Letter from the publisher: why all the cussing in ‘Ted Lasso’?

Today’s column will probably get me labeled a prude by some folks, but so be it. But does Apple TV+’s acclaimed hit series, “Ted Lasso,” have to be rated R?

Okay, technically, since it’s not a movie, it’s not rated R. However, if it were a movie released in theaters, it would receive that rating for language. From the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating guidelines: “A motion picture’s single use of one of the harsher sexually-derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context.”

Why all the ‘F’ bombs?

If you watch “Ted Lasso,” you know that every episode contains a barrage of the “F” word. Would the show — which I love, by the way — be less enjoyable if the language were toned down?

I don’t think so. In fact, it’s the language that hobbles the show. “Ted Lasso” is a cheerful, uplifting show whose title character is all about encouragement, believing in yourself, and seeing the best in others. So why do we need all the “cussing”?

Perhaps I’m in the minority here. After all, “Ted Lasso” has racked up award after award (and is nominated for 20 Emmys!). I just wish I could recommend it to more folks and more age groups.

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Have a great weekend.