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Why is Ted Lasso back, exactly?

Aug 10, 2026 · 1h 3m

Summary

TV critics Alan Sepinwall and Catherine Van Arsdale review the return of Ted Lasso, criticizing its fourth season for outdated themes, redundant character arcs, and a superfluous protagonist. They contrast this with a deep dive into Aaron Sorkin’s classic Sports Night, analyzing its rapid-fire dialogue and influence on his later work like The West Wing. The episode also features a personal anecdote about the joys and quirks of watching international television while traveling abroad.

Topics discussed

Introduction and podcast format explanation Patreon poll: workplace dynamics episodes The joys and quirks of international TV travel Ted Lasso history and criticism of seasons 2-3 Ted Lasso Season 4 review and plot analysis Sports Night origins and network conflicts Sports Night tone, laugh track, and drama Sports Night character dynamics and Sorkin style Next week's shows and closing credits
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