Discover uplifting sports dramas like Ted Lasso and why they deserve your attention

Looking for a dose of heartwarming inspiration? Uplifting sports dramas have the power to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Shows like Ted Lasso have gained tremendous popularity for their ability to combine the excitement of sports with touching narratives and relatable characters. These feel-good series not only entertain but also offer valuable life lessons and messages of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply seeking uplifting stories, these shows provide a refreshing escape from reality, reminding us of the transformative power of determination and the beauty of human connections.

If you are one of those who have already binged Ted Lasso's final season and want more, then get ready to cheer, laugh and shed a few tears as we list and explore why these uplifting sports dramas are a must-watch for all.

Welcome to Wrexham

Welcome to Wrexham and Ted Lasso centre around the world of football, but offer unique perspectives on the sport. While Ted Lasso is a fictional series, Welcome to Wrexham takes a documentary-style approach, following the real-life journey of Wrexham Football Club. Both shows delve beyond the soccer field, exploring personal relationships and the impact of the sport on the community. They highlight the struggles, aspirations, and dedication of players, coaches and fans. Additionally, both series aim to portray the authenticity of soccer culture, capturing the essence of the sport's intricacies, challenges and emotions.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Moneyball

While Brad Pitt’s Moneyball focuses on baseball rather than football, it shares a similar theme with Ted Lasso in terms of unconventional approaches to sports. Moneyball explores the innovative and unconventional strategies that general manager Billy Beane employs to assemble a competitive team on a limited budget. The narratives of both Moneyball and Ted Lasso challenge traditional norms and strategies by emphasizing the value of analytics, innovation, and thinking outside the box to achieve success.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Blind Side

While The Blind Side focuses more on personal relationships and triumph over adversity, it shares a heartwarming and uplifting tone with Ted Lasso. Based on a true story, The Blind Side features Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a compassionate woman who takes in a homeless teenager named Michael Oher. Michael's remarkable football skills are nurtured by Leigh Anne, leading to his success on the field. Ted Lasso and The Blind Side’s narratives highlight the transformative impact of compassion, support, and the pursuit of one's potential.

Where to watch: Netflix

GLOW

GLOW stands for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and this TV series follows a group of women wrestlers in the 1980s. Although the Netflix original GLOW is a different genre (wrestling), it offers a blend of comedy, drama, and character-driven storytelling similar to Ted Lasso. The two shows explore the lives of a group of individuals pursuing their passions within a sports-like context. GLOW also emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, personal growth, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated industry, much like Ted Lasso’s Rebecca Welton and Keeley Jones.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Last Dance

The Last Dance series, focusing on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' journey to their final championship, may seem dissimilar to Ted Lasso at first glance. While Ted Lasso primarily focuses on the transformational leadership of the titular character, The Last Dance showcases Michael Jordan's leadership style and the impact it had on his teammates. Both narratives highlight the importance of strong leadership in shaping team dynamics and achieving success. The two series also depict the challenges faced by individuals working together towards a common goal. Whether it's the Chicago Bulls striving for a championship or AFC Richmond aiming to avoid relegation, the shows highlight the power of unity and the bonds formed within a team.

Where to watch: Netflix

Swagger

While Ted Lasso leans more towards comedy and light-heartedness, Swagger tackles more serious and thought-provoking themes. Swagger, which delves into the lives of young basketball players and their interactions with coaches and teammates, tackles more complex issues faced by the young athletes, such as the pressures of competition, societal expectations, and personal challenges. Both shows highlight the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Remember the Titans

This film, like the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, explores the themes of teamwork, unity, and overcoming adversity. Set in the 1970s, it depicts a racially diverse team coming together and defying societal expectations to achieve success. Both stories highlight the power of sports in bringing people together and fostering mutual respect.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.