Ted Lasso and Philosophy: No Question Is into Touch

by Marybeth Baggett (Editor), David Baggett (Editor), Tom Perkins (Narrator)

Ted Lasso and Philosophy explores the hidden depths beneath the vibrant veneer of AppleTV's breakout, award-winning sitcom. Blending philosophical sophistication with winsome appreciation of this feel-good comedy, the collection features original essays canvassing the breadth of the series and carefully considering the ideas it presents, including the goal of competition, mental health, sportsmanship, revenge versus justice, the importance of friendship, the imperative of respect for persons, humility, leadership, identity, growth, courage, journalistic ethics, belief, forgiveness, love, and just how evil tea is. In a nod to the show's many literary allusions, the compilation concludes with a whimsical appendix that catalogs the books most significant to Ted Lasso.

- Covers the full breadth of the original Ted Lasso series

- Explores every major character and all of the show's subplots and elements

- Written in the spirit of the show, with in-jokes that will appeal to fans

- Features an introduction that guides listeners through the book's materials

- Includes Beard's Bookshelf, a bibliography of the most significant books shown or alluded to in the series

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published August 27, 2024

About the author

Marybeth Baggett (PhD, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) is professor of English at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She is the coauthor of At the Bend of the River Grand and the editor of They Hummed of Mystery: Representations of Faith in the Contemporary American Novel.

Reviews

[Isaiah Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ted Lasso and Philosophy -

I happened upon this at the book store, while looking to read some ancient Greek philosophy. I quickly learned there was an entire genre of 'philosophy' books that outlined the philosophical topics inside TV and film. I thought this was a rather interesting perspective, especially considering I was just finishing up the Ted Lasso series.

I found the show, in general, to be very philosophical in Ted Lasso's optimistic, high energy, and neutral stance at life. I found myself thinking I wanted to embody aspects of the characters in this show in my personal life. This lead me to think it was a great idea to read this book.

Unfortunately, for me, this felt at many times more of a book report on the TV series more than a philosophical undertaking of what the show stood for. It felt like there were pages and pages of filler just quoting entire scenes in the series. I understand this is partially necessary to adhere to the proper context of when and where certain philosophical points were being made, but geeeeez did it drone on without any further context than what was seen in the series. Maybe this wouldn't be so highlighted if I had never, or not recently, watched the series.

Regardless, I found the book to further highlight those special moments in the show that resonated with me so greatly. Those being the following:
- The impact we have on others, and how positive attitudes can truly have a great rippling effect.
- Stoic behaviors such as radical acceptance, virtue, focusing on what is in your control, etc.
- Growth mindset and focusing on the present.

[Karen West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could spend all day, every day, watching Ted Lasso…and now reading about Ted Lasso. It was interesting to dive into the motivations…though I found myself skimming some chapters (I can’t get myself to care about the debate if we live in a simulation or not). I think a different format also would’ve helped.

[Tiffany Remsburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant to watch this show... however the show is incredible. this book is an awesome breakdown of all the little details and a deep dive into how each piece connects to our psychology and lives. I enjoyed reading it and seeing all the connections, deeper meaning, and knowledge unfold.

[Gemalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like watching the series for a fourth time but more profoundly now.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked The Tao of Pooh better

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: A collection of essays that either point out philosophical ideas within Ted Lasso, use Ted Lasso to teach philosophical concepts or more broadly use philosophy as part of classic art (TV?) criticism. 

I know about this book because of the online magazine, Christ and Pop Culture. I have been a reader for about a decade or so and a participant in their facebook discussion group for most of that time. Two of the members of that group were a married couple who taught philosophy and english. David and Marybeth Baggett have since left teaching and both started law school, but before they left they co-edited Ted Lasso and Philosophy.

Ted Lasso and Philosophy is a collection of twenty essays. With any essay collection, there is always some unevenness. But I think naturally when three different types of essays are included, any reader will have more attraction to a particular type of essay that they like more so this isn't as much about some essays being weaker than others as much as it is that some people will be attracted to different styles.

Personally I think I like the more classic art criticism essays that use philosophical reasoning to expose the depth of writing and acting in the series. That is related but not quite the same as the essays that are exposing philosophical ideas in the show. And neither of those are the same as the essays that are really 101 introductions to philosophical concepts that uses the show as illustrations for the concepts.

One example of the later is the chapter on Stoicism that uses Rebecca as an example of what a stoic believes or the exploration of whether or not Ted fits the definition of a Egoist or if Isaac is an example of the concept of Dao. Or if Beard's statement about the world just being an AI simulation is potentially true.

An example of the middle type would be an exploration of the concept of personal development (the Lasso Way) within the show. I think one of the better essays of the book is whether Beard or Ted is right about the role of winning and personal development in sports.

The chapter on how music is used in the show (chapter 13) I think is classic art criticism, while I think the chapter on the role of friendship in the show alternates between classic art criticism and the exploration of friendship through the lens of philosophy.

Generally, I think Ted Lasso and Philosophy was a successful book because it made me think about the show more deeply and made me want to go back and watch it again. Once I finished the book I binged the first half of the first season over a couple of days and I am going to keep watching the show, albeit more slowly, to prepare for the release of the fourth season. The book was clearly written after the end of the third season. It was published in December 2023. There isn't a specific release date for season four yet, but it is generally expected to release in the second half of 2026.

This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/ted-lasso-and-philo...

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar entry in the “and Philosophy” series, “Ted Lasso and Philosophy” is a delightfully serious dive into the philosophical bent that abounds throughout the acclaimed Apple TV+ series. The writers of the various chapters demonstrate their knowledge of philosophy, all in a way that is accessible to the less enlightened, while showing their unabashed devotion to Ted and AFC Richmond. The Stoicism chapter featuring Rebecca is particularly enlightening. Highly recommend this one.

[Naz Taghaddosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who adores Ted Lasso, this book was a delight. I just wrapped up another rewatch, and reading it definitely helped soften the pain of waiting for season 4.
It certainly isn't the most profound philosophy book out there, but it explores the show’s themes in the right way.

3.5/5

[Matthew Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. The chapters are brief. The topics are interesting.

[Hedrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very mixed quality in the essays. Some were excellent, but many were mediocre at best.

[Tim Chesterton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like popular philosophy and are also a fan of the TV series ‘Ted Lasso’, this book will be right up your alley.

It turns out that ‘Ted Lasso’ is not just a comedy about football; it’s also full of lessons about the meaning of life and the practical and emotional skills we need for daily living. This book explores these issues in twenty chapters written by a variety of authors, all of them engaging writers, and all of them well-versed in philosophy. By the way, don’t be afraid of that ‘p’ word; Aristotle and Nietzsche may be dense, but these writers are not!

I found the book easy to read and, for a Ted Lasso fan like me, hugely enjoyable. Four stars out of five.

[Eloise Thurier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book having enjoyed the TV show. I really like how the authors provided information about philosophical issues that the characters are involved with during the series.