No new series came into the Emmy Awards with more heat than Ted Lasso. And the Apple TV+ show, which picked up a stellar 20 nominations for its first season, delivered with four wins, including the top prize of best comedy series.
Hannah Waddingham won the first award of the night, for supporting actress in a comedy series. “The thing that’s charming about you, all of you, is that you don’t realize how wonderful you are,” she said to the Ted Lasso cast and crew in the room. She also gave a shout out to her co-star, Juno Temple, who was also nominated in the category during her acceptance speech. “There’s no Rebecca without Keely,” she said.
Moments later, Brett Goldstein won the next award, for supporting actor in a comedy. The actor, who plays Roy Kent, was up against his own co-stars, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, and Jeremy Swift. “I was very specifically told I was not allowed to swear,” he opened his speech, before swearing. “This cast makes me sick they’re so good,” he added.
All in all, Jason Sudeikis won two awards for both producing this hit series, and starring on the show. During his acceptance speech for lead actor in a comedy, he said, “This show is about family, this show is about mentors and teachers, and this show is about teammates. I wouldn’t be here without those three things in my life.”
Showrunner Bill Lawrence gave the acceptance speech when the show won for comedy series. “I’d most like to thank this amazing cast, crew, writers, staff… I am eternally grateful to be included in this, but the biggest thank you from this group is for the people who watch,” he said.
Three of the show’s helmers—Declan Lowney, MJ Delaney, and Zach Braff—were nominated for directing of a comedy series, but that award went to Hack’s Lucia Aniello. The series also came into the night with two writing nominations for the pilot and the “Make Rebecca Great Again” episodes, but that award also went to Hacks.
Ted Lasso also won three awards at the Creative Arts Emmys the previous weekend, for sound mixing, casting, and single-camera picture editing for a comedy series. The series has been a major success for Apple TV+, which earned its first Emmys last year.
Ted Lasso’s charmed journey to the Emmys began when the show launched in August 2020, and was greeted with glowing reviews and quickly became an audience darling. Many praised its warm and uplifting tone as a salve needed during the pandemic lockdowns. Sudeikis won the Golden Globe and the SAG Award for best actor in a comedy.
The show’s second season began airing on July 23, 2021, just ahead of Emmy voting, which can often give a show that’s been off the air a nice boost. And while the second season has been met with a more mixed reception, it had the biggest premiere audience of any of the streamer’s original content, according to Apple.
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