The Lasso Way. Sentimental Masculinity and Friendship in the Football TV Series Ted Lasso

Abstract

This article argues that Ted Lasso exemplifies how sentimentality can reshape masculinity and define the aesthetics of cozy TV. By staging emotional openness through dialogue, music, and visual warmth, the series constructs a collective ‘we’ that enables character development and team success. At the same time, the series critiques toxic masculinity by modeling compassionate leadership and imagining alternative forms of gender relations. Its impact extends beyond fiction: during the 2020 crises, audiences embraced the show as ‘comfort viewing’ and a means of emotional regulation, linking it to discourses of community and mental health. Ted Lasso demonstrates how sentimental narratives can subvert masculine stereotypes, foster resilience, and inspire visions of social change and belonging.