh*t." - Roy
- 817 VOTES
'All Apologies' - Season 1, Episode 9
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: As Roy's performances on the pitch continue to deteriorate, Ted is pressured to bench his captain, though he finds it difficult to make that call, even if Roy knows his best days are behind him. Finally, Rebecca comes clean to Ted about her plan to ruin the club and how she orchestrated the paparazzi photos, but Ted forgives her without a moment of hesitation.
Why Should It Get Promoted? Apart from the fact that Ted forgives Rebecca, who was concerned he wouldn't react well to her actions, "All Apologies" is about the gruff Roy, who begins to come to terms with the fact his career is coming to an end, as age finally catches up to him. To see the hard man admit his mortality shows another side of the character that the audience didn't see until that point.
Standout Quote: "Divorce is hard. It doesn't matter if you're the one leaving or if... you're the one who got left. It makes folks do crazy things." - Ted
- 914 VOTES
'The Hope That Kills You' - Season 1, Episode 10
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: It's the end of the season and AFC Richmond only needs to avoid a loss against Manchester City; even a draw will allow them to stay in the division. Ted and the team devise a tactic to throw their opponents off their game. In the end, it's Richmond's former player, Jamie Tartt, who proves to be the key for Man City by making a wise pass rather than attempting a goal for himself. Ted hands in his resignation to Rebecca after the game, but she refuses to accept it, saying they will come back stronger.
Why Should It Get Promoted? Unlike a lot of sports shows and movies where the underdog team prevails with the last-gasp move, it doesn't happen here. AFC Richmond suffers relegation and it's a huge knock for the club, but Ted shows his supreme motivational ability. He makes sure the players know this isn't the end - it's only a setback.
Standout Quote: "'It's the hope that kills you.' Y'all know that? I disagree, you know? I think it's the lack of hope that comes and gets you." - Ted
- 107 VOTES
'The Strings That Bind Us' - Season 3, Episode 7
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: Ted tries to instill the ethos of "Total Football" into his players to improve their performances on the pitch. Meanwhile, Keeley grows weary of the disparity in the relationship between her and Jack, wanting to be on equal footing. As Sam prepares his restaurant for the arrival of his father, Ola, it is trashed by the supporters of the Home Secretary Brinda Barot, whom Sam criticized on social media. Sam's teammates help to clean up the restaurant before Ola arrives. Despite Sam's anger, Ola encourages his son to forgive those responsible for the vandalism.
Why Should It Get Promoted? The whole incident between Sam and Barot shows how people are silenced in life by those in political power. Still, Sam stands up for what he believes, regardless of the consequences and fear of retribution. The episode serves as a message to always do what's right, even in the face of major adversity.
Standout Quote: "Anger will only weaken you. If you really want to piss off the people who did this, forgive them. Forgive them. Big whoop… Don’t fight back. Fight forward." - Ola
- 1112 VOTES
'The Diamond Dogs' - Season 1, Episode 8
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: Roy feels disappointed after finding out Keeley slept with Jamie. When he asks Ted for advice, the AFC Richmond coach calls in Nate, Coach Beard, and Higgins to assemble the Diamond Dogs and help Roy. The friends advise Roy to be honest with Keeley about his feelings, which he does in the end. Meanwhile, Rupert continues to taunt his ex-wife, Rebecca, and Ted gets one over him when he defeats him at a high-stakes game of darts.
Why Should It Get Promoted? The Diamond Dogs might look like a fun club for the guys in the AFC Richmond locker room, but the group is far more significant than that. Many men don't discuss their problems or feelings with others, fearing shame or ridicule. The idea of the “Diamond Dogs” makes it easier for these men to feel safe confiding in each other and getting the support they need.
Standout Quote: "Hoo-wee! Sounds to me like someone's trapped inside life's most complicated shape: a love triangle. Second place, of course, is the ‘time I just walked in on my mother-in-law changing into her swimsuit’ dodecahedron." - Ted
- 1213 VOTES
'Inverting The Pyramid of Success' - Season 2, Episode 12
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: News about Ted's panic attack reaches the media, as the coach addresses it with his players. At the same time, Ted discovers Nate to be the person who revealed it to the press. When Ted speaks to Nate to find out why he's so angry with him, Nate lashes out and reveals that he feels Ted has been using his coaching without giving him adequate praise and attention. A furious Nate tears up the "Believe" sign, storms off, and joins Rupert's team, West Ham United, as their new coach two months later.
Why Should It Get Promoted? Nate and Ted appeared to be two peas in a pod, but "Inverting the Pyramid of Success" is the episode that blows up the bridge of their friendship. Nate seems poised to be the main villain of the final season as his resentment for Ted consumes him.
Standout Quote: “Everybody loves you. The great Ted Lasso. Well, I think you're a f*cking joke. Without me, you wouldn't have won a single match, and they would have shipped your a** back to Kansas where you f*cking belong, with your son.” - Nate
- 139 VOTES
'Mom City' - Season 3, Episode 11
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: Ted's mother, Dottie, shows up for an unexpected visit. While everyone else likes her, Ted appears resentful. Eventually, he tells her it's because she failed to support him when his father took his life. Dottie apologizes to her son, revealing she didn't know how to cope with it either. Elsewhere, the team tries to convince Nate to return to AFC Richmond. Nate declines, until Coach Beard arrives at his home and tells him about his special relationship with Ted. Beard reveals that Ted prevented him from going to jail and gave him a second chance. Similarly, Beard forgives Nate and offers him his old job.
Why Should It Get Promoted? "Mom City" is all about forgiveness and giving people second chances. It showcases the hurt and pain that people go through, as well as the lingering anger and resentment that lives on long afterward. However, there is a point where everyone needs to let go in order to heal.
Standout Quote: "That is the thing about being a parent. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win, but most of the time you just tie. All we can do is keep playing." - Dottie
- 1410 VOTES
'La Locker Room Aux Folles' - Season 3, Episode 9
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: After Isaac finds out about Colin's sexuality, he pushes him away - refusing to speak to him. During a match, a supporter shouts a homophobic slur at Colin and Isaac assaults the fan. The locker room suspects Isaac might be gay because of his violent reaction, until Colin comes out to them. Eventually, Colin and Isaac speak it out, where Isaac explains he is disappointed that Colin didn't tell him he's gay, given how close they are. After Colin explains how he feared Isaac's reaction, the pair make up as friends.
Why Should It Get Promoted? This episode is all about acceptance and tolerance. In the world of football, there are many players who are afraid of revealing their sexuality. Here, Colin takes a major step in coming out to his teammates who are accepting of him. "La Locker Room Aux Folles" inspires faith in humanity that there are people who will accept others for who they are.
Standout Quote: "I love you, boyo… You can't say it, can you?" - Colin "No... but you know I do, yeah?" - Isaac
- 157 VOTES
'International Break' - Season 3, Episode 10
Photo: Apple TV+Episode Recap: As a few of the AFC Richmond players head off on international duty, Nate quits West Ham United and returns home to his parents' house to make amends with his father. Rupert invites Rebecca to attend Edwin Akufo's meeting about a proposal for a new Super League, where she becomes insulted by his greed.
Why Should It Get Promoted? This is the big culmination of Nate's redemption arc as he quits West Ham and starts to put things right in his life. While it might be predictable where he ends up in the future, there's still something heartwarming about him reconnecting with himself and discovering everything that matters to him. It's also a moment of culmination for Rebecca, who finds the confidence to stand up to Akufo and reject Rupert when he makes a pass at her.
Standout Quote: "Football isn't just a game. It's one of those amazing things in life that can make you feel like sh*t one moment and then like it's Christmas morning the next. It has the ability to make heroes and villains out of ordinary men." - Rebecca
