I have to admit I am not the biggest sports fan. I grew up watching the NFL, NBA and MLB, but over the years that dwindled down considerably. The last game I watched was probably the Super Bowl of 2022. I didn’t even attempt to watch this year’s offering and couldn’t even tell you who was playing. Athletic activities seemingly vanished from my life. The sports term “lost a step” perfectly describes how my attention has faded. Sports just don’t have the spark anymore.

However, I have recently found a new sports passion: Binge-watching the Apple TV+ series, Ted Lasso. For those of you who are not familiar with the show, it is the story of an American college football coach (Jason Sudeikis), who gets recruited to coach an English soccer team. The problem is, he has absolutely no background in the sport, making his hire a mystery.

Through the first two seasons, Ted learns the sport, wins over his players and tries to cope with his divorce. Even with all the adversity, Ted stays good-hearted, showing compassion and kindness to all he encounters. Ted is a shining example of being a utility player, as he takes on whatever role is needed for the situation, whether that is coach, friend or confidant.

In Season 3, Ted’s team, AFC Richmond, has earned its way back into the Premier League, though they are seen as the worst team, and have no hope of winning this season. Disheartened by this, it is up to Ted to use his coaching skills and general positive attitude to lift the morale of the team. Unfortunately, he learns his ex-wife has started dating again. The heartbreak is only furthered when Ted learns her new boyfriend was their marriage counselor.

Could this lead to more panic attacks, like those from Season 2?

You can never count out the team and their spirit. Zava (Maximilian Osinski), a star player in the league, chooses to join AFC Richmond. With Zava on the field, the team’s record improves to third place. As the star player makes waves, his ball-hog playstyle rubs other players on the team wrong, mainly Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), Richmond’s most controversial player. While things are great through the first three episodes of the season, cracks are starting to appear. What looks like a slam dunk for a successful year may soon lead to a sticky wicket that even Ted may not be able to save.

You may have noticed a lot of sports jargon in my previous paragraphs. I wanted to find a way to get my point across by using some of the best-known idioms I could find. And I don’t plan on taking the gloves off in my review of this season.

Ted Lasso is probably one of the most underrated shows on TV today. While the series is about a coach and his team, the majority of it takes place off the field. We get to see how Ted deals with the stress of his job, his marriage falling apart and panic attacks that threaten to destroy all of his hard work.

Throughout it all, Ted maintains this can-do attitude, which is truly amazing. He is always there for his team, from players to owners. Ted propels the team to be great, even while jumping through hoops to be seen as anything but a band of nobodies. This side of the show is its greatest strength, which is maintained through the first three episodes of Season 3. When Ted Lasso films its last episode, I hope it is picked up for syndication, clearing a path to become the G.O.A.T. of sports entertainment.

Because we have eight more episodes coming up, I am calling a Hail Mary, speculating on the rest of the season. I see Ted’s panic attacks returning, but this time actually leading to a health scare. With the heart of the team down, all the great progress Richmond has made will start crumbling. Jamie’s jealousy of Zava may lead to a rift in the team, with some players taking sides. With a fall from grace as great as their meteoric rise, fans will turn on Richmond and may go as far as blaming Ted for the failure. Under pressure to make changes, I fear that Ted may be relieved of all duties for the remainder of the season, and possibly permanently.

In a game of inches, Ted may have to take one for the team.

I’m very excited to see what happens this season on Ted Lasso. Apple TV+ has a hit on its hands that just needs to be seen by a larger audience to give it the respect it deserves. Three seasons in and Ted Lasso still has a sweet left foot. Without a doubt, it is one of the best sports-related shows available to watch.

If you haven’t seen it, get an Apple TV+ subscription for this one show. Every episode hits one out of the ballpark. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.