Ted Lasso (Season 3)

Available on Apple TV+

Goodbyes are never easy, especially when they’re directed at people we love. And it’s fair to say that is how fans of this affecting series have come to feel about its characters.

Whether Ted Lasso’s presumed swansong proved to be a fitting one is a topic for debate, with its final episode managing to wrap up many, but not all, of the show’s narrative threads. For some, such as Jason Sudeikis’ titular protagonist, it was a near-perfect conclusion to a three-series arc that has demonstrated tangible development and admirably explored complex and timely topics such as anxiety and toxic masculinity.

The same can arguably be said for other key characters such as Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), who finally stepped out of the past and into her future, and Roy (Brett Goldstein), who learned what it means to be a true leader. Sadly, that’s not the case for the likes of Keeley (Juno Temple) and Nathan (Nick Mohammed), whose roles are impacted negatively by the show’s decision to pivot towards a more individualistic means of storytelling.

Nonetheless, when at its best, Ted Lasso remains a charming endeavour that can make you laugh and cry in equal measure, one that has a propensity to craft brave stories (such as Colin’s coming-out storyline) which are sadly not commonplace within the morally bankrupt industry in which it is set. More importantly, in an increasingly cynical world, this was a show that really could make you feel and, for that reason alone, I will miss it.