A pandemic-era break from social media left one Gen Z writer oblivious to Ted Lasso’s ascent, so talk of a fourth season at work now feels bewildering. After discovering the show’s quirky setup—an idealistic American football coach tasked with transforming a doubtful British soccer club—they compile a list of comparable feel-good shows to sample before (or after) diving in.
Maybe I’m a little too Gen Z in my office. Maybe it’s just me living under a rock when it comes to Ted Lasso. Which, to be fair, I probably am; I took a break from social media at the height of the pandemic, so I missed out on the hype around Jason Sudeikis’ much-beloved football coach.
So now that people around me are talking about season 4, I am, to be honest, quite lost. On paper, Ted Lasso is about this very optimistic (maybe even idealistic) American football coach who is hired to coach a British soccer team, AFC Richmond. The twist here is that our guy actually knows nothing about the sport. And so with the power of friendship, biscuits and classic American optimism, he now has to turn prodigies out of a team that is frankly quite sceptical of the new coach.
I do plan to start watching the show from season 1 soon, but to gauge what I’m getting into, I asked around for shows in a similar vein. Below are the answers. Maybe you could check them out after you’re done with the season?
If Ted Lasso's mix of humour, optimism and emotional honesty clicked with you, Shrinking is an easy next pick. Jason Segel plays a grieving therapist who starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks, with messy but heartfelt consequences. Harrison Ford steals plenty of scenes as his blunt mentor, while the ensemble balances sharp comedy with genuine warmth and personal growth.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Abbott Elementary follows a group of passionate teachers trying to keep an underfunded public school running despite constant setbacks. Like Ted Lasso, it finds humour in everyday struggles while celebrating kindness, teamwork and people who genuinely care about making a difference. The mockumentary style keeps every episode fresh, funny and surprisingly moving.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
After losing their fortune, the wealthy Rose family is forced to rebuild their lives in a tiny town they once bought as a joke. Packed with witty humour, lovable relationships and one of television's most satisfying emotional journeys, it's endlessly comforting.
Where to watch: Netflix
Love Ted Lasso's football spirit and underdog energy? Welcome to Wrexham offers the real-life version. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy a struggling Welsh football club despite knowing little about the sport, hoping to revive both the team and its community. Funny, uplifting and surprisingly emotional, the docuseries is as much about people as it is about football.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Friday Night Lights sets the inspiring leadership and emotional depth into American high school football. Coach Eric Taylor guides his players through challenges both on and off the field, proving that empathy and integrity matter as much as winning. It's more dramatic than Ted Lasso, but equally rewarding.
Where to watch: Netflix
Big Shot follows a disgraced basketball coach forced to rebuild his career by coaching a girls' high school team. As he learns empathy, patience and leadership, the series becomes a feel-good redemption story filled with humour and heart. Predictable? Yes. Enjoyable? Absolutely, especially if you miss Ted Lasso's uplifting energy.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Created by Ted Lasso co-creator Bill Lawrence, Scrubs blends absurd comedy with surprisingly emotional storytelling. Following young doctors finding their place in a chaotic hospital, it balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt lessons about friendship, failure and resilience. If you enjoyed Ted Lasso's optimism beneath the jokes, this remains a classic.
Where to watch: JioHotstar