Brett Goldstein has been a stand-up comedian and writer for many years. But his smaller successes were confined to his native Britain – until “Ted Lasso” came along. He was actually only supposed to strengthen the writing team there, but then he also got a central role with the aging football player Roy Kent. This not only earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021, but also made him a sought-after star. He’s now part of the MCU as Hercules and has launched a new series on Apple TV+ with Shrinking – the first result of a major deal with Warner Bros. Television to develop several projects in the coming years.
In a very open interview to start the third season of “Ted Lasso”which has been available to watch on Apple TV+ since March 15, 2023, Brett Goldstein talks about how happy he is with this achievement, but also with the pressure it puts on him – which fits very well with the themes of the series. But we also talk about how “Ted Lasso” has also made a topic more popular in streaming that doesn’t really need a boost in Germany anymore: football. Because for years no one wanted to finance “Ted Lasso” because no one believed that a “football” themed series could be successful worldwide and especially in the US. Now more (mainly documentary) series about the sport are going up and down all streaming services – even involving a Hollywood star like Ryan Reynolds…
Brett Goldstein: Part of our mission is to make soccer more popular in America. I know this for Brendan Hunt [einer der Schöpfer der Serie, der auch Coach Beard spielt], the thing is. When we started, he may have been one of the few Americans who really loved football. For years, the goal has been to get football in America off the ground. So I’m very proud to be a part of that with Ted Lasso now that it’s real.
The normalization of taboo subjects!
Brett Goldstein: All these things need to be discussed and normalized – I think that’s the right word. None of this should be taboo. I think the more people talk about it, the better. I think the more such topics are shown and shared as well, the less these things will be something to hide.
Brett Goldstein: Yes, it changed everything, it’s huge. I worked for Ted Lasso for so many years – but on a level no one really saw. So suddenly being in something that people are watching really makes a difference. It’s a whole different game now.
But there are pros and cons. As someone who is a workaholic like me, it is also a pressure. Suddenly a time window is open, I don’t know how long it will stay open. But to now have the opportunity to do things I’ve always wanted to do and to work with people I’ve always wanted to work with is fucking amazing.
“Shrinking” with Brett Goldstein: Another must-watch on Apple TV+
One of the things that Brett Goldstein has suddenly been able to do is “Shrinking”. Together with “Scrubs” inventor Bill Lawrence, who was also involved in “Ted Lasso”, and “How I Met Your Mother” star Jason Segel, he created the series about a therapist (Segel) who has no life of his own. under control and suddenly opts for a very radical therapeutic approach for himself and his patients. Goldstein and Co. managed to win over a legend like Harrison Ford for the series. The first season is currently running on Apple TV+, where it is the streaming service’s most popular content next to “Ted Lasso.” On March 24, 2023 there will be the finale of the first season, a second has already been ordered.
It’s a great series that we highly recommend to anyone who is also a fan of Ted Lasso. Despite the completely different setting, this incredible warmth, the great humor and a very diverse and very wonderful cast of characters can also be found in “Shrinking”. And “Shrinking” not only shares the “mental health” theme with “Ted Lasso,” but also its portrayal of male vulnerability and insecurity — which takes us back to the series we spoke to Goldstein for an interview for.
Brett Goldstein: Roy starts the first season as something of a rage ball. He is full of emotions, but he has suppressed everything his whole life, partly because of his upbringing and partly because of the football culture in which he grew up. However, Keeley and Ted tear that apart. Part of that light and that love enters him.
But he has no control over these new feelings and he is not sure how to deal with them. I see Roy as someone who has a lot of bad qualities at first glance. But in essence, he still knows what is right and what is wrong. His instincts are pretty good.
He himself would probably be quite surprised if I told him that, for I don’t think he realizes it himself: but I think he has a pretty good moral compass.
“Ted Lasso”: Season 3 currently on Apple TV+
The third season of “Ted Lasso” has been available on Apple TV+ since March 15, 2023. Today, March 22, 2023, the second episode has just been released. You can also read our interview with Nick Mohammed, who plays Nate Shelley, below.