Believe: The Untold Story Behind ‘Ted Lasso,’ the Show That Kicked Its Way into Our Hearts

Egner, television editor at the New York Times, debuts with a loving oral history of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, in which an American football coach transforms the fortunes of a beleaguered English soccer team. Recollections from actors, producers, writers, and other personnel take readers behind the scenes. For instance, real-life English soccer manager Chris Powell discusses how he was brought in to make the actors’ gameplay look realistic, actor Hannah Waddingham recalls an emotional day filming a eulogy for her character’s father while her real-life father underwent open-heart surgery, and star Jason Sudeikis reflects on sticking by his commitment to a three-season arc for the title character even after the show became an unexpected hit. In interstitial chapters, Egner comments on the show’s influences (the second season’s father-son dynamics were deliberately modeled on those in the Star Wars franchise) and key episodes (he suggests character Nate Shelley’s redemption arc in season three’s “International Break” is a bit rushed, but representative of the show’s optimistic outlook). While Egner is willing to admit Lasso occasionally hit a bum note, the book’s tone is overall adulatory, celebrating the show’s uplifting message and rousing spirit. Fans will find plenty to cheer for. Agent: Rick Richter, Aevitas Creative Management. (Nov.)