With Ted Lasso series four around the corner, fans are traveling thousands of miles to visit Richmond-upon-Thames, the London suburb where the hit Apple TV show is set and filmed. The area is packed with tourists months after production wrapped, and the local pub is doing a roaring trade year-round, all thanks to the football sitcom.
Americans Cross the Atlantic for a Pint
Many Americans have crossed the Atlantic just to see where the magic happened and sink a pint in the famous Crown & Anchor, where fans of the fictional AFC Richmond gather. Tracy Inman and his wife Kelly traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, to tick off a bucket-list must-do.
"This is one of the main reasons why we came over to London, we just had to see Richmond," the songwriter told us after spending a small fortune on souvenirs. "We just got here and headed right over, we've been checking out all the sites and of course visiting the Ted Lasso shop. We spent too much money."
International Appeal
The show is huge in the United States, and fans from other countries are also making the pilgrimage. Kim Fredericksen, his daughter Astrid, 10, son William, 12, and girlfriend Berit are visiting from Denmark. "We all love Ted. I think it's the way he is always positive and always tries to get the best out of everybody. Maybe there is too much negativity in the world," Kim said.
"My partner and I have seen all the seasons, but my son has only just started watching it, so he had to come. We have planned this trip to London for more than a year and we wanted to see Richmond together now William is into it as well."
Pub Transformed by Show's Success
The Crown & Anchor pub, which features in every episode, is around the corner from Ted's apartment. In real life it is actually called The Prince's Head, and deputy manager Nick Wilson says the programme has totally changed the game for them. "Before Ted Lasso came out, we were much more of a seasonal pub," he told us. "You've got the rugby at Twickenham down the road and Richmond Green in the summer, and of course Christmas. At all the other times it used to be a lot quieter, but now it is constant - all year round. We're not complaining at all!"
Local Businesses Benefit
Despite Richmond's wealth, the pandemic almost ripped the heart out of a number of local businesses. The decision to base the show in the town was a gift for True Gents barbers, and Ben Mers says they owe so much to show bosses who decided to film a scene in the shop. "We're really looking forward to the new series, the previous ones have helped us so much - especially after Covid, which was a difficult time," he said. "The American audience really helps us. They come to the area just for Ted Lasso."
Ted had his haircut in the first season in their shop, and they have photos of that day in the window. Fans often stay and get their haircut as well.
New Season Brings New Excitement
The show is back on Wednesday, and the glass-half-full coach has a fresh challenge - managing the club's newly formed women's team. Most fans thought this moment wouldn't ever come after Jason Sudeikis said the story had been told two years ago, but as his character never tires of telling us - you just don't give up on your dreams.
Amy Luo, in the UK for the ultimate frisbee world championships, explains why the show means so much to her. "I'm excited because I am a woman who plays pretty competitive sport as well, so the fact this one is focusing on womens' football really resonates with me," she said. "I always found the programme very relatable. Ted was going through something after moving across the world."
