Jason Sudeikis on Becoming Ted Lasso: "I didn't want to snark out anymore"

Key Takeaway

Practice active listening today: in your next conversation, stop preparing your reply and focus entirely on what the other person is saying. Jason Sudeikis calls listening “an active form of kindness,” and credits it as the foundation of improvisation, collaboration, and less cynical comedy. Ask one follow-up question before offering your own perspective. This small shift helps people feel seen, improves your responses, and makes teams more creative and generous.

Episode Overview

Jason Sudeikis traces his path from Kansas City basketball and improv to Second City, Saturday Night Live, and the creation of Ted Lasso. He explains how listening, ensemble work, humility, and a deliberate rejection of cynicism shaped both his career and Ted Lasso’s unusually sincere tone.

Full Transcript

Transcript of Jason Sudeikis on Becoming Ted Lasso: "I didn't want to snark out anymore" from How I Built This. Auto-generated from episode audio; may contain minor errors.

Hello everyone. Kind regards please go to the big ones creators. I am Guy Raz, and here I am talking about creativity with some of the most famous actors , musicians and performers of our time. And today on the show Jason Sudakus about The meaning of Ted Lasso. So, if I were to ask to name you the most outstanding leading people on on television for the last, say, 20 years, you could remember James Gandalfini in the role Tony Soprano, Briana Cranston in the role Walter White or Jon Hamm in the role Don Draper.

And everyone they are antiheroes, aren't they Yes? I mean, we watched as these characters succumbed to their the darkest impulses. And sometimes we could not not to wonder whether there is We are in the same darkness. Well , Jason's character Sudakusa, Ted Lasso, is something like opposites. The series, of course, tells about trainer with American football, which hired to lead football team English Premier league, despite that he does nothing knows about this species sports. But here's what the essence of the show and the character .

Ted is sincere. Ted generous. Ted optimistic, no matter what. AND Above all, he is kind. He is really good. He is a character who, as and any good one coach, throws to you challenge and force ask yourself: " As far as I am concerned really good? How good am I? could be if just a little "Did you try?" Well, today on the show Jason tells about where it came from Ted Lasso and how he capable of being funny without being evil. And also about what did he learn about modesty from one's own very famous uncle- TV stars, and about the story of your journey from basketball player to comedy sports improviser, from " "Second City" to " Saturday evening at live broadcast".

IN in any case, first than we start, here's what you need to know about Jason. He grew up in the suburbs near Kansas City, but its world always been a little bigger. Firstly, in he was close to him relative, as I already am remembered what it was very famous a TV star like you you will find out soon . In addition, his mother was a tourist agent that allowed Jason a little to get out of the house and see new places. I always joked that thanks to my mother, who worked travel agent, and to the father-subscriber on Playboy, I had early access to the internet.

It was something like, you know, uh, and this too made me incredibly open to where we are we want to go, but, probably less narcissistic, you know, because she said: "Hey, we're going here, we're going there." And this is a trait that I have father, but also every time she I went because I grew up in at home, where mom is, was probably absent more often than the father, you know, in typical situations. And she left a detailed route, for example, that's when classes with dancing, that's where are ending training with basketball, here you go What time are they?

should be at school. Although it was every day the same thing, you know , it was recorded. AND she, you know, brilliant at this, still shiny. You grew up, uh, mostly in Overland- Park, Kansas, e- uh, suburbs of Kansas- City. And I know that, um, your uncle George Vent. And when you studied in high school school, high school, this was the peak of his fame. That is, it was then, when "Cheers" was the biggest show on television. Are all knew he was yours uncle? Yes. Everyone knew that his name is associated with my name.

Yes. To some extent...Yes. Because...Yes. I would said, in the third class, in Miss's class Erson, I remember, he came to speak in front of the school, and this was exactly what he came to speak before your school. Yes. I just came, because he was in the city, you know, like, um, you know, I have, um, you know, a few uncles and several aunts. Um, and Yes, Kansas City. you know, right? in the middle, just behind hour flight from Chicago, where she lived most, although George and, um, his wife Bernardet were here in Los Angeles, or in Los Angeles.

I am now in New York. But, hmm, yes , what it was, was a big deal. But also, it wasn't it seems like that some one came sports star, or someone from, for example, university...I I just remember how Miss Arlington was very excited, Do you understand? Because she was, you know, adult and, and "Hurray", whereas, you know, incredible, you know, funny, good written, with good cast, and all this happened in bars, so most the children did not understand humor, right? But I had this. a feeling of enthusiasm, what people felt every time he came in, and he was so built-in greetings, as when people called him wrong name, Do you understand?

For example, you enter the room, people say, "Norm!" People have always been very , very happy to see him when we go somewhere went out. This was before, you know, mobile phone or smartphone. So this is was not a picture, picture. Very often it was, you know, people just wanted to buy with them beer or just to say hello, you know, people don't were running around with cameras in pockets. So, it was about about, you know, hello , how are you? And he studied at college in Kansas City, so in he was there, you know, people.

He studied at Rocker College, you know, um, a couple semesters. So he knew this city well. AND barbecue, you know, will force anyone to be happy about arriving at Kansas City. You were an athlete in childhood, adolescence, Did you play basketball? in high school. Or was some, that is, for a long time parts of your studying in high school school and even, you know when you left to the local college to play basketball, or someone said at the time you something like: "Oh , Jason, he will become actor.

This is the one the guy who will be filmed on on television and in cinema , were you like that, What was your image like? yourself and what you are perceived as athlete and basketball player. I would...I would assume that people, of course, knew my schoolmate trainer. I think it is It was driving me crazy. that I was like, uh, executive, whatever was my style of playing basketball, like this as refined as a hot dog, Do you understand? And when you look back and you think: "How, how can I ended up on this work, you know?" "And two major influences were like my uncle George, you know, oriented, and mine Aunt Bernardette, and travel through Druge the city, and my parents were enthusiastic " to walk and look at things," so be there.

And then see how George and Verne kept theirs, you know , humanity and modesty, and, you know, connection with family, and where they came from and Where, where are they now? are located. Uh, to play sports and to have a group of boys, who laughed at each other They were joking with each other, and yes, play in such a styles like never before throw easy passes, you know. I mean that I grew up loving, you know, Magic Johnson, but also loved Pete Maravich from A gun and, you know, passes similar to Bob.

Yes. Yes. I have on mind if I could to pass through the legs, you know, just like that, I would do it; and, you know, that would drive you crazy some coaches. But I had a lot of opportunities. play in the summer league, where the rates were not as high as, for example, in school basketball ". where, you know, you trying to get through to some tournament state. And here, you too there just wasn't a coach who usually shouted at you. Usually it was the guy who was on 5 years older than you, you know, the kind that loved it.

You know, for this was for me AAU basketball clubs Hoops, it was just a little opportunity to play a fun game way, because it was simply, I mean , I trained like crazy, throwing these passports. It wasn't that. that I was just throwing them away, you know, in those days. I threw more passes than back against the wall, knife, you know, any to a person. So, you, I mean , you, I mean, Looking back, you were already of a kind performer, as basketball player, but you actually started improvise.

Yes, in high school you visited, um, drama class in your high school. Yes. What , what, what, what are you thought that this was it, what I want...I did it, because, well, I knew that I I like it because I loved to go to different measures, you understand? And in I have two younger ones. sisters, that's why I didn't play in basketball, and then, Finally, when I moved to comedy, if you want, in particular to her, I always tried to play with boys older than me, you know, to be the worst on the site.

You know, had to play, you know, keep up , to catch up. The same concerns me friends with whom I eventually got involved this case under called "comedy" sports" in Kansas City. It was something on like a competition with improvisations, whose it is replica, but all this is done for entertainment. This is something like professional wrestling in that sense that no one tries to nobody to offend, no one angry, I hope, that is not. if, if yours, if yours improvisational game loses to another team. And yes, this is there was a red team against the blue team.

We were sharks and by airplanes, you know, like, uh, but before that , you know, just loved to walk to watch different things. I feel strong. connection with the character, I forgot his name, maybe Mike in Chorus, you know, the song "I can do it" to do", you know, I watching Cisco Pun said, "I can do this to do". For me it is there was no dance, but this it was like, oh my God, what if I had enough courage to rise to go there and sing?

And I never did that , you know, until much, much later in life, it I was, you know, on early 20s. But, uh, but yes, I loved a little this, this escapism, this this is mentoring, this is, you know, people like, you know, Gene Hackman, Rob Williams, Tom Hanks, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Bugs Bunny, how to watch these, you know, usually, you know, like in any situation with representation, to watch these men, you know, you know, Axel Foley, character, you know, Eddie Murphy as tell the truth to the authorities, how to be smart as to win a girl, any of those things that generation ahead felt for Carrie Grant or Humphrey Bogart, you know, and so on.

So I knew it was me. pulls. Hmm, what do I mean? were you still studying at colleges to play in basketball. Yes, in college. Of course. Of course. Still, but I have to mind you, you know, you all You still play basketball. So, this...But this It didn't last long. And you, probably was a little strange as an athlete in a team with these the guys you're with, probably friends, but in You were also different. life, like improvisation and attending classes from improvisation, and, um, it was probably a bit strange in a way , certain to a certain extent.

I know, I know. You know, you know, bless you caress their hearts, you know, people who... Uh- uh, I didn't have any such experience, because it was part of the family, you know, situations that was like that, yes, I had there was a family that worked in this field , but also family, which supported me. And you know, my Mom took me. look at Laha waterfall, how touring company or an opera fan, etc.; if you don't have access to art, or if you don't grew up in a family that had access to art, then yes, it would seem deviation, this it would seem unusual, but for To me it was all I had.

ever knew. AND my group of friends consisted of extremely supportive, wonderful funny, smart young men. I I mean, this is on 100% embedded in DNA the conversations we write on behalf of the players. And I made friends with athletes. I made friends with people from the bands. These boys and girls just absorb, you know, media like cinema, television and music, really have strong creative, thoughtful, uh, feelings, philosophy and thoughts about them. And you know, this everything from me. Having happiness to grow with friends I had, at least tend towards them, they gravitate towards me.

And so, ensemble art , if you want, improvisation, sketches, comedy, creation television TV series and movies not so much for me differs from, you know, team games. You know, it's funny. IN I am a reflector. reaction to your use of the word " athlete, because it has such a negative shade. Has something on like pushing children in the hallway or pushing them in lockers, etc. And this just not the way, You know what I used to be like... I remember something. Uh, and definitely not my group friends.

We were like that, you know, good guys . And so, and, and then one day when I went to that class with oratorical art and debate, in the Midwest it was called forensics. AND then I watched for this whole group smart children who also supported me as an athlete, but they were also a little, you know, puzzled by this. And that's never. Yes. never. I always felt welcome guest in both groups, I don't care either. liked both things, and then in some moment, you know, I I remember how was traveling along the road in college and received a slap in the face, and that it wasn't like that, well, it wasn't like that , well, I'm not like, well, like Leo DiCaprio.

This is not it. that my face is my earnings or something like this. This is not what I am. male model, but I I just remember how I thought: what is this? The ultimate goal, Jace? What are you, just will you get injured or something like that? And I too, it seems lost his attractiveness for, you know, trips to basket or just physical contact with all of this. And it was at that time I've been like, every time went home on weekends, so that every Wednesday evening watch a comedy sport, so that, uh, an hour and a half there, an hour and a half ago, borrow a car a friend to go to rehearsal so I can to do this, you know, this transition from sports to comedy with this thing that is called comedy sport.

When you, uh, when you decided to Quit college and move to Chicago and engage acting skill...er...or ...I mean, Obviously you had... your uncle George was a famous actor, but Did they support you? Are these your parents? I have meaning that it is enough risky move, or wrong? Very rare people say: "I I'm going to quit. college and do acting career skills, simply try to figure it out. 100%. No, they...I have to mean under them support. Yes. I have in mind the easiest way, but I also, you know, yes, I dropped out of school, I lived in the basement then.

parents. I studied at local college, literally in 10 minutes ride, against, you know, an hour and a half later Highway 69. I bought a drum installation before by car, because my mom traveled a lot, so I could do a lot to use it by car, you know, and she just left her, and...uh...so I have never had a car , and I guarantee you that they are very were worried. I have on Mind you, I know I would... I know what I would be if I was able...to make them better empathize now , but I was like worked at Blockbuster Video.

I worked at grocery store the store, and, you know, in Kansas City. In Kansas City. Yes. to moving to Chicago. But then, having moved to Chicago, I lived with grandmother in the south side. Uh, it's me, Michael. George let me use the car that he and his family was kept in this house on lake in Michigan. Um, and, and then, yes, I just me, so that I don't it was necessary to pay rent, I needed just pay, you know, for gasoline. And I worked at Banana Republic on Michigan Avenue, and I just spent every night in Chicago, you know, because in order to pay for the lessons, I underwent an internship.

I worked, you know, in, in, um, in, in different places, and then you can was free watch the show. And I just walking look, you know, four to five hours show every night, with incredible cast, and , um, you know, on Second City main stage , or with people who were...engaged long-format improvisation, or by the "Annoyance" theater, where they showed really interesting street performances, and I was just a sponge, you know. It was any What time is it when I, probably anyone of mine age, spent time on classes or parties, You know, in college, I...

I did it in the north. Chicago. We had, um, several guests on the show, who really started his improvisation in Chicago, Seth Meyers, Ike Baron Holtz, Stephen Colbert and I gave them all a variant of this question, and no one maybe exactly answer. I definitely I can't, but how about you? Why do you think Chicago became such a source talents around improvisation? Why, why, because there are a lot improvisational theaters that have become really famous in Chicago. I mean Amy Polar, all these people came out of Tina Fey in Chicago.

Yes. Amy Polar was in New York, but started there, you know, grew up in the area Boston, and then moved there. It... Wherever you go, I will go too. I think, I mean, I will try to answer. additionally. I have on Mind you, I'm improvising. I , me, but me too tried to think about this earlier. And, and in you are not the same pressure like in New York and Los Angeles. On- The first is, you know, a little cheaper to live. You know, Miller Light, you know, in my time would cost three dollars compared to N dollars per coast.

So, you know, there, uh, I sure that it was something similar with milk . Hmm, but I I like it, but I I think it was...I always felt that The main thing is work, and neither a journey nor a destination appointment, Do you understand? And, you know, What show do you want, what listening to you you get, you know, this, type, such pressure. AND you know, even more so Los Angeles. In New- York thinks that in it has a soul artist, and they are are connected with it, but in Chicago is, like, this.

Yes. this worker team, you know, felt it, and, um, it was the only thing I could do to come up with. And you too, um, you know, do you have something , which has existed since 1959 and has everyone, you know, amazing graduates. You seem to those you carry with you myself, at least I had such. I am not felt that trying to impress these people, alive or dead the dead, uh, you know, related or not. You just wanted to, um, to honor what they are built, and try, you know, add to this.

You know, it's the same thing as did you feel when worked at Saturday Night Live. You know, it's like, oh, you are part of something. AND it's just the Second City , but the whole city has it. I mean the theater. Goodman, Stephen Wolf , you know where Mamemoth is, you know, they wrote " "Sexual persona" in Chicago. Like, this the city just has this experience, what I think, if the weather hadn't been like this...how terrible it didn't sound right during, you know, 5-6 months of the year, I think, that the whole world would live in Chicago.

I believe that This is a wonderful city. You finally got role or gone work on, uh, Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. IN We were, as I already said. remembered, Seth Meyers and, uh, Ike Baron Goltz were also part of...You were there when Seth was there Myers. This is what I still have I can't understand. It Chicagoan improvisational the team that started in Amsterdam etc., and it really is the place where you meet, for example, with Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly, and the people, which, you know, you then shape it so that create Telaso, about which one will we talk about a little later, but, uh- there are, yes, we all are met in Chicago at different times, but that's where we all are as if united.

Yes. Yes. And because it's something like meeting with someone from your school after graduation schools in the city you are going to both moved. It ...like you, here starts instantly filming, you know? We, we, we, you know, English speakers in this, you know, American, you know, theatrical companies in the middle this, you know, interesting one countries from many reasons, not even the most obvious in in many ways . And so, you and you you are one of one. You are on one. side, you know what you would didn't do it, you're together on the stage, and it is so, it is quickly forms a connection , again, as sports team.

Me I wonder what improvisation made for your brain, or wrong? Because you don't... it's not what you studied at Yale theatrical conservatories, as Sigourney Weaver studied there, or, you know, you studied in medical institute to become doctor, as if you studied this, speaking. But I imagine that this something like that that it is difficult. You need to come up with comedy, because I saw it some of your work earlier. in your career. There is one, hmm, which you did, uh, " "Blind Line", which I saw, and he is very funny; you just collect the sheets paper, what viewers are throwing to the ground, and you just perform a sketch, based on this word.

But to get to I think this is for you. need reprogram your brain like this in a way to be able to thinking so fast. I no...so maybe I just lucky that this just gave me repetition, so that do it. I could, you know, in this way, and then I just found a place where, you know, you don't received fines and punishments for this. They gave you, you know, well , you also didn't get paid actually on that one moment, but I just loved doing it, and I loved people who did.

Um, and also, you know, most of people who were nearby, and just such energy . I sincerely think that this related to both the nature of the family, in which I was born, yes and from...the upbringing that I received from, you know, the friends I had, and supported, you know. Um, and then everything came down to teaching. Sometimes it is just applies vocabulary. It's something like: " Okay, here's what I do. ". And then the teacher says: "Oh, it's called strengthening or, you know, searching for a game scenes.

"And you don't know this, until someone gives you have a dictionary stock. And sometimes vocabulary just helps you get access up to this point, until this set of skills again or do that, What would I, you know, said that's enough a broad term, but he helps to make invisible visible. It provides method to madness. So , yes, I and and, and you don't you know. This is one of mine. favorite things, and I I don't watch it anymore, but I know in the early stages like American Idol, What do you know that there is one?

young girl with Oklahoma by name Carrie Underwood. Oh, this good name. And then she doesn't know what's in it there are. And this is one of the topics our show. It's like you You don't know what you have, until someone comes and won't say, "Hey, you you may be able to, you You can be good at PR, Key Jones, you know », says Rebecca Weldon. "And that's why people did it on this way. And, and, um, and yes, with every job you do you get, you don't you can get rid of the feeling that it's someone, you know, wants you to did well.

No one , no one hires you to please you, You know, you failed. They want you to sometimes earned money life, you know, from their name. Yes. But also with understanding that if you do the right thing to do the right moment for myself, it's simple it feels good that this will go into the universe, you know, and it doesn't always have to to be obvious in entertainment industry. But if you do something, to What do you have a talent for? you don't care, you you don't hurt anyone harm by doing this, then yes, whoever wanted this, you know, for someone?

Tell me I have a little about what happened in your life when you were about 25, because you returned from Amsterdam. You moved to Las- Vegas to open, um, um, Second City in Las- Vegas, right? Hmm, and, hm, are you there sometimes performing in..." in front of very small audience, but, um, but I read that in that you are very good tensed up, like... Yes, anxiety and stress, that is...it seemed that you know what you led the "Second city". So what happened? Yes, that's a good question.

Yes, I have. developed, um, something like miniature version alopecia, you know? I remember, and it was somehow...that is, you look here, but it was like right on my chin the size of ten cent coin , as if the hair is just stopped growing there, and I thought, "What's that?" "What's going on?" I went to the doctor, and they said to me, "Oh, we think you have this thing, alipia". I said: "Oh, okay, how "Get rid of it?" "No. maybe she herself "Where is she from?" "Well, we didn't we know".

I thought: "Oh ", God, you know." I'm like: "Am I really going to die?" "Well, you "You'll die." I...No, I had meaning: "Soon"; I I know that we all we will die, but...and then, Yes, they gave me some steroid ointment, uh, smear it, and it I did apply it. Finally, she is back. turned white, and then became again normal, and then from time to time began move. And I think, what was that...it was like body, like our cars, you know, they creak... the brakes are squeaking, you know how...or, you know, it's like says to you, "Hey." « Take a look at some things, I tried this to investigate, I think, probably me.

I think maybe I should have stay in Vegas only for 6 months, and then mine, mine, uh, The girl was taken to work, you know, her My name is Kay. We are together worked in Amsterdam. Then her were hired, and then after 3 months after that happened 11 September. And now this like, oh my God, like doomsday. You know, all this fear that we both felt uh, from the inside, but then it all depends from your sources news you read, and you know, we heard that the kidnappers were in Las- Vegas about 2 weeks ago.

And that was it. just like that crazy. And yet in we were sold out, uh, the hall that night. We gave two concerts that night of September 11th. AND it seemed to give you the feeling it gives gives you a purpose, gives you something , you know, uh, what to do in the evening, besides just watch, you know, CNN or something like that. Uh, and between participating in this show and viewing, you know, Sax in the City, those ..." this gave us, you know, space and peace, and a little optimism and hope, e- uh, beyond what we have everyone, you know, had business, er, on that one moment.

And I just I feel like, uh, you know, this place really allowed me I mean representatives, I have meaning that directly from Malcolm Gladwell, as if it were 10,000 hours. This was my club. "Cave". It was all our club "Pechera", you know. I finally 2 years left 9 months, you know, and this, uh, changed my life , and it was more than just learning in colleges. Now this it was similar to postgraduate studies, because we need was to deserve this audience. We must were to find their own voice, you know.

I think , and, I think, to be far from the center Chicago's Second City, although we were returning there because Kay was from Chicago, and my parents went there every day Christmas, and we went check and look, for example, concerts on the main stage stage etc., show and all like this. This allowed just like that: Yes. You almost, almost, you know, interrupted the acting playing with yourself or, or, as influence...and it seems I found it your own occupation. But yes, I think so. all this stress, anxiety, and perhaps desire to do more, or thoughts about whether I can more dates, appeared, and leukocytes attacked my hairy ones follicles.

You know, this as if you see it constantly, and we, I was more, I calmed down, realizing that this more common with people, because I thought, that this is unusual. But then I started to remember, oh, and Mike Tyson, you know, you seen this more often in, you know, African Americans, because their hair is not likes to fit in. So you saw this in Rashid Wallace, you saw how lacking a piece of hair, you know, Mike's Tyson, and these guys much stronger than me. So I thought: "Okay, so we're all from "This is what we are facing." "AND again, these are the ones small manifestations that we, you know, you know, as if we are dramatizing in " Teddy Lasso, or Higgins, his guttural sounds, or Nate's gray hair, you know, you know, during this, you know, the second season, when he does this internal shift.

It these external things, on which your body just trying to watch , look at this husband. Hey, hey, dude. Look at this. And you know, I've been... I haven't looked for a long time. But, you know, you were, um, me interesting, I mean , you were finally accepted work. You have been invited. for audition. You were hired, um, no in order to be member of the cast composition, and to be screenwriter in "Saturday Night Live. AND I am right before Did this happen, you or me?

I have to assume that in you had ambitions that, you know, to be by the artist "Second City" in Las Vegas was not the ultimate goal. what are you somehow wanted to break through and have, you know, the possibility..." to do something on a larger stage. Or was this the reason anxiety, for example, the feeling that I never I won't achieve this? Not quite. Not consciously. Honestly, I always put before themselves tiny goals. I wanted to receive weekly salary, you know, and although it wasn't true a lot, you know, compared to, well, you know, others with works and shows business, but it was successively.

Me liked what we did. I felt big responsibility, knowing that this is probably will be the only show that will see a lot people from the West coast, show Second city. AND most of my we are staying there did an archive show, that is, we did it alone from the best sketches. So you do old things Chris Farley sketches, Tina Fey, you know, sketches by Cole Barr and Carella. And I just was very proud of this, Do you know? It was similar. on how to dress, you know, basketball Kansas jersey, university college or the Celtics, you know what anything, anything .

Great, you know, something. like the shape of " Yankees". Um, and maybe I was too, you know, in this regard. And this was what made me had to work out, to learn and be more open to, you know how you are, how you are help the situation ? Um, and again, I I don't think I was there. this is the best, and, uh- uh, but how are you, how are you help the situation without requiring from more people than Are they ready or willing? give, you understand?

And, uh , yes, I am, the essence. This is not seemed real until the appearance of Seth. Seth was the first person with of our generation, which went through this. You know, before that, if I don't cheat. memory, it would be like Horatio Sanz and Rachel The threads that were similar for senior students, you know when I was freshman in, you know, Chicago experience. And they were legends. I have on mind you, they were the two funniest people. I ever saw. I mean, they are still funny, but here's who gets in on SNL.

Tina F. Yes. Yes. Yes. This makes those who gets in. Uh, yeah then I knew about everyone incredible people, which did not make it. AND then this happened, that you never Do you think this is will happen. And then I I remember clearly. Jeff Richmond, uh, who wrote, you know, all the music for 30 Rock, incredible director in Second City, uh, also, you know, Tina's husband Fay. Uh, but for me, you know, Jeff Richmond is coming to Vegas, watches the show and says: " Have you ever thought about listening on SNL?" And I'm like, " Wait, what?" "You know, type, and this...I have on I mean the metaphor that I used, this is something like: "You know, the most beautiful girl in the school you are talking about you say: "Oh, she's like that arrogant, and it's like: oh, really, because she "in love with you." She knows that you What is that?

Because in this moment, I think it's in within any comedy snob, You know, there is no way. love SNL. I think so too. I think SNL is definitely flourishing thanks to this hostile. It, definitely something more than just some kind of individual genius. And I think Lauren I would also admit it, because even this is the same survived, even when he was out for 5 years. Do you understand what I mean? AND still I think that partly it's people, You know, it's simple. set the bar.

It there was a shelf for things , which ones do you like, don't like, you know, Do you have an opinion about the game? It ...uh, and yet this again vibrates, and this is one of those things you hear about certain, you know, football teams. You know, "Football is better." in European football. So football better when " Manchester United" plays well. You know, when, when, when " The Yankees are playing well, it's better for baseball . And when SNL breaks down asses, it's better for comedies.

Hmm, and that one moment I thought: "Ah, they don't work for me "like". And what else more importantly, they would never have me fell in love, you know, and then, you know, I understood that was wrong about both. You have was something like opposite opportunities than in Seth Meyers, because he was hired as actor, and then he became a screenwriter. You hired as screenwriter, and then you became the main one player in the show for two years, before you became the main player. IN you were there from time to time episodic roles, but you mainly wrote for others, for others votes.

Hmm, what are you learned about comedy that made you are better at it than this time? Because I know that, probably you watched people on stage and, probably thought: "I I really want to, I want to to be in this". scene or I want to be in the show. Yes, that was advice, which Tina gave her for beginning, for example, don't write something for someone else that you You can do it yourself. This will bring you down. mind. And I remember, how did you follow this advice, while in some I didn't write the moment.

something like a sketch Dr. Phil. Um, and, uh- uh, for a guy named Jeff Richards, who played well Dr. Phil on the show, and, uh, I felt it when he I did it. thought: "Oh, and that was the first time I do this did." "And you know how and with many things, eh -eh, Tina Fey had radio. And, you know, sometimes it was necessary, you know, get out of home, prodigal son, to return and turn. Um, but that's all you you know, getting such an opportunity, me lucky that the first I received a sketch last week.

. Next week I, uh, got another sketch . The third week I was in a monologue, putting question. It seems in the fourth week I wrote a piece of work from Robert Smigel, you know, something about kind of release weekend. So I have was a crazy run, and that first month after Justin Timberlake, Jack Black. Yes. I have on mind you, yes. I have on Attention, wonderful presenters, you know, it was the first once when Justin ever been the host, and he was so comfortable. But these kids from Mickey's Club Mouse is, you know, artists of the 40s.

They can dance tap dance. They know how focus. They they know how to incredible. Uh, just, uh, and then I forever Winfrey admired. As if I did nothing received. But what..." I loved very much, very much loved and always I would love a room for rewriting. When you are taking the wrong thing impression of the character Maya, the character Fred, and then your brain just clicks on these voices, and you trying to write for them, to support them, and it's just me I love it. And you are sitting in this room, and us first encouraged, such as: "Hey, just listen, You know, you don't want to.

to be annoying, in basically, you know, and and, uh... And I went there- here between the rooms for rewriting Dennis McNicholas, who was on the ninth, and then Tina was on 17 , and I was transferred from both. And I remember how in the beginning, you know, muttered a few jokes, you know, it was a little, you know, shy and timid. And then Tina like this: "What was that?" "This great, let's go let's do this, "and then she, you know, took her pencil and said : "Wow," and then "You're starting to joke." And yes, it was simple.

yes, I just wanted to to feel yourself useful, you know, I... the only way overcome the syndrome the impostor that I am I definitely felt it. especially because I I thought more about myself. as about the performer than as a writer, who was hired You know , Seth was incredible a great writer with Jump, you know, like, although he was hired as actor, I mean , he, you know, is very- very special in in this regard, I had, uh, and he did it also in Boom Chicago.

uh, I understand . But yes, I, uh, I just trying not to lag behind. You felt that you were not who you are I felt that you were not so smart or as smart as the others writers you I saw it there. No, I have to mind you, I don't know if it's was the same it is important how, again yes, this is knowledge...all of it people who had this work before that, hmm, who could not hold her back, or maybe I heard rumors that they are I don't like it, and, and, and they were wondering question: "Is it really me, I Do I really have to be here?

»"Do you know if it's really Do I belong here? Or I can really do this. make? When they Am I being sniffed out? You know, I don't unpacked boxes in his apartment, which I bought, I didn't buy, I rented for three blocks from here, on in case I eat I'll be useful at the last minute. a second. You know, we are from my partner on that moment, she originally lived in Los Angeles Angeles or Vegas, you know, stayed in show, and then worked in Los Angeles Angeles, you know, for, you know, this Kennedy.

Yes. For, um, for acting purposes. So I, you know, uh, a lot of work, you know, I met that. show, and every joke was childish, you know, this gave you life power and did all this worth it. Um, and yes, because you just didn't want to to rest again on laurels, or or or resume, or or uh, but it was out of place , it was out of place fear. I just I really liked it. You know, I don't tried..." No lag behind. And yet, it was a great group, to which I came as, you know, andersman, if you want.

Hmm, but it only prepared me to be part of really incredible, you know, generation, part which one, as far as I'm concerned I think so. lucky to be. You know, I'm looking at your career up to Ted Lasso, about whom we'll talk in a moment , but there is something that, in my opinion, opinion, really common. There is a common a trait in the way you Are you playing, or like Vance, dancer behind Keenan Thompson, who so funny, right? you know, a character from two idiots, or then you play like Mitt Romney.

One of mine favorite sketches on SNL was about Mitt Romney who drinks milk and everything gets drunk more often milk. It's simple. so funny. But what unites them all, this that your comedy is not is evil. Like Mitt Romney couldn't watch this and laugh at this and not to be offended, you know, or, you know what it is... was especially cruel, isn't it? Hmm, and I wonder if it was deliberate. I have I mean, you, obviously. , from the Midwest. Is there any sincerity, you know, and in in a good sense, in the world in which you grew up, but I I wonder if it's always like this was realized in your head about how you did comedy.

Not consciously. Not consciously, but I, but again, desire not just to make you laugh people, but to be close to people who made me laugh, leaves you open to...I don't I think you can. Just as they say in basketball, which is not can be trained height, I don't think so you can train savvy. What are you can you encourage people do, this listen. Listen. People like: "How, how" you achieve, you know, speed? ""Listen." What's the secret? improvisation? "Listen . I like it, girl. Listen, You know, just listen.

And I think that listening —this is kindness, this active form kindness. Real, real listening. I I mean, you're the one you earn a living, isn't that right? You know, there is research that you you spend, but there is also that part of you is here, which is open to everything, wherever I take you did not give answers . Will I forget yours? question, while I'll finish the sentence, and we Let's start with you. Listen, you're here. Boom, You are in the pocket. And it's like that's the whole point, you know, and so and so for circumstances that, maybe, does a little more comedy, you know, a little kinder .

Uh, but this, but I just, you know, me always wanted tell the truth the authorities, you know, like here why I love Axel Foley. That's why I love Fletch. That's why, you know, you...that's why you "Love John" Mlan, you know. Well, you know, although technically it is not comedy, he's like always fighting for little boy, uh- eh, but he's trying to win, you know, to win the biggest guy, doing this. And, um, and yes, for me personally it is I like it. This is not means I can't to be, you know, sarcastic, mean both cynical and mother your opinion about things, you know, about work, for the most part, even my own, and I don't I can teach myself.

you know, with some with an inner voice in, You know, in my brain. But yeah, that's not motivating me, uh, to do this so. When you, uh, I have to mind, there is a known the story that Ted Lasso started as a 34- one-minute sketch on NBC Sports. This was an attempt. to promote the Premier league, Premier League, I I have to say, announced Premier League in Great Britain, Premier League in the USA, uh , television, and they used, and you developed this character of this trainer.

Ted Lasso, and he was more similar to that one You idiot, aren't you? I I mean, he was kind of loud in the first unpleasant, hmm, but funny character. Um, how are you? told how you decided to take this character and turn it into something more and actually not at all other than what he is was it at first? Yes, I mean, first advertising agency, uh, this there were a couple of guys under called Brooklyn brothers who are actually are a British couple. Uh-huh , but they said something like: "Hey, if we have advertising company in New York, come on know, Brooklyn." "Um, they, um, they had more ideas about character.

Yes, a little more, well, you know, a trainer with a hairdryer, you know, someone who screams and screams, like Bobby Knight, or, well, stereotypical coach NFL. And I just wanted to to do something on kind of softer a variant of this. Just scream and It wasn't like screaming. fun. And this too felt, perhaps, derived from things, which I just played, or , or, and it was energy that I would definitely , you know, played, jokingly, for example, playing beer pong with friends, you know, some version of this, especially after, you know, several defeats and, therefore, more several, you know, mugs of beer.

Um, before COVID , of course. Um, but, uh, and it turned into less like a hairdryer, more like this , you know, this guy . But in that first advertising, yes, we, You know, I dressed like, You know, Mike Ditka, you know, from polyester shorts, and orange with glasses, and a mustache, and uh, which I, uh, had, and Yes. Both him and him chewed gum, you know, it was like, you know, Yes. Like, you know, and then when we started shoot the second one commercial, uh, it's between the two of them, fun, enthusiasm and something like, uh, uh- uh, you know, that part, which was not a prostitute, it is in end of the first commercial, he is being released from Tottenham, and he just like, "Oh, well, well" "." You know, for me too, against the accusations, against the victim, against type ", they didn't give I have a chance.

They are not gave me a chance, you know, get angry because this." He's like, "Hey, "Okay." Well, well. "And now, between these things, if football community did not accept the advertisement, and she really is accepted. And if for those who hate, um, Ted Lasso, show, this It's their fault that they liked Ted Lasso in advertising, because it allowed us make a friend part. And in this the second part, if do you want to continue history, we already we see a certain narrative. And it always is was my philosophy, for example, to do characters who are recurring, on SNL.

Very often it is simple repetition of manners and using humorous structures . And yet I always I like the idea. try to save the universe or try, you know, these are very subtle ways , and the show is not necessary suitable for this, and I understand that, but this was just instinct and desire to do So we made a friend advertising, and it was like, okay, we will follow the narrative. He was released, and he liked it. He was only there for 3 days, and he loved London, he just took it away his home and fell in love with sports, and what, how can you even Hear me I sing, saying it like this, as if it opened the whole world, opened all these doors, as if this yes, as if it were so.

AND then he trains small female football team, and he is still great spends time with them. He talks about their feelings, you know, he does all this and that simply, both he and this sincerely, and we had every particle this. We are not were joking about nothing this, including football first, including football, including American, you know, football. None of this. All this was made from love. And Brendan Hunt in this as your assistant coach, and I heard him in football podcasts, and he has incredible knowledge professional football , approximately a million things, to be honest.

I I mean, this is, probably the closest, you know, element the character of the coach Bird to him that he is like that you know, encyclopedia Brown. Yes. No, he is and and came to this honestly, as you know, later in life when lived in Boom in Amsterdam at Boom Chicago. But he was as cynical as and any American. football fan about what is 90 minutes, 00 , this, you understand? Then fell in love with very special time Dutch football, you know, and football, and so on.

And when, like anyone who has, I am sure that in There are such people in your life. people. If you are not alone from these people for others people, uh, when he is enthusiastic about something and shares it with you. It not disrespectful. This, I I think it's not instructive, isn't that right? It a negative thing. Yes. It just pure joy, and we could just to speak in metaphors about what I knew and what he knew. And here is where actually a comedy these first two commercials.

Of course, the first in the meantime, when you , er, introduced this character Ted Lasso in 2013, and thus sometimes when it Apple picked up what was 6 years later. Or was it clear to you, when this is very short campaign on NBC It's over, what are you are you going to do something more with this character, are you thought that was it? Not right away, but later I I remember being on, uh- uh, dinner. Uh, we are from my ex singer Olivia were at, uh, dinner somewhere in, and this is probably It was probably like that in Brooklyn.

And she I just knew that we were Brendan Joe is simple had a great time, doing this, and what is it it was very like it, and what she said: "You what should be done with this something more. "And not that so that this idea does not we thought but I remember that this one of those things when , for example, "oh, I I feel something. like ", and then need someone outside you to say:" Hey, you deserve it. do ". And I heard the phrase that I have been using it for years, it's like this: "Someone is nearby" or is there something nearby to to help, you know, to get rid of one's luggage from your way intuition.

You know, this just something like : "No, it only exists in this environment and among people". And at the same moment, how is she doing? said, I remember, that the guy was sitting there and just started to complain about it, saying, "Okay, but Why would he do that? "What? Because I am like that, I feel good, you know, at that moment almost 40. I like, like in he probably has child, and if not, then this is probably part of it history is in this age. And it's simple, you know, like this the convention that is here, in the States, and, uh, just having friends at home, which on that the moment was almost teenagers.

And I was childless, you know, I thought: okay, but Why did he leave? And if I am going to play. this character, he comes from that place . Well, maybe at home. Things are not going well. good. And that's why he believes that he has taken on this job so that, you know , have some space and marinate these things. And then Brendan and Joe arrived in Brooklyn for a week, and we stayed in my home, and we got up every morning, drank coffee, went downstairs in the basement, played pinball, then climbed up and just thinking ideas.

And you know, it was a very fruitful week, because we... basically, we reworked, you know, pilot series, and then they made six episodes, six episodes and something on like a special edition. We were just modeling. its structure by modeled after the British office, which, in my opinion, opinion, is a cult work. And if you Do you want to at least steal? its structure, you know, you can't, you know, it's magic in bottle. Uh, but at least you can say: "Okay, we we can do it. It exists".

"And we came up with so much ideas for episodes, and things that were in that same series as now, arose from that stories about, you know, Ted, you know how Rebecca cried in the fourth episode. It was always on gala evenings. It was based on a real event that happened to me. Um, and I knew because we always knew what we would show, why did this woman hire this guy so that he failed, you know, if we gave space for empathy. Ted's panic attack in seventh episode always had to be surrounded by karaoke- situation.

Until then we were unlucky meet, and then, uh -uh, hire, you know, Hannah, what will it be? made by her. Yes. Hannah, but all these things happened that week. AND then it's simple lay down and just stood for some time, until, you know, various were created things. Joe worked over the "Detroit" residents" with our friends Tim, uh, Zach, Sam, er, Richardson, and I'm there. was filming. Brendan received acting credits work. Uh, we are from Olivia for the first time... child, hmm, and was engaged there are different things, such as movies.

AND then it's for a while time disappeared, and then in our life is included Bill Florence, or particularly in my life, and with a project that, you know, there is no manifested. But he said something like : "Well, if you have "Someday something will happen..." and I thought, "Well, we have "Here it is." And I had, you know, a bunch of papers, you know, pathetic first option pilot episode and, you know, descriptions characters and ideas, and I kind of gave it to him. And then again, one guy looked at it and said, “Yes, that’s something.

"I thought, "That's right, you know." I can, we can should be, you know, "uh", and then it was simple question, you know, attempts to write this pilot episode, and and and the three of us with us every day, like in Los Angeles. I forgot which one it was in year. It was probably at the beginning of 2018. Yes. And then boom, boom, boom. Yes. So, success for One night, definitely. Um, you know, small off topic, but, looking at the first one season and storyline , standing behind him, and I I know what you mean about this.

asked, you can't not to identify oneself with the fact that happens in life this character. AND, obviously you are public person, and you have been through a lot public upheavals, you know, because we we live in a culture, obsessed by celebrities, where you know that usually, if in someone is married quarrels or problems, this, you know, maybe, their colleagues know, or is it private, but when you are public person, it's in the newspapers. Um, obviously this one the character was written before all this happened, but you experienced it publicly, You are.

knew before. How do you do it? comedy, perform your public work and laugh people when in your everything in personal life is it collapsing? How are you? divide these things into parts? Yes, I mean, this depends. This is yours. definition of decay. Sometimes things have to to fall apart, so that they it was possible rebuild better. You know, it's like breaking bones, and you know, up to a certain age she heals stronger, isn't that right? So, you know, one has nothing in common with another. Like storylines were always there.

AND, maybe this, you know, self-fulfilling prophecy, but I don't I know what it was. deliberately. You know, this, uh, it seems like everything is coming out from this conversation and simple assumption things into existence. AND and one more thing, that, you know when you live enough long and if you smart enough, I I think to listen enough people, we we all go through many of the same things, you know. And and, and, you know, parallel Thinking is one thing, but parallel existence alive and healthy, you know.

And this actually everything, up to what are we, you know, me personally addressed. It was like, you know, I I don't know what all that is. happening for me personally, probably still is in a period pregnancy, and that Ted Lasso–it's like destination, to which I got during the trip, which I had before moment in your life, you know. And therefore I don't think so. used, you know, except, you know, and this is just mine the assumption that I can play parents more realistic, more authentically, for except that most of them based on things, which existed even before, you know, I was lucky that Olivia was part of of my life, you know , what am I talking about?

So it's like, and at the same time, so that answer yours question, we all in front of the camera received this when we were contacted, You know, people will say us: "This is a show, you know, saved me," you know. And I, and I said it's in the press, but it's really, dude, I'm like I will say in response: "I also". And people will laugh. And yet I mean it. I mean it like this just like they have on attention. They are like this: "I I mean this.

I am leaving. ", I know. "You know, or if they have something to say, I say, you know, good. words. It's like: "I "I'm serious." I I say, "Yes, I am, damn it." take it, I hope on this". It's like, "Me too." ". And one of the interesting things in this show is that the quality of the questions that we get, is in that they they put us question. And, you know, I understand that people a thousand times they ask us: "Do you have were terrible bosses?

Whoever it was your pass?” But questions that we we get about this show, the stories are incredible, and they are, um, incredible by its size and scale. Is it someone who decided not to to deprive oneself life, because he is a father, and thinks about it because what Ted went through, and What did he go through? father, or people just like this: "I will more enjoyable at work ", "people in hospital in the wards they are pasted cry with confidence, everything like that, like that. I mean, that's right, as in my personal life, who has it?

work? as if you know, this as if it doesn't belong from there, there is no such thing the show is not done from somewhere, but, do you love, you know, this is not enthusiasm, you know, like, and this...me I wonder if it was...me I mean, you remembered, like, "Believe", like, I know mine very well a good friend who, type, super cynical, very successful and achieved success in academic life, but the show is simple completely changed its. I mean, just conversations that we had. He has... He is in the office.

"Believe" poster. I have meaning, someone whom you would never have imagined, You know, just great. But there's something about this show , which resonated both in and that bad time. We We live in a bad world. moment in history humanity. We already we live with for a while for various reasons. And me too I wonder if they understood you are doing this show intentionally like a means of doing something serious. I have on in mind and and mainly to say "no". the world can actually to look as if we...I don't know, that is was there any part yours unconsciousness until...

No, but, uh, all of this comes from the fact that you know the character, and, as again, taking off the second one commercial, and his reaction to that he was hired and was released in 3 days, and he just loved it and took from this only good. Um, considering this, type, if it all comes to that from the character, then even these glasses, I wore them, these sunglasses , you know, in my personal life, these orange, some time, and they are like blue blockers, like, you know, commercials our youth, where are they make blue bluer, and greener greener.

And this, this, uh- eh, like another version rose-colored glasses, but this is the way to see the world and such a way of seeing people, and I think... we didn't sit down and they said it would be like this , it will be that, but whenever it arose a joke that took root in sarcasm or cynicism , or...apathy towards someone else's history that is simply reduced. Even we couldn't, they weren't even printed. That is, you try not to say "no" in the room screenwriters and you allow ideas...

sometimes they fall into draft. But then, I I mean, a few times when several of they got there. Well, you know, like, I don't I can, I don't remember. when exactly, but I, I probably don't remember. content, but I remember that was a joke Higgins' account, as in the first season, and this reached the scenario, which we had to do, and we do it on rehearsals, and it was just like that: "What is this?" What is it? Like, you know, I I can't even to come up with a successful one metaphors.

It's like, you know, hear vibrating slap, like, you know, Mozart, this is like, wait, this is doesn't mean he doesn't wrote this song that it sounds like this not his. Hmm, and yes, then it's just cut out. Both me and I I think it's simple. arose from that time, when we talked about to do it as narrated, it was clean the character's intention on the time when we talked about that make it a narrative , don't play energy, um, because you're talking about 2015 year, you are talking about before, you know, you know, um, you know, Trump went down to escalators.

It was type, but everything was there lift it, right? You know, um, and but I I just didn't want to play. idiot. I didn't think so. how can I improve, if only use David Brent and Michael Scott, which would embodied energy the first advertisement video clip...probably, fall under this archetype. How am I? was going to understand, Are these guys geniuses? These things are iconic, and they from one DNA. It's like crazy. But then , on the dramatic side, we had all these Tony's antiheroes The Sopranos and the Don Draper, and we fell in love with all of these , I quote, bad boys.

You know, nobody wants to be similar to none of the these people. But, but I disagree. I I think that's not true. maybe it wasn't intention, but like me, Banana Republic, having released Mad Men clothing line, I would said that you probably You're wrong, aren't you? As elements of this, but who were they, their character, you don't you want...Well, you choose what you want. Yes. I have on mind you, yes. You know, some people wanted to take revenge like this to people like Tony Soprano, or, um, to get away with women, erm, like Don...Draper, You know, I could.

to keep one's own alcohol in hands, like, uh, Don Draper. But, but I, but I understand your point of view. Yes. But I knew it was just didn't want to do this . And we couldn't, no could add to this conversations. I wanted play something else. And I also wanted to play something where I wouldn't swear. These were two melodies, and that's it It suited me. But all this was in harmony with a general atmosphere, that yes, I simply... simply I didn't want to eat anymore.

to express oneself. I...it It seemed too much to me. the first at that time. He is like this unusual character because he is deeply rooted in pop- culture, as well as in high culture intelligence, but not in some annoying or pedantic way. Well, you know, there is many references to Nora Ephron movies, Of course. There is a link to musicals and Roy Schneider, and not in " Jaws", and in " "That's right." That's right. Um, and then, you know, such remarks. I just thought: listen, just think...

about the lines in the series like "you" more mysterious than David Blaine, who reading Sue's novel Grafton in Area 51. « It just can to pass by" or " I like mine. water like Kairi Irving likes it, that his Earth is flat" . You know, just kidding. in the series are such that they are not just stop and land like ass. They just continue to walk. As if you don't stop and you don't you allow people...not should be spoken aloud. You are not you stop, but just you put them on pause and you say: "Look, what "We are smart." They just keep going to go.

Oh yes. But I, but I...I can't imagine how difficult it is to write so much this in the episode. You know, so many these links, like " all you know" is as if you You are punishing yourself, it's like Woody Allen's game on clarinet. I don't want to to hear this. I just I hear all these lines from series, I am like this: wait, what, like: how did they do it, how they did it, just an effort that are spent on writing this, Yes, all that, I mean, just again, happiness, surrounding oneself really smart people, you know.

I I remember the first one. a week, at least the first month, screenwriters' rooms, uh, you know, I don't care either didn't know. You know, I never, you know, you know, I didn't write for show, I mean SNL, yes, but not in the narrative . That's why Bill is so helped, you know, to start this business. Um, because he understands Bill Lawrence. Yes. Because he in this, you know, this cliché, as if he knows more about television, knife, you know, he forgot about television more, than I ever have I will find out.

As if he was one of these boys. And that was it. what did I tell my to the manager. I am leaving, and when we do " Detroit residents "I say, you know, maybe there is some boy or girl, who would like, you know, show this, which made a significant change, and they just want to do something a little bit of, you know, a few good ones guys, like, in my opinion opinion, Brendan and I were, and Joe, and, uh, he like this: "This never happened won't happen," you know.

Then, I mean, why wouldn't he? think? And then, oh miracle, it happened. AND, you know, Bill called me, like, with a cheat code, because I am in the room screenwriters and I say some of these replica So if I do this I will say some of them simply will get enough sleep me. It's simple. way of thinking. It goes back to that the set of skills that I I have to develop, or at least hone writing, you do for table for rewriting, I only write for himself.

But then I can do it with everyone other characters, because you know, one thing, which I have to, you know, to say: it's not about because things in my life is not the same as in Ted, but...but I think that many people are in such a in the same situation as me, when they do something create. that which elements of things that I experienced, am experiencing and I will worry. throughout of your life, too hidden if possible so to speak, in others characters, right? So, these things occur both for dramatic, you know, stories, and just for comedy things.

And then, when you hold your ears open, keep ears big like Dell Close would say uh, you know, uh, then you start to hear how Juno says, you know, like on camera, both behind the scenes and then Hannah, and then this, and this, and then you just keep going to bring these things in. Therefore, these lines come out, you know, from space, but also with internal space, as if It wasn't trivial, but it's true. And then yes, then it's simple the issue of curatorship. You know, then this just a question choices, which ones, and instead of to throw at the goal, like boom, boom, boom, three jokes on every page, it's like no, no, let's keep it this is on the page and on...

half. And you know what? I like it in Nori Efron or, um, you know, Ronnie Shelton, this is what they and others people did it, but These are the ones that impressed me. They always had buttons to their scenes . And this supports story, because, when does it happen montage, you laugh, you know, and, um, that's better for television in in many ways because, you know, we are not surrounded by, um, you know, several hundred people, which, perhaps, laugh at this transition. In return, you just feel this, and this fails you to the next one.

I I mean the same thing with , well, you know, by turning, of course, but it seems to me that they are harder to write, so what can you do only a certain amount such series, first than, you know, break people have elms at home, type: what's going on ? Um, but yes, Oh, but I said that on the first week one month I thought: control level That's what Ted is like. collective level room countdown. AND if it was something, What I didn't understand was, like when I was, you know, a vessel for an actor, writer, director or screenwriter, it was something like: "I don't "I understand this phrase." What does this mean?

Instead of try first change this, this is what it should be. This is something like: "What is this for?" "Does it mean you?" It happens, that often when people express their point of view, you you think: "Oh, oh, oh, I "I never thought so." You know, I shouldn't either. to think that always I can think about it. just like other people. AND That's where it all is, that's where many of these levels countdown. But, as I already I said before, my Mom took me, you know, you know, watch these musicals, regardless of whether Was I ready for their content, or understood the topics.

I just knew the songs, You know, that's all. It seems that this is so, and not in order to exaggerate or... to beat this, you know, to beat this horse, but it seems like me too I think that this is probably concerns many people, especially me, with what I do, but in a sense Ted The lasso is one of advantages, I think, for you personally it's almost as a form of therapy. Yes, I think that for others it was also. I think that it was so, without doubt, before I started doing it constantly.

You know, but it was, I think, similar to how hair falls out my face, or how sciatica 9 months ago and after 9 months after birth, you know, my son. It, this, this, this, this is one of the positives moments of something that you wanted and needed to entered your life, and people and experience that this brought to my life. You know, like, and I, and I, I, I know for sure, that I'm not alone, uh, in this among people, who felt in every aspect of the show, Ahem...

You know, um. And, and what great, often this is happening from within all this, you know, reactions to this and people's reactions to this, not from within. You sit down keyboard and Do you think this is will happen, and in in many aspects, maybe some elements of this after how you do it experienced, once will want to happen, you know, um, because it's big, you know, responsibility, and nevertheless we approached this is so sincere and authentically, as far as I think, you can come to something that resonates so.

You know, I'm curious about this word " responsibility", and this, and responsibility this character, so what did you mention that when you were a child, you know, people saw your uncle George and said: " Norm..." and "And a certain to what extent can this happen with you and, of course, will happen with you for a long time, when people... will see you as Coach Ted, right? This is funny. You know, I I wonder if there is doctors from "Sira" anatomy "such a doctor" . Hey, doctor.

You know, this is the type, but yes, and he is so eager man. We all want to be his version, because he is the best version of who we are we hope to be. But it also means, that you can't be such an [ __ ] as always, I don't know. I wonder if you feel you, who in a sense you have to represent this guy and in real life? I think that after first season people they ask if you looks like Ted, or Do you like him?

and this question is difficult to answer, because people are evaluated differently, Who is Ted? I'm like, "Yeah, I am very similar to him ". "You know, but I I think that what people react and, maybe they ask me, am I like this...I I think that all of us This is it, you understand? AND then sometimes this were beaten out of us, or, you know, they cheated us, or we hid it so that not to suffer, maybe, in this way ...that openness and Ted's vulnerability, which I don't think so.

groundless. You know, I think that he is still...people sniffed him out, for example, toxic positivity and all such, and the fact that he is not takes care of himself. But, as I already mentioned before, people suitable for any which of us in the show with with such enthusiasm, but also with such with words like sincerity, kindness and grace, and these are the elements that we, again, not remembered, you know, that's what the show is about. Mercy, forgiveness. Just when the choice comes to make a choice for characters, right there where they will gravitate, you know, like in episode 9, in the first season, it's not yes...it seemed to me, that this is not a plot point..." Ted was going to forgive Rebecca.

This is the type, come on, just Let's get this over with, man. Come on, it's like this about her, Ted didn't There's nothing wrong with her. It's about what she forgave Higgins, which was previously secret gave girls a lift, Rupert's girls, you know because I was afraid of losing work, and he has family with, you know, six. He has five sons and the wife he loves, and he doesn't want lose your job, so he had to play in the game, and he hates himself for it .

Forgive this guy, you know, like, take that what Ted did, you know, and allow yourself to free yourself, you know, young lady. And so, like, I'm not...I'm...this...this is not...this ...it responsibility in in the sense that this...this ...this reminds me of ...that part of me that ...that...that is innate for this character, which, I think, again yes, there is in each of us, what...what To meet people there, where they see you. I , you know, I was lucky to be, quote, "you know, uh -e, a public person for a while, you know, just working in a place like SNL, where , you know, there are no courses for glory, you know, and still this is incredible place to to watch drunkenness and, uh, simply toxicity, hmm, new fame.

AND so I'm glad that this moment in my life, this creative, you know, career moment happened exactly on this day moment of my life, and not at the beginning. You know, uh, I, you know, I don't I think I could. write this or play this, uh, enough to move away from myself, so that, for example, allow things that, like this kind, were delivered almost, you know, from somewhere else, uh, in aspects of creation show. But it is also allows simply to sit with people. But I would always come back, I always felt that I want to return the energy you need give.

So Sometimes People a little, you know, maybe if it is late, you know, they turn on the light in bars, and people a little more, you know, swinging their elbows or are already leaving by phone, and they just want something in to take you away, not to have you this, and you become props, not person, then you deal with this -to another. But I would do everything I just took it, probably subconsciously, like Ted. And I wouldn't treated, you know, you know, it's just not deception.

It's simple. pleasantly. And what about me? really, really I like it, I think. inspired, that's it opportunity when people ask questions about this or want to learn something about it , or want share a story, this allows me just to be with them in the present moment. Um, and that's it, what I always did, but I wouldn't get the same one. energy for this show. You know, it never it was bad, but it was, but it was... always, um, you know, um, that was not true focused, like now .

Um, you think that natural life show cycle ends in 3rd season, which may even with all of it success, love and fan base, maybe this is it? What, I I mean, that's right. we thought of it, Do you understand? And is this it was, you know, just return to that modeling six episodes, six episodes, Christmas special edition, Do you understand? Uh, and that's not it that everything be written; that's not it so that we have 34 scenarios, and we just we hire people to, you know, shut up and to say the words, simply to appear, and, you know, here, you know, this...This there was a feeling, it was an arch especially for Ted, um, what I...I don't know how I would feel like I did not honor this.

history. And not because that was the story, which we had, and because of what she is, if that makes sense. AND Here I am sitting here and I understand what this is. AND look, this is not " Citizen Kane. This no, you know, that's not " Casablanca". This is not " "Moonlight". This is not similar to this signal, I don't think so. This is a signal, and I don't I expect people to be like that. it will be accepted. But it is what it is. And to us very lucky to get it, let him be as he had be.

And it would be very cynical to know what it will end in this iterations. It would be very cynically receive him immediately, and we returned, you know, type, and this will have makes more sense when people will see it, I I think. And if not, then I hope they at least they will give space for empathy for those Who among us knows? the story where she must move. But yes, friend. As if I can't, Um, I'm confused. To us flatters everyone people's enthusiasm for fourth season.

AND still this is also a bit It's funny that from the same seconds, like all of us arrived from the Great Britain to Los Angeles and, you know, were happy again win an Emmy, these the questions began approximately like this. Therefore, we are celebrating here second season. We just on set third season. And how? regarding the fourth season? I am like this: if this is not the worst question against Ted Lasso, you know, about What am I? Like, if Ted The lasso is a metaphor mushrooms, and mushrooms are just a thing that the gods gave us to be present in the moment with nature, one of one with nature inside us, then how about this thing, Do you know?

And I understand that. , I'm not against this and I appreciate this question in in all its aspects. Hmm, but yes, no secret that, uh, we don't hide, and we we are going to start spring, you know, season four, something like " Renaissance, you know, where is it simple appears on your Apple TV Plus, you know, as far as I know. I hesitate to bet this. question, but I'm actually hesitant. I I think it is important, and this is the last one the question I asked you I will put, namely: because, as you you know, people have achievements, they They say, "What's next?" I I hate this question, because it sounds like this: " What do you mean?

What's next? "I just I'm finishing this thing. But, obviously it's done . I mean, the 3rd the season is over, and now you enjoy the fruits of this. We are still editing, You know, it should be. A. Okay. I you I understand. OK. Um, What do you want to do? I mean, this one the character is like this iconic, and he associates it like that with you, but you too were that guy in " Books Smart", director and an Uber driver, and, you know, you played a bunch of different characters.

Or Can you imagine? development absolutely new show with brand new character? I have on I mean, what do you think? Yes, I, you know, without nonsense. I didn't give I don't have time for myself. gave time to be I'll be frank with you. It was, continued, continued. I have meaning that this is one of reasons why it is difficult talk about season 4 because people like me I know, they like to sit. and watch it. I love i know i love people love, you know, emerge".

to work and to speak lines. AND , and, people, you know, we we do things in, in, in another fascinating one, I I mean, yes. many of ours directors come, like: "This reminds me ", you know, film school," like, you understand? And you Don't make things up. walk, but, you know, sometimes scenarios change based on rehearsals, as I already mentioned earlier, for example, about that one Higgins' joke with sarcasm. But I just didn't sit with it, Do you understand? I think that another reason why the show is what it is, is that all this time needed for pickling.

Now, that doesn't mean that I I am going to spend you know, 39 years old or as much as you want, when did this thing start to come up with something other. You know, there is all sorts of ideas, but way, but I have first get out of of this, of this the universe. You know, I I see all these guys. , and I feel that, you know, we We don't we have been seeing each other since end of the show, you know, during this week's press the last couple of weeks, but I'm with them every day day.

I'm with them, you know, and I am like them see me, and they They see me. Oh, God, How are you doing? Look, in You have a beard. I'm like: oh, Oh yes, of course. You know, I see them every day, and they force me laugh and cry daily. Uh, and it's simple cast, you know. And then sometimes, for example, in daily programs, you see, you know, you know, boom operator or director, you hear their voice from behind, and I still with them. And that's why I I can't think about it.

What will happen next? I am not I can be on this. seeing everyone them and think about some, you know, funny ones textual messages that I I am going to send or receive after at this moment. It It's just not like that, I can, I can live on my own. life. I have, in I have, I have, You know, I'm trying. to land this plane, and then, you know, I'm trying to make sure, you know, what about Otis and Daisy enough fuel in own planes to take off and land where whatever, you know; and they, and they, you know, do much more starts and stops than me.

This gives I need a little autonomy. in accepting this solution, but I also not interested in in order to sit in it and get stuck in to one's own, You know, oh God, how Should I do this? It like: I, you know, I, I I don't feel it either. , you know, uh, fortunately. And so, yes, I would like to mother...I mean, I would like to have for you answer, but I I'm also glad that I have she's gone, you know. Not even cute makes sense, because I think that That's how I am, you know.

, act now. But, you know, again, I am flattered. interest. Jason, Thank you very much. No, dude, Thank you very much. It was really very cool. and I, you know, love your questions. Hello, thank you very much for viewing my interview with Jason Sudakeas here, on on The Great Creators channel. That view more similar episodes on YouTube, click subscribe button under this video. And if you want to receive notification when we we publish new video, just press the button bell. You too you can find out much more about our podcast and these video by going to thegreatcreators.com.

We we publish notes to the show. We have interview with Steven Colbir, Bork and amazing people on this channel. Come and visit. review. Keenan Thompson. I'm Guy Rose. You watched The Great Creators. Thank you very much for viewing and listening, and to next meeting once.