During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Apple TV's original Ted Lasso, a comedy series following a highly likable but unlikely football coach brought to life by Jason Sudeikis, lent a helping hand to many, consequently turning it into a massive comfort show. That has to do with countless elements, but the unforgettable, powerful messages it sends are definitely on top of the list.
After providing audiences with many impressive episodes — although some better than others — which will remain engraved in their minds for a long time, Ted Lasso has reached its final stop. To celebrate its unconventional and distinctive narrative, brilliant execution, and three-dimensional characters (we're looking at you, Jamie Tartt), we look back at the best Ted Lasso episodes, ranked by their IMDb scores.
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Ted Lasso
TV-MA
Comedy
Drama
Sport
- Release Date
- August 14, 2020
- Creator
- Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence
- Cast
- Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Hannah Waddingham, Nick Mohammed, Brendan Hunt, Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Toheeb Jimoh, James Lance
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- AppleTV+
12 "All Apologies" (Season 1, Episode 9)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
From Keeley's (Juno Temple) and Rebecca's (Hannah Waddingham) "you-need-to-tell-Ted" feud to the coaches' discussion about Roy being put on the bench (which Ted initially refused to do), season 1's episode 9 is an interesting, all-around entertaining watch in the series.
Regarded as one of the best episodes of Ted Lasso, "All Apologies" received very positive reviews from critics and delivers just what its title promises. It is arguably one of the most heartwarming chapters in the show as it follows key characters admitting their mistakes and actually showing that they are sorry for them. Rebecca heads to Higgins's (Jeremy Swift) home and tells him she has come clean with Ted, while the Roy-Keane-inspired Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) apologizes for shouting at Ted after heading to his house.
11 "Carol of the Bells" (Season 2, Episode 4)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Christmas specials — especially British Christmas specials — are often the best, so it is no wonder that "Carol of the Bells" is among the most adored episodes in the series. As the title suggests, season 2's episode 4 follows the beloved characters during Christmas day. Ted is low-spirited, the team bonds over dinner, and Roy and Keeley attempt to find a dentist door-to-door.
From the team sharing Christmas traditions at Higgins's dinner table to Ted and Rebecca's good deed distributing money and gifts, this heartwarming episode truly feels like a warm hug throughout. Plus, Waddigham puts on a show as she showcases her incredible singing voice towards the end, which is further proof that Ted Lasso should have done a musical episode.
10 "The Diamond Dogs" (Season 1, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
The "Diamond Dogs" is among the best episodes of Ted Lasso for several reasons, but the event that stands out the most is arguably when Ted suddenly pulls an unexpected move and challenges Rebecca's ex-husband, Rupert (Anthony Head), in a darts match. This takes an interesting turn, as Ted ends up coming out on top in the final round, resulting in an unforgettable moment that provides satisfaction and contentment not only to Waddingham's on-screen counterpart but also to viewers.
Additionally, the well-executed episode does many things right, starting with Roy joining the Diamond Dogs. However, sending out a message about the importance of not underestimating people is at the top of the list.
9 "Inverting the Pyramid of Success" (Season 2, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
"Inverting the Pyramid of Success" is a highly emotional watch, as the episode depicts Richmond's final chance to win promotion but also Ted's exposé, which was conducted by one of his most trusted mates, Nate (Nick Mohammed), marking the beginning of the fall of their friendship.
On top of this, the refreshing Ted Lasso episode explores mental health and portrays it accurately. Among the best bits in the episode is when coach Lasso fully opens up regarding his recent episodes of panic attacks, not only with his team but also with the press, highlighting the importance of talking about mental health-related issues in the sports industry (or any other, really) and bringing awareness to the topic.
8 "Rainbow" (Season 2, Episode 5)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Episode 5 of the second season illustrates Nate's self-development journey, as he learns to be assertive and stand up for himself — who better to acquire confidence from than the iconic Keeley and the seemingly fearless Rebecca? In the meantime, Sudeikis' character comes to Roy for help when Isaac (Kola Bokinni) is blamed for his poor leadership. He is then forced to put his leadership skills into practice.
Not only does "Rainbow" manage to deliver relevant content to the series' storyline in the short amount of thirty minutes, as it also does so impeccably. Beyond a doubt, one of the best things about the Emmy-nominated series is how it keeps on reminding its audiences about the humanity of its three-dimensional characters who are often seen struggling with their own anxieties and slowly overcoming them.
7 "Tan Lines" (Season 1, Episode 5)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Ted's wife (now ex-wife), Michelle (Andrea Anders), and his son Henry make their way to visit him in the moving "Tan Lines." The episode examines the relationship between the two characters as they spend the day together and reflect on their bond, with Michelle ultimately realizing that she doesn't love Ted Lasso's protagonist anymore. Meanwhile, Ted makes the bold and controversial move to bench Jamie (Phil Dunster) in a key match as a lesson thanks to the latter's refusal to help the team.
All in all, season one's fifth episode is all about marriage and teamwork, as it highlights Tartt's contribution to the Richmond team — or rather the lack of it — and marks the heartbreaking ending of Lasso's relationship. In a way, "Tan Lines" sets up a new chapter in the series.
6 "Sunflowers" (Season 3, Episode 6)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
One of the latest season's best, "Sunflowers" follows the team on a fun trip to Amsterdam where they divide into separate groups and practice different activities. While Roy and Jamie end up hunting windmills, riding the bike together, and opening up about their pasts (talk about relationship development and well-crafted character arcs), Rebecca has an affair, and Ted comes up with a miraculous football technique.
It's always nice to see Ted Lasso's Richmond crew come together, and this episode feels like the breath of fresh air that the series' final season needed. It is no wonder it ranks high and is considered one of the best, given how it packs fun and dramatic elements, including Colin's (Billy Harris) and Trent's (James Lance) powerful conversation about embracing one's sexuality and being true to themselves.
5 "Make Rebecca Great Again" (Season 1, Episode 7)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Much like "Sunflowers," "Make America Great Again" is all about a Richmond team trip, except this time the crew doesn't leave the country, heading to Liverpool instead for a crucial match against Everton F.C.. Rebecca and Keeley spend an amount of time together in an attempt to distract the former from thinking about her ex-marriage's anniversary.
In contrast to so many great things happening, including a Karaoke party that Rebecca absolutely crushed, there are also some saddening occurrences in this poignant Ted Lasso episode, namely Ted's accurate breakdown/panic attack just outside the bar, which was really hard to watch. Lucky for the character (and fans who swoon with the duo), Rebecca was quick to comfort the character.
4 "Man City" (Season 2, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
In the eighth episode of Ted Lasso's second season, audiences are met with yet a good dose of emotional scenes in the comedy series (and who exactly decided that this was a comedy series, again?) as psychologist Sharon (Sarah Niles) is accidentally hit by a car. Ted immediately goes to the hospital to check on her. In the meantime, the episode also explores Jamie's turbulent relationship with his father.
A key moment in "Man City," though, is when Jamie's father (Kieran O'Brien) heckles him from the stands and follows him into the locker room, where he carries on the mockery. The result? Jamie punches his dad in the face and cries on Roy's shoulder, shaking everyone in the room. No doubt, season 2, episode 8 of Ted Lasso was an intense watch and is certainly among the best episodes due to the way it realistically depicts the complicated father-son dynamic between the two.
3 "The Hope That Kills You" (Season 1, Episode 10)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
"The Hope That Kills You" is assuredly a visceral episode in the series, as it marks the beginning of Nate's career as a coach (as discussed by Rebecca and Ted) and Isaac's as the team captain, as chosen by no one else than the once-cap, legendary Roy himself.
On top of this, season 1's episode 10 is nonetheless notable because it depicts the season's long-awaited final match: Richmond and Manchester City, the team Jamie now plays for. From Roy ending up with a knee injury (from preventing Jamie from scoring) to Ted's ever-inspiring speech to the club's ultimate loss in the game, this Ted Lasso episode was, indeed, a proper rollercoaster of emotions.
2 "Mom City" (Season 3, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Season 3's episode 11 is one for the books thanks to its intriguing and heart-wrenching approach to familial trauma. After Ted's mom (Becky Ann Baker) suddenly appears in town and spends an entire day with her son, Ted ultimately confronts her about why she actually came, and the two catch up on the things left unsaid, which leads to an intense heart-to-heart conversation.
Adding to this, Nate works with his girlfriend Jade (Edyta Budnik) at the restaurant he used to frequent but gets a proposal from ex-teammates Isaac, Colin, and Will (Charlie Hiscock) to come back to Richmond. Undoubtedly, this touching Ted Lasso episode is all about forgiveness and addressing wrongdoings.
1 "So Long, Farewell" (Season 3, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Though it also counted on mixed reactions from fans, it is not hard to understand why "So Long, Farewell" is considered one of the best in the series. Filled with twists and turns, the alleged Ted Lasso finale is guaranteed to take viewers on a moving ride.
Not only does Ted make the unexpected move to quit his job and leave the team to enjoy life alongside his son at the series' ending, but coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) ends up marrying the love of his life, Jane (Phoebe Walsh, one of the show's writers alongside Hunt, Goldstein, and Sudeikis). Furthermore, Rebecca accidentally finds love with the charming Dutchman she once met. According to IMDb users, the show's undeniably touching final chapter is also the best episode of Ted Lasso.
NEXT: The Most Important Episodes of 'Ted Lasso' to Rewatch
