Top 20 Ted Lasso Moments That Made Us Ugly Cry

When Ted left Kansas, he underestimated how much would change. Despite being away from his family, Ted maintains contact with his son Henry, who understands that his dad needs to see Richmond through the season. A playful conversation turns soul-crushing when Henry shows Ted his Infinity Gauntlet, saying he got it from Mom’s friend, Jake. Just as Thanos wiped out half of all life in the universe, this revelation breaks at least half of Ted’s heart. He tries to put up a chipper front, but on the inside, Ted is overwhelmed with sorrow knowing that Jake is probably spending more time with Henry than him. This moment marks the beginning of a turning point for Ted, who will soon have to make another life-changing choice.

Rebecca didn’t think motherhood was in the cards for her until she saw a psychic. After several premonitions come true, Rebecca decides that the fertility clinic might be worth a visit. She receives a call shortly after. While we don’t hear the doctor over the phone, the expression on Rebecca’s face says everything. Although she’s alone, Rebecca still tries to hide her disappointment behind a forced smile. She then calls Keeley, who doesn’t pick up, emphasizing that Rebecca has nobody to go home to. Rebecca doesn’t dwell on this news, figuring that having a child was always a long shot. Rebecca forgets that you don’t need to have a child biologically. Sometimes, one unexpectedly comes into your life.

Therapy helps Ted to address the trauma he’s been repressing since his father died. Ted isn’t the only one who’s been shielding pain behind a folksy midwestern attitude. When Ted’s mother Dottie spontaneously comes to town, Ted finally confronts her. Of course, he does this the Ted Lasso way. For every criticism directed at his mother, a compliment follows. While Ted loves his mother and appreciates everything she’s done for him, ignoring the tragedy that’s loomed over their family was her biggest mistake as a parent. Dottie owns up to her missteps, but takes this opportunity to tell Ted that he needs to be there for his son. They conclude that no parent is perfect. If you keep playing, though, you’re doing something right.

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.

When Jamie and Keeley break up in Season 1, she tries explaining accountability to him. Jamie doesn’t process this, although Keeley’s words finally get through to him two seasons later. Following an explicit video leak, some people act as if Keeley’s to blame. To Keeley’s surprise, Jamie is there for her when nobody else is. Jamie forgot to delete the video after they broke up. Keeley tells Jamie that this isn’t his fault since he wasn’t the one who made the video public. Nevertheless, Jamie feels that Keeley deserves an apology. When Keeley hugs Jamie, it isn’t just for providing comfort. It’s because he’s mature into somebody who understands that being accountable matters. Jamie might not realize how much he’s grown, but Keeley does.

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.

Colin finds that he isn’t alone after confiding in Trent about his secret. After Isaac learns the truth, though, their friendship begins to sour. We aren’t entirely sure what’s going through Isaac’s head until he confronts a homophobic spectator. As the team discusses what prompted this, Colin is compelled to come out. While the team is quick to accept Colin, Ted naturally goes the extra mile. In his own unique way, Ted explains they “care” that Colin is gay, but for all the right reasons. Although a weight has been lifted, there’s still one person Colin needs to speak with. Despite initially coming off as cold, Isaac cares about Colin most of all. Going forward, there’s nothing Colin can’t tell him.

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.

Mirroring real life, Sam enters a Twitter feud with Home Secretary Brinda Barot, who seeks to keep refugees out of the country. When Sam condemns her, Barot borrows a line from Laura Ingraham’s playbook. Sam calls Barot out for what she is, but their rivalry soon stretches beyond social media. Finding that his restaurant has been broken into and vandalized, it becomes clear to Sam that bigotry doesn’t end with Barot. Fortunately, Sam’s father is in town, providing a shoulder to cry on with wise advice. The team is there for Sam as well, wasting no time getting construction underway. Sam learns that there may always be bigots, but as long as there are people like this teammates, there’s nowhere to go but forward.

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.

Nate spends most of Season 3 regretting how he left things with Ted. Despite Nate’s past behavior, Richmond doesn’t hesitate to invite him back. Even Beard is willing to put his reservations aside as a thank you to Ted. Although all appears to be forgiven, the “Believe” sign’s absence serves as a reminder of how awful Nate acted. Alone with Ted, Nate unleashes the guilt he’s been carrying since leaving. While Nate’s redemption arc can admittedly come off as rushed and uneven, we’d be lying if we said watching him break down in Ted’s arms didn’t get us choked up. Even if the journey might’ve been bumpy, the closure point feels just right as Ted and Nate bond over the torn sign.

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.

Win or lose, Ted is ready to move on. Rebecca also appears ready to start a new chapter, but only if this is truly it for Ted. In a stadium of empty seats, Rebecca pitches the idea of Ted staying. Ted already knows his answer and, deep down, Rebecca always knew what he’d decide. She still had to ask. They share one last tearful goodbye at the airport where Rebecca tells Ted she’s decided to stay at Richmond after all. Rebecca might’ve hired Ted with the intent of destroying Richmond. Not only did this have the opposite effect, but Ted and Rebecca’s friendship would get them both where they needed to be. It’s a fitting farewell… until the next season, that is!

After retiring from playing soccer, Roy struggles to leave Richmond behind. While he makes for a highly entertaining sports commentator, Roy realizes that there’s only one place where he belongs. Deciding to take Ted up on his coaching offer, Roy leaves mid-broadcast. Adding to the unprofessionalism, Roy tells off his co-hosts, although even they seem to respect that he’s following his heart. Roy heads straight to Richmond where he’s greeted by a cheering crowd who missed him almost as much as he missed the game. It’s the sports equivalent of somebody rushing to the airport to declare their love for somebody. Just when you thought this couldn’t get any more like a rom-com, Roy throws in a “Jerry Maguire” reference.

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.

There were moments when even Ted struggled to believe. As he prepares for his last game at Richmond, though, Ted sees how unbreakable the team has become. After Ted previously ripped up the “Believe” sign as a motivator, the team reveals that they kept the pieces. Before heading out to the field, they reassembled the poster. This heartwarming display is a perfect metaphor for what “Ted Lasso” is all about. Belief is fragile and sometimes seems beyond repair, but when a team supports one another, there’s nothing that a little tape can’t fix. Like Dorothy, just because Ted is returning to Kansas doesn’t mean he won’t miss the friends he made along the way.

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.

Which “Ted Lasso” moment had you unapologetically crying? Let us know in the comments!