My favorite feel-good show is back
The Verge’s David Pierce welcomes the return of Ted Lasso for a fourth season, describing it as a reliably uplifting programme and noting that it has received generally positive reviews. He characterises the new season as a soft reboot, arguing that criticism of its lack of conflict and persistent optimism is, for him, a strength rather than a weakness.
The article is an instalment of Pierce’s weekly “Installer” recommendations newsletter, which also highlights Peak Design’s City Backpack range, Bose QuietComfort headphones, Nothing’s CMF Clip Pro earbuds, and Tony, a film about Anthony Bourdain’s early career. It also mentions Sunbird’s renewed attempt to bring iMessage-like messaging to Android, while cautioning readers to be particularly careful given the service’s previous security concerns.
In short
- Ted Lasso returns with a warmly received fourth season.
- The new season is presented as a soft reboot.
- The newsletter also recommends gadgets, bags and films.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Viewers and critics who value Ted Lasso argue that in an increasingly stressful world, a consistently uplifting programme has genuine worth. The show's strength lies in earnest character development, emotional sincerity, and its exploration of kindness and personal growth rather than manufactured drama. For its audience, this is exactly what they seek from television—a refuge that offers comfort without sacrificing depth or meaning.
The case against
Those sceptical of the show contend that television drama traditionally derives power from genuine conflict and obstacles that force characters to evolve. A programme that avoids significant tension or setbacks risks feeling emotionally lightweight or evasive about human complexity. The characterisation as a 'soft reboot' further suggests the show may be treading familiar ground rather than developing new territory, potentially limiting its ability to challenge or surprise its audience.
Explained simply
Ted Lasso is a comedy-drama about an American football coach who moves to England to manage a football club, despite having little experience of the sport played there. The series centres on his relationships with the players and staff, and on the club’s fortunes.
The Verge is a technology and culture publication, and David Pierce writes its weekly Installer newsletter, which recommends programmes, products and other things to explore. This instalment discusses Ted Lasso alongside gadgets, a film about chef and presenter Anthony Bourdain, and Sunbird, a company trying to bring iMessage-style messaging to Android.