Top 10 Ted Lasso Moments That Made Us Ugly Cry

Ted recognized Nate’s talents when most wrote him off as a lowly equipment manager. It seemed like such a joyous moment when Nate got promoted to assistant coach, but this marked the beginning of his dark descent. Slowly but surely, Nate’s newfound position brings out his insecure, narcissistic, toxic side. This culminates with Nate tipping off Trent Crimm about Ted’s panic attack. Ted learns of this in the most impersonal way, through a text from Trent. The fact that Trent reveals his anonymous source speaks volumes about his growth as a character, but it also exposes Nate’s devious turn. Aside from the fear of what’s to come, the look in Ted’s eyes unearths the heartbreak of being betrayed by someone he thought was a friend.

Mirroring real-world struggles that still persist, Sam is left in a difficult position upon realizing that Richmond’s sponsor, Dubai Air, is polluting his homeland of Nigeria. This also puts Rebecca in a tough spot when Dubai Air tells her to fire Sam for boycotting an ad campaign. While Rebecca pushes back against the sponsor, Sam puts his career on the line by protesting Dubai Air on live television. Isaac and Winchester join Sam, but their cause isn’t limited to the team’s Nigerian members. As Jamie sets aside his ego, he finally learns the value of teamwork, encouraging the rest of Richmond to follow. Watching the team march onto the field in solidarity, it’s hard not to break down in tears of inspiration.

Ted’s friendly nature is his greatest strength and his one weakness. Ted is such a genuinely nice guy that he goes through mental gymnastics to avoid issues staring him in the face. It’s apparent that his marriage to Michelle is over, although Ted doesn’t want to admit this to himself. Even after he moves to another country, Ted believes there’s still life left in their union. It isn’t until Ted sees Michelle in tears that he realizes how much hurt she’s been repressing. Michelle isn’t in love with Ted anymore, but she still cares about him enough to put on a smile. As hard as Ted tries to tiptoe around the “D” word, the idea of Michelle being unhappy convinces him to let her go.

Although Ted agrees to the divorce, the reality of the situation doesn’t truly sink in until the papers arrive. He finally breaks down during a performance of “Let It Go,” which is usually an uplifting song, but its title hits too close to home for Ted. His hands uncontrollably twitch, he becomes short of breath, and the sounds surrounding him are drowned out. As Ted secludes himself in a bubble of anxiety, Rebecca of all people comes to his aid. It’s the moment that confirms Rebecca’s heart isn’t made of ice and that behind Ted’s chipper optimism, there’s a complex soul battling internal pain. As Ted walks home, our hearts break along with Rebecca’s, who begins to see the error of her ways.

Ted’s first major panic attack isn’t an isolated incident, but he remains in denial that he has a problem that requires outside assistance. He’s especially resistant when Dr. Sharon Fieldstone comes on board as the team’s psychologist. Sharon can tell that Ted is harboring something negative underneath the jolly persona that he’s maintained. Her suspicions are confirmed when Ted endures another panic attack. Sharon finds Ted waiting in her office, ready to make an appointment. Although Ted takes his first step towards acknowledging that he has a mental health condition, the vulnerable expression on his face is beyond disheartening. Even Sharon didn’t seem to realize how much Ted has been concealing and the walls are just beginning to crumble.

The Season 1 finale’s title says it all: “The Hope That Kills You.” Ted has spent the season earning the team’s respect and friendship. His positive energy proves infectious, giving Richmond and the audience confidence to believe that victory is impending. Although Roy suffers a devastating blow that solidifies the end of his time on the field, a win still appears to be within reach. Richmond celebrates too early, as Jamie makes an extra pass that nets his team the game. The one silver lining is that Jamie’s actions demonstrate his maturity as a team player, learning to not hog all the glory for himself. Unfortunately, Jamie is chastised by his father for sharing the spotlight, leaving Ted to act as a true father figure.

The death of Rebecca’s father summons mixed emotions. While the sudden loss hits Rebecca hard, she struggles to celebrate the life of a man who cheated on her mother. Even after Rebecca learns that her mother was aware of his infidelity, the anger she feels towards him remains. Although Rebecca agrees to deliver a eulogy, she’s at a loss for words until Ted arrives. Rebecca finds it easier to express herself through song, reciting one of her parents’ favorites. What’s often seen as a campy song becomes heartwrenching and almost solemn as Rebecca tears up through the first verse. With Ted encouraging the rest of the church to provide backup, Rebecca makes it through the eulogy in one piece and emerges a little stronger.

The first season was always building toward Ted learning why Rebecca hired him, but we didn’t anticipate how the truth would come out. A lesser show would’ve seen a third party let the cat out of the bag, creating a lasting rift between Ted and Rebecca. This show doesn’t go for the cheap shots, however. Encouraged by Keeley, Rebecca sincerely sees that her motives were wrong, tearfully confessing everything to Ted. We’re not sure whether to feel worse for Rebecca, who’s visibly overcome with guilt, or Ted, who finds out he was a pawn in a vengeful scheme. While Ted is hurt, he’s quick to forgive Rebecca, appreciating her eventual honesty. I might’ve started as a lie, but a true friendship has developed.

In one of the show’s most uplifting moments, Ted bests Rupert in a game of darts, revealing that he used to play with his father until he passed away. As life-affirming as this scene is, it takes on a darker sentiment when we later learn how Ted’s father died. As Rebecca grapples with the grief of losing her father, Ted tells Dr. Sharon about the day he lost his dad. An ordinary day became probably the most traumatic of Ted’s life as he found his father’s body following a gunshot. Suddenly, Ted’s history of panic attacks and repressed emotions makes more sense. Ted unleashes the anger, regret, and sadness that has been boiling inside of him since he was 16, needing a hug afterward.

Speaking of hugs, Roy and Jamie gradually work through their rivalry as Season 2 progresses. A turning point comes when Richmond loses to Manchester City, much to the dismay of Jamie’s father. Although this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Mr. Tartt mistreat his son, this public display of animosity pushes Jamie to finally strike back. The only thing more satisfying than seeing Jamie punch his old man is watching Coach Beard kick him out. The biggest surprise of all comes when Roy embraces Jamie, giving him permission to unleash the waterworks. As Jamie and Roy have a breakthrough, Ted is unable to stay in the room as memories of his own father are summoned. Ted’s influence on Roy is felt through this hug, however.