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"Mom City"
Ted Lasso episode
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 11
Directed byDeclan Lowney
Story by
Teleplay byJoe Kelly
Featured music
Cinematography byVanessa Whyte
Editing by
  • A.J. Catoline
  • Alex Szabo
Original release dateMay 24, 2023 (2023-05-24)
Running time69 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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"International Break"
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"So Long, Farewell"
List of episodes

"Mom City" is the eleventh episode of the third season of the American sports comedy-drama television series Ted Lasso, based on the character played by Jason Sudeikis in a series of promos for NBC Sports' coverage of England's Premier League. It is the 33rd overall episode of the series and was written by series co-creator Joe Kelly from a story by co-creators and main stars Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis, and directed by Declan Lowney. It was released on Apple TV+ on May 24, 2023.

The series follows Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is unexpectedly recruited to coach a fictional English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, despite having no experience coaching soccer. The team's owner, Rebecca Welton, hires Lasso hoping he will fail as a means of exacting revenge on the team's previous owner, Rupert, her unfaithful ex-husband. The previous season saw Rebecca work with Ted in saving it, which culminated with their promotion to the Premier League. In the episode, AFC Richmond is nearing the end of the season and prepares to face Manchester City F.C., while Jamie experiences pressure.

The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and emotional tone. The resolution of Nate's arc, however, divided critics; many felt it was genuine, while others deemed it rushed and unconvincing. Additionally, at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, Phil Dunster and Becky Ann Baker each received a nomination for their performances in the episode, the former for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Comedy Series, while the latter for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.

Plot

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Ted (Jason Sudeikis) receives an unexpected visit from his mother, Dottie (Becky Ann Baker). Although Ted is uncomfortable with her presence, Dottie charms the AFC Richmond players and Ted's other friends.

Nate (Nick Mohammed) is now working with Jade (Edyta Budnik) at Taste of Athens. Isaac (Kola Bokinni), Colin (Billy Harris) and Will (Charlie Hiscock) ask him to return to coaching at Richmond. Nate declines when he learns Ted was not part of the decision to ask him back. When Higgins (Jeremy Swift) mentions the possibility to the coaches, Roy is for it, but Beard (Brendan Hunt) voices his opposition. Later, Jade blackmails their boss into firing Nate to motivate him to return to football.

Richmond has been riding a 15-game winning streak, and a victory in their upcoming match against Manchester City will put them in contention to win the Premier League. Despite his success with Richmond, Jamie (Phil Dunster), who once played for City, has been suffering from depression. After the team arrive in Manchester, Jamie visits his mother Georgie (Leanne Best). He confides in her that he feels nervous about the negative reception he faces from City fans—including his abusive father, James (Kieran O'Brien). Georgie consoles him, telling him he has nothing to prove to James.

During the match, Manchester City fans heckle Jamie. Despite this, he assists Colin in scoring a goal. Late in the game, he injures his ankle preventing a City goal. Rather than replacing him, Ted waits for Jamie to recover, forcing Richmond to play with just 10 players. Ted's suggestion that Jamie forgive his father motivates Jamie to return to the game. He scores a goal in the final minutes, clinching Richmond's 2-0 victory and earning the applause of the local audience, including James, who is watching the game from a rehab facility.

Back in London, Ted asks Beard to give Nate a second chance. Beard visits Nate, who is in the process of writing an apology letter to Ted, and reveals his history with Ted. They became friends on their college football team, but Beard later went to prison for stealing meth. After his release, Beard looked up Ted who took him in, but Beard stole Ted's car. Ted saved him from returning to prison by telling the police that he had loaned him the car. As Ted forgave him and gave him a second chance, Beard forgives Nate and offers him his job back.

Ted confronts his mother over her not seeking emotional support for herself or Ted after his father's suicide. Dottie apologizes, tells him she didn't know what else to do and that she came to tell him that his son misses him. Meanwhile, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is visited by Bex (Keeley Hazell) and Rupert's assistant Ms. Kakes, asking for advice. The next morning, Ted tells Rebecca he has his own "truth bomb" to reveal.

Development

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Production

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The episode was directed by Declan Lowney and written by series co-creator Joe Kelly from a story by co-creators and main stars Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis. This was Lowney's seventh directing credit, Kelly's ninth writing credit, Hunt's seventh writing credit, and Sudeikis' seventh writing credit.[1]

Casting

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The episode featured an appearance by Pep Guardiola, Manchester City F.C.'s real-life coach, playing himself.[2]

Reception

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Critical response

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"Mom City" received generally positive reviews from critics. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 88% approval rating for the episode, based on eight reviews.[3]

Manuel Betancourt of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B" and wrote, "'Mom City' has bits and pieces of a killer Ted Lasso episode. But it has just as many of its many foibles. As a penultimate episode, it works perfectly to begin tying up many of its season-long (if not outright series-long) arcs all the while setting up what may be on the horizon in next week's finale episode." Betancourt also noted several references to The Wizard of Oz in the episode, suggesting they allude to Ted's desire to return home.[4] Rick Porter of The Hollywood Reporter was not convinced of Nate's arc, but praised Beard's conversation, "an effective enough speech to patch over some of the missing pieces in Nate's arc."[5]

Keith Phipps of Vulture gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "Beard's learned the importance of forgiveness firsthand and offers it to Nate, who accepts it, and a job. One gentle head-butt later, they're friends again. And with that, Ted Lasso is positioned to bring the season (both the football season and this season of television) to an end."[6] Paul Dailly of TV Fanatic gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "It's no secret that I've struggled with the longer episodes this season, but 'Mom City' didn't waste a single minute. It was a perfect episode of TV and might be my favorite episode of the series."[7]

Christopher Orr of The New York Times wrote, "When 'Man City' came out last season, it was the longest Lasso episode to date, at 45 minutes. 'Mom City' puts that number to shame, clocking in at one hour and nine minutes (the show's latest longest run time). Yet in contrast to several episodes this season, the extended length is spent not hopping among unrelated subplots but developing a relatively uniform theme."[8] Fletcher Peters of The Daily Beast wrote, "'Mom City' feels like far from the second-to-last episode of a beloved show, devoid of any grand gestures or character departures. In fact, it's quite the opposite: This episode proves that Ted Lasso can and should carry on without Ted. It's just the beginning for Roy, Nate (though the writers have a lot to work on with him), Rebecca, and Jamie in a post-Ted landscape."[9] Meghan O'Keefe of Decider wrote, "The divinely kind Ted Lasso might have the grace to forgive Nate his sins, but Ted Lasso didn't quite do enough to redeem him in the eyes of us crabby viewers at home."[10]

Accolades

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"Mom City" was chosen by Dunster to support his 2023 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.[11] In addition, Becky Ann Baker was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.[12]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Mom City" is the eleventh episode of the third season of the American comedy-drama television series , which aired on Apple TV+ on May 24, 2023. Directed by and featuring a teleplay by Joe Kelly from a story by series co-creators and , the episode runs for 69 minutes and centers on AFC Richmond's pivotal match against Manchester City, complicated by the surprise arrival of Ted Lasso's mother, Dottie, and growing concerns over Jamie Tartt's relationship with his own mother. Starring as , alongside , , and in key roles, the installment explores themes of parental reconciliation, forgiveness, and personal growth amid the high-stakes world of professional football. The episode marks a significant narrative turning point in Ted Lasso's third season, delving into the emotional backstories of its protagonists while advancing the team's relegation battle in the English Premier League. Critically acclaimed for its heartfelt writing, character development, and blend of humor and drama, "Mom City" earned a 9.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb based on over 12,000 user votes as of November 2025, making it one of the highest-rated episodes in the series. It highlights the show's signature optimistic tone, with subplots involving team dynamics, romantic tensions between Roy Kent and Keeley Jones, and Ted's ongoing struggle with his past, all underscored by the titular reference to Manchester City F.C. as "Mom City" in a playful nod to the episode's maternal motifs.

Background

Ted Lasso Series Overview

Ted Lasso is an American comedy-drama television series created by , Bill Lawrence, , and Joe Kelly. The show centers on , an optimistic American coach from who is hired to manage AFC Richmond, a fictional English soccer club, despite his lack of experience in the sport. This unlikely premise explores cultural clashes, team dynamics, and Lasso's relentless positivity as he navigates the high-stakes world of professional soccer. The series' first three seasons consist of 34 episodes, which aired on Apple TV+ from August 2020 to May 2023. Season 1 premiered with 10 episodes in 2020, followed by 12 episodes each in Seasons 2 and 3. It blends sports comedy with heartfelt , emphasizing themes of , personal growth, and unwavering belief in others, often through Lasso's folksy wisdom and the ensemble's evolving relationships. Ted Lasso received widespread critical acclaim, earning multiple , including Outstanding Comedy Series in both 2021 and 2022. The show drove a significant surge in Apple TV+ subscribers and became a cultural phenomenon during the , praised for its uplifting tone and positive representation of and vulnerability. Its influence extends to broader discussions in sports media, highlighting themes of and resilience in athletic narratives. The main cast features Jason Sudeikis in the title role as Ted Lasso, alongside Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton, the team's owner; Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, a veteran player; and supporting performers including Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster, and Brendan Hunt. Season 3 builds on the series' foundation by focusing on AFC Richmond's performance in the Premier League and key character resolutions. In March 2025, Apple TV+ renewed the series for a fourth season, which began filming in July 2025.

Season 3 Context

Season 3 of follows AFC Richmond as they return to the following their promotion at the end of Season 2, marking a significant escalation in competitive stakes and public scrutiny for the team. The season delves into themes of legacy, as characters reflect on their growth and the enduring impact of their experiences at Richmond; change, through evolving relationships and professional shifts; and emotional closure, providing resolution to long-standing personal journeys, though initially planned as the series conclusion after a three-season arc, the show was renewed for a fourth season in 2025. Up to Episode 10, key character arcs shape the narrative tension leading into the penultimate installment. continues to navigate his anxiety through panic attacks and balances his coaching duties with fatherhood, particularly during visits from his son Henry that highlight his emotional vulnerabilities. Nate Shelley defects to rival United as under Rupert Mannion, fostering intense rivalries but prompting internal conflicts about and redemption as he contemplates his path back. Tartt matures into a more collaborative team player amid ongoing family tensions with his abusive father, while the broader team dynamics strain under pressures, including media ridicule, tactical adjustments, and interpersonal rivalries that test their unity. Production for Season 3 emphasized character-driven storytelling over extensive match sequences, with filming commencing in March 2022 across locations like the fictional AFC Richmond stadium and extending to for international exhibition elements that underscore global team exposure. New narrative layers include journalist Trent Crimm shadowing the team to write a chronicling their journey, adding meta-commentary on fame and observation. The season's 12-episode structure builds pacing toward the finale, positioning Episode 11 as a critical penultimate chapter focused on away fixtures and deepening personal revelations that heighten stakes for emotional and competitive resolutions.

Episode Content

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Ted Lasso's mother, Dottie Lasso, arriving unannounced at his flat, surprising him during a quiet evening and immediately creating tension due to their strained relationship. Dottie, portrayed with her characteristic passive-aggressive demeanor, insists on staying and joins Ted at AFC Richmond's practice the next day, where she endears herself to the team with folksy charm and stories from Ted's childhood, though Ted remains visibly uncomfortable throughout the session. As the team gears up for a pivotal match against Manchester City, subplots unfold involving key characters. Nate Shelley, who recently quit as head coach at rival United and is now working at a , receives a tempting offer from his former teammates to return to Richmond, prompting him to wrestle with his lingering loyalty to the club and his personal growth since defecting. Meanwhile, Roy Kent and Keeley Jones express growing concern over Jamie Tartt's fragile mental state as the squad travels to Manchester; Jamie, still recovering from family trauma, appears withdrawn and unmotivated, especially with news that his abusive father, James Tartt Sr., is in town. In , the narrative interweaves personal drama with match preparations. Jamie shares a vulnerable conversation with his mother, , admitting that his lifelong drive to succeed in football stemmed from resentment toward his father's , but now, without that anger as fuel, he feels directionless and on the verge of burnout. Back in , Ted endures Dottie's subtle criticisms during a family-style dinner she prepares, highlighting their unresolved issues from his upbringing. The episode builds to the climactic match at the Etihad Stadium, where Richmond trails early; Jamie, spurred by spotting his father hurling insults from the stands, has an emotional on-field breakdown but channels it into assisting the first goal and later scoring the winning goal in the final minutes, marking a in his arc. Simultaneously, Ted confronts Dottie directly about the surrounding his father's , expressing long-buried hurt over her emotional unavailability and seeking mutual forgiveness in a raw, heartfelt exchange. The resolution ties the threads together amid the post-match reflections. Nate ultimately accepts the offer and rejoins Richmond after 's encouragement, signaling his redemption and commitment to the team's ethos. Coach provides steadfast support to Ted, reinforcing their bond as Ted processes his with Dottie. The episode concludes on uplifting notes of personal healing and collective unity, with AFC Richmond securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory against the formidable Manchester City, blending intense on-pitch action with off-field emotional depth over its 69-minute runtime.

Key Themes and Character Arcs

The episode "Mom City" centers on the theme of forgiveness, particularly in reconciling with parental figures, as seen in Ted Lasso's emotional confrontation with his mother, Dottie, which uncovers layers of unresolved grief from his father's and emphasizes the series' recurring motif of as a pathway to healing. This arc for Ted highlights generational trauma, where Dottie's masks her own regrets, ultimately prompting Ted to prioritize his son Henry and contemplate returning home, marking a pivotal shift from his optimistic denial to authentic emotional resolution. Jamie Tartt's development in the episode delves deeply into his battle with depression and the lingering effects of paternal , transforming him from the cocky of earlier seasons into a figure seeking internal validation beyond external approval. Encouraged by Ted to forgive his abusive father, Jamie confronts his burnout—"I feel like I’ve lost my wings"—and finds redemption by assisting the first goal and scoring the winning goal under immense pressure during the match, symbolizing his growth toward self-motivated resilience. Nate Shelley's resolution explores themes of regret and the possibility of second chances, contrasting his villainous in Season 2 with a humbled return to AFC Richmond's supportive environment, facilitated by Coach Beard's forgiveness and the team's collective embrace. This arc underscores the episode's of redemption, as Nate's 60-page apology letter reflects his , allowing him to reintegrate and contribute positively, aligning with Ted's coaching ethos of belief in personal reinvention. Broader motifs of motherhood and family dynamics are woven throughout, contrasting Dottie's distant influence on Ted with Georgie Tartt's nurturing presence for , which bolsters his emotional recovery and highlights how maternal bonds can counterbalance toxic paternal legacies. The "second chances" philosophy ties these arcs together, echoing Ted's optimistic worldview and reinforcing the series' emphasis on empathy over judgment. Symbolically, the Manchester City match serves as a metaphor for the characters' internal battles, with its high-stakes intensity mirroring the personal confrontations in Manchester—Jamie’s hometown—where facing "demons" from the past leads to triumphant breakthroughs on and off the field.

Production

Development and Writing

The episode "Mom City" received story credit from co-creators Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis, with the teleplay penned by executive producer Joe Kelly. This structure reflected the collaborative dynamics of the Ted Lasso writers' room, where co-creators Sudeikis, Hunt, Joe Kelly, and Bill Lawrence, along with a team of writers including Brett Goldstein and Jane Becker, drew from personal experiences to shape narratives, as highlighted in discussions of the show's creative process. The room emphasized shared storytelling to ensure emotional authenticity across season 3 episodes. Development of "Mom City" occurred during the season 3 writers' room sessions, which officially began in September 2021 and continued through 2022, as production ramped up toward what the creators intended as the series' conclusion. With the show approaching its finale, the writing focused on providing emotional closure for key arcs, particularly Ted Lasso's personal growth and Jamie Tartt's reconciliation with his past, setting the stage for thematic resolution in the final episodes. Key writing choices centered on building elements, with Ted's mother Dottie's surprise visit serving as a catalyst for exploring unresolved tensions and revelations. The integrated the real-life soccer rivalry between AFC Richmond and Manchester City to elevate dramatic stakes, particularly for amid his family dynamics during the away match. highlights, such as moments of and around , underscored these interpersonal developments while advancing character evolution. The writers navigated challenges in balancing the series' hallmark humor with weighty subjects like parental neglect, emotional abuse, and anxiety, ensuring these elements aligned with Ted Lasso's overarching optimistic and redemptive tone. This approach maintained the show's commitment to nuanced conflict without reductive portrayals, as the team prioritized therapeutic insights drawn from real-life inspirations.

Casting and Filming

The episode "Mom City" featured guest star in the role of Dottie Lasso, Ted's estranged mother, marking her debut appearance in the series. reprised his role as Tartt with an expanded focus, portraying the character's emotional struggles during the team's trip to and interactions with his own mother. Additionally, City manager made a as himself, interacting with and Tartt in a scene set at the Etihad Stadium prior to the match. Core cast members Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, and Juno Temple played pivotal roles in key scenes, with Sudeikis as Ted Lasso navigating family tensions, Goldstein as Roy Kent expressing concern for Jamie, and Temple as Keeley Jones supporting the team's dynamics alongside Roy. No major new recurring characters were introduced, keeping the emphasis on established ensemble interactions. Directed by Declan Lowney, the episode was filmed primarily in London and Manchester during late 2022 as part of season 3 production, which spanned from March to November of that year. Exteriors at the actual Etihad Stadium were utilized for authenticity in the Manchester match sequences, shot under strict club limitations that included protecting the sidelines' astroturf from damage during filming. The 69-minute runtime necessitated extended shooting schedules for the soccer match action and intimate dialogue scenes, such as Ted's confrontations with his mother. Cinematographers David Rom and Vanessa Whyte employed techniques emphasizing close-ups to capture emotional intensity in personal moments, including family revelations and team vulnerabilities. In , artists integrated crowd simulations to fill stadium stands with over 50,000 virtual fans, processing 258 football shots filmed at smaller venues like Hayes & Yeading to evoke a atmosphere.

Reception

Critical Response

"Mom City" received generally positive reviews from critics, earning an 78% approval rating on based on 9 reviews. Audience reception was even stronger, with a 9.3/10 rating on from over 11,700 user votes. Critics praised the episode's emotional depth, particularly in the family confrontations involving and his mother Dottie, as well as Tartt's interactions with his parents, which provided poignant insights into their characters' backstories. Standout performances were highlighted, with delivering a nuanced portrayal of Ted's vulnerability, earning acclaim for Jamie's raw breakdown, and impressing as the complex Dottie. The blend of humor and in the match subplot was noted for its effective tension-building and resolution, reinforcing themes of support and redemption among the team. Director was commended for maintaining strong pacing throughout the episode's emotional highs and comedic beats. Some reviewers criticized the rushed resolution of Nate Shelley's arc, arguing that his path to redemption felt underdeveloped despite its emotional weight. Opinions were divided on Jamie's storyline, with several finding it manipulative in its handling of familial abuse and forgiveness, lacking the subtlety of earlier seasons. In a notable review, awarded the episode 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating the subtle character growth amid its bumpy road but questioning the mild consequences for key betrayals. The Spoilist emphasized the theme as a core strength, tying it to powerful reconciliations and Jamie's Emmy-worthy under Lowney's direction.

Accolades and Legacy

"Mom City" received recognition at the in 2023, including a nomination for in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category for his portrayal of Jamie Tartt. The episode also earned a nomination for in the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category for her role as Dottie . Neither performance secured a win, though both were noted for their emotional depth in highlighting familial tensions and personal growth. Critical praise for these standout acting moments contributed to the nominations, underscoring the episode's focus on vulnerable character dynamics. Fan appreciation further elevated its status, with "Mom City" receiving a 9.3/10 rating on IMDb, often voted as a top installment of Season 3 in online polls. The episode's legacy endures in discussions surrounding the Ted Lasso series finale, particularly its influence on broader conversations about mental health in sports, as it delves into themes of parental trauma and emotional resilience among athletes. Retrospectives from 2023 to 2025 have referenced "Mom City" as a pivotal moment for character closure, emphasizing its role in resolving arcs for Ted and Jamie through confrontations with their mothers. The cameo by real-life Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the fictional match against AFC Richmond generated cultural memes and buzz, amplifying the episode's blend of humor and heartfelt drama. Post-airing, "Mom City" contributed to a surge in Season 3 viewership, drawing audiences with its emotional payoff and setting up the finale's themes. It inspired extensive fan analyses on family reconciliation and support systems, as seen in community breakdowns of interpersonal bonds within the series. In March 2025, was renewed for a fourth season, with production beginning in summer 2025 and focusing on themes of growth and that echo elements from "Mom City," though no spin-offs or direct adaptations from the episode have emerged as of November 2025.

References

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