‘Ted Lasso’ star Jason Sudeikis called ‘self-absorbed fool’ for blaming fans over disappointing Season 3

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jason Sudeikis has a strong message for critics of 'Ted Lasso' Season 3: they’re missing the point.

Speaking out about the backlash to the latest season of the beloved Apple TV+ series, Sudeikis suggests that those critical of the direction it took “clearly don’t understand” the show’s vision and perhaps weren’t “an active participant” in the experience.

Jason Sudeikis says fans 'lost track of the point' in Season 3

In an excerpt from Jeremy Egner’s new book, 'Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way Into Our Hearts', obtained by TVLine, Jason Sudeikis explained his perspective on the show’s mixed reception.

According to Daily Mail, he argued that some fans “lost track of the point” because they didn’t fully engage with the layered storytelling.

Reflecting on the show’s journey and its final season, he feels confident that each character ended up “in better shape than when they started", responding to those who found the storylines scattered.

For Sudeikis, the show’s mission has always involved challenging its audience.

“Much like live theater, the show, especially Season 3, was asking the audience to be an active participant,” he noted.

In his view, some people embrace this approach, while others “want to judge—they don’t want to be curious".

Jason Sudeikis hits back at ‘Ted Lasso’ critics

Jason Sudeikis even referenced Coach Lasso’s favorite Walt Whitman quote, “Be curious, not judgmental,” as a core philosophy that guides the series’ storytelling.

Those unwilling to approach the show with curiosity, he added, are “not open to the experience of what it’s like to have” an imagination.

Egner’s book also mentions specific criticisms from what he calls “a small but hostile crowd of dissenters” unhappy with the separation of the core cast into different story arcs.

Viewers, for instance, found Keeley and Nate’s respective storylines “too diffuse and unfocused".

But to Sudeikis, these narratives were an essential part of the show’s growth.

“Everybody’s in better shape than when they started,” he said confidently, likening the show’s conclusion to leaving a campsite: “We left it better than we found it.”

"And if you don’t see that in that show, then I don’t know what show you’re watching," he said.

Will there be a fourth season of 'Ted Lasso'?

Reflecting on the reactions to 'Ted Lasso' Season 3, Jason Sudeikis remarked, “I’ll never understand people who will go on talking about something so brazenly that they, in my opinion, clearly don’t understand. And God bless ‘em for it; it’s not their fault.”

He stood by the show’s direction, expressing gratitude to those who fully immersed themselves in its journey, seeing beyond the surface and embracing the characters’ growth.

Despite criticism, Season 3 of 'Ted Lasso' went on to receive 21 Emmy nominations, a record for the show.

While the show’s future remains uncertain, 'Ted Lasso' might not be entirely over. 

A report from Deadline in August hinted at a potential Season 4, with Warner Bros Television reportedly picking up options for key cast members Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift. 

Fans slam Jason Sudeikis' 'condescending’ comments blaming them for Season 3's failure 

After Jason Sudeikis suggested that some viewers may not have fully grasped the show's deeper message, reactions poured in, many feeling his comments missed the mark. 

One fan chimed in, "No, Jason, no! Telling your audience they didn't understand the vision is so...weak and reeks of passive-aggressive intellectual snobbery. I liked season 3, not as much as the other two, but that's fine. It's the same as comedians that complain about people that don't think they are funny because they don't "get it" when maybe they just aren't funny. Really disappointed with is response."

Another added, "I reckon you didn't make the series for you to look at. You made it for people to watch. So whatever it succeeded or not is entirely up to the viewers."

Someone else noted, "It was a good show but it started to drag on. Fans like me lost interest."

A follower remarked, "Blaming the customer, in today's film and gaming industry that's now "the Way" (Mandalorian)."

One individual declared, "Oh goodie. Another rich actor telling us what’s wrong with us."

Another observed, "Unbelievable. Blaming the viewers."

A comment stated, "Jason we are your audience. Don’t test our patience or insult our intelligence. Season 3 was mid."

Another comment read, "He really is a condescending an arrogant-you know what. Well now I really HAVE lost my love for Lasso. I guess me and my lack of imagination are going to have to watch something better..."

"I've never seen the show because I find him boorish..I was right self absorbed fool," explained an individual.

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.