If Ted Lasso had come out in the 90s or early enough 00s it would have been a pretty typical situation comedy, and much better for it. Instead, it came out as the Icarus that is prestige TV has long reached is zenith and is instead plummeting back towards the ocean. As such, it took its cues from many very serious dramas that talk about very serious issues and have rich metatextual thematic landscapes. The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Wire, Atlanta, Fleabag, and perhaps worst of all Better Call Saul all popularized the very serious show that must be very serious at all times, even when it’s supposed to be funny. As a result a show about an American Football coach heading up a British soccer club had moment after moment of seriousness where it dealt with real issues and taught its audience important lessons about very serious topics. As a result, it ultimately fails to be the very serious art piece it desires to be and will not hold up to scrutiny. Bob’s Burgers is another show that history may need to assess for its television crimes.
© 2024 Dylan James Harper
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